Laserfiche WebLink
<br />Ramsey County | Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan 78 <br />3.11.7.2 Property <br />Extreme heat can cause asphalt and concrete to buckle, strain power grids due to increased air <br />conditioning usage, and degrade building materials, leading to higher maintenance and repair costs. <br />Hailstorms pose a significant threat to homes, vehicles, and agricultural assets, often resulting in <br />shattered windows, damaged roofs, and destroyed crops. These storms can also disrupt transportation <br />networks and necessitate costly repairs. Lightning strikes can cause power outages, fires, and severe <br />damage to electrical and communication systems. <br />Based on available data and stakeholder input, there have been no significant developments or land use <br />changes since the last plan update that have increased or decreased the overall risk or exposure to this <br />hazard. <br />3.11.7.3 Environment <br />The environment in the Midwest is particularly vulnerable to summer weather hazards such as extreme <br />heat, hail, and lightning. Extreme heat can lead to drought conditions, stressing water resources, and <br />reducing soil moisture, which negatively impacts plant and animal life. Prolonged high temperatures can <br />also alter ecosystems, driving some species to migrate while threatening others that cannot adapt <br />quickly enough. Hailstorms can cause significant physical damage to vegetation, strip leaves from trees, <br />and destroy crops, disrupting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Lightning, besides posing a <br />direct threat to wildlife, can ignite wildfires, which rapidly spread and devastate large areas of forest and <br />grassland, leading to habitat loss and long-term ecological shifts. These summer weather hazards <br />collectively strain the resilience of the Midwest's natural environment, disrupt the balance of local <br />ecosystems, and contribute to biodiversity loss. <br />3.11.7.4 County and Community Operations <br />Government and community operations in the Midwest are significantly vulnerable to summer weather <br />hazards such as extreme heat, hail, and lightning. Extreme heat can overwhelm public health systems <br />with heat-related illnesses and fatalities, strain energy resources due to increased air conditioning use, <br />and disrupt daily operations in schools, government buildings, and public transportation. Hailstorms can <br />cause extensive damage to public infrastructure necessitating costly repairs and diverting funds from <br />other essential services. Lightning can disrupt power and communication networks, leading to outages <br />that hinder emergency response efforts and critical services. These disruptions can impede the delivery <br />of essential services, compromise public safety, and place a significant financial burden on local <br />governments. The number of languages spoken in the county makes public messaging difficult. <br />3.11.8 CONSEQUENCE ASSESSMENT <br />Impact on the Public <br />• Increased risk of heat-related illnesses and fatalities, especially among vulnerable populations <br />(elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions). <br />• Potential overburdening of healthcare facilities due to heat-related emergencies. <br />• Disruption of daily activities and potential evacuation of individuals from areas without <br />adequate cooling facilities.