Jefferson County - East-West Gateway Coordinating Council

A Regional Overview All-Hazard Mitigation Plan 99
Asphalt roads soften. Concrete roads have been known to "explode" lifting –three to four
foot pieces of concrete. During the 1980 heat wave hundreds of miles of highways buckled
(NOAA, 1980). Stress is placed on automobile cooling systems, diesel trucks and railroad
locomotives. This leads to an increase in mechanical failures. Train rails develop sun kinks
and distort. Refrigerated goods experience a significant greater rate of spoilage due to
extreme heat.
Various sectors of the agriculture community are affected by extreme heat. Livestock, such
as rabbits and poultry, are severely impacted by heat waves. Millions of birds have been
lost during heat waves. Milk production and cattle reproduction also decreases during heat
waves. Pigs are also adversely impacted by extreme heat. In terms of crop impacts in the
summer of 1980, it is unclear what the impacts are of very high temperatures for a few
days, versus the above average summer temperatures or the drought. We do know that
high temperatures at the wrong time inhibit crop yields. Wheat, rice, corn, potato, and
soybean crop yields can all be significantly reduced by extreme high temperatures at key
development stages.
The electric transmission system is impacted when power lines sag in high temperatures. In
2002 a major west coast power outage impacting 4 states was blamed in part on extreme
high temperatures causing sagging transmission lines to short out. The combination of
extreme heat and the added demand for electricity to run air conditioning causes
transmission line temperatures to rise.
The demand for electric power during heat waves is well documented. In 1980, consumers
paid $1.3 billion more for electric power during the summer than the previous year. The
demand for electricity, 5.5% above normal, outstripped the supply, causing electric
companies to have rolling black outs.
The demand for water increases during periods of hot weather. In extreme heat waves,
water is used to cool bridges and other metal structures susceptible to heat failure. This
causes a reduced water supply and pressure in many areas. This can significantly contribute
to fire suppression problems for both urban and rural fire departments.
The rise in water temperature during heat waves contributes to the degradation of water
quality and negatively impacts fish populations. It can also lead to the death of many other
organisms in the water ecosystem. High temperatures are also linked to rampant algae
growth, causing fish kills in rivers and lakes.
Locations/Areas Affected
Impacts from heat waves are widespread, not selective. Impacts and areas where there are
impacts are dependent upon the weather systems, which affect wide expanses of land.