19.04.2015 Views

review the material found here - JoCo Serve

review the material found here - JoCo Serve

review the material found here - JoCo Serve

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

Table 3.128 below lists <strong>the</strong> top ten vulnerable counties in Kansas relative to each o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

concerning lightning events. This table gives <strong>the</strong> top ten counties in Kansas in order to put <strong>the</strong><br />

counties of Region L in perspective as to <strong>the</strong>ir vulnerability.<br />

Table 3.128. Top Ten Counties: Vulnerable to Lightning<br />

Mitigation<br />

Planning Region<br />

Lightning<br />

Vulnerability<br />

County<br />

G Sedgwick High<br />

L Johnson High<br />

A Rawlins High<br />

A Thomas High<br />

I Riley Medium<br />

G Cowley Medium<br />

L Wyandotte Medium<br />

K Brown Medium<br />

F Dickinson Medium<br />

J Shawnee Medium<br />

Source: State Hazard Mitigation Plan<br />

Summary<br />

The entire region is susceptible to lighting strikes. Of great concern is lightning during periods<br />

of drought which can result in wildfires and damage property and put lives in danger. Johnson<br />

County and Wyandotte County are in <strong>the</strong> Top 10 counties in Kansas for being <strong>the</strong> most<br />

vulnerable to lightning strikes.<br />

Local Mitigation Concerns<br />

• As with many hazards, lightning can go hand in hand with o<strong>the</strong>r natural disasters. With<br />

<strong>the</strong> drought of 2011 to present, lightning can cause a fire risk should it strike within <strong>the</strong><br />

planning area. The dry grass is ripe for an ignition, and lightning can be <strong>the</strong> spark that<br />

could create a wildfire that threatens crops, buildings, and lives.<br />

• Outdoor recreation within <strong>the</strong> planning area includes places such as <strong>the</strong> Kansas<br />

Speedway, which could be detrimental should a thunderstorm hit that is associated with<br />

lightning. Because of <strong>the</strong> large cluster of people, avoiding a hit if lightning does strike<br />

could be unavoidable. Added to that <strong>the</strong> stampede of people trying to get out of <strong>the</strong><br />

strike zone and <strong>the</strong> result could be catastrophic.<br />

Development in Hazard Prone Areas<br />

Virtually all structures, communication towers, power systems and electrical components in <strong>the</strong><br />

planning area are vulnerable to lightning. Lightning causes untold numbers of dollars in<br />

damages to homes, schools, businesses and barns each year. Fires, electrical fires, electricity<br />

loss and damage to equipment are a few of <strong>the</strong> problems associated with lightning strikes.<br />

3.210

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!