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Because so many variables come into play during a winter storm the planning committee has
determined that the magnitude is critical. Injuries and illnesses do not result in permanent
disability (normally), a complete shutdown of facilities could last at least two weeks, and 25% –
50% of property could be severely damaged.
Probability
Johnson and Leavenworth County’s had 16 winter storms in 12 years, resulting in a 100%
chance of a winter storm in any given year.
Wyandotte County had 15 winter storms in the past 12 years, resulting in a 100% chance of a
winter storm in any given year.
Because Kansas is in a unique position as it relates to the United States, in that the jet stream
tends to be directly above it or right over it. This brings the potential for strong storms, including
winter storms. Based on historical data, the probability for this hazard is “Highly Likely” within
the next three years.
Impact and Vulnerability
Winter Storms, which include snow and ice, have caused significant damage to the planning
area in recent years. To assess the vulnerability to this hazard the planning committee
assigned ratings to pertinent factors that were examined and the county level. These factors
are: social vulnerability index, prior events, prior annualized property damage, building
exposure valuation, population density, crop exposure and annualized crop loss. A rating value
of 2 – 20 was assigned to the data obtained for each factor and then weighted equally and
factored together to obtain overall vulnerability scores for comparison and to determine the most
vulnerable counties.
Following are the data sources for the rating factors. Social Vulnerability Index for Region L
counties from the Hazards and Vulnerability Research Institute at the University of South
Carolina, National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) storm events (2006 – 2012), U.S. Census
Bureau (2010), USDA’s Census of Agriculture (2007), and USDA Risk Management Agency
(2002-2011). In order to adequately describe the winter storm hazard, it was determined that
winter storm historical events and property damages is needed back to 1993.
Table 3.186 below provides the factor’s amount per county in Region L that are considered for
winter storm vulnerability.
Table 3.186. Vulnerability of Region L Counties Factor Amounts for Winter Storm
To determine potential financial loss estimates to winter storms in the region, the available
historical loss data was annualized to determine future potential losses. As discussed above in
the vulnerability overview for winter storm, the planning team obtained loss data for the National
Climatic Data Center (NCDC) storm events (1993 – 2012). Most of the property damages that
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