LVXXU

Continued increases in extreme weather can cause multiple stresses to energy systems more broadly,
exacerbating direct effects on TS&D infrastructures. Sequential or compounded extreme weather events, such
as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, can result in significant nationwide economic and safety consequences that
also affect TS&D infrastructures.
Table 2-1. Probability and Severity of Hurricane Damage to Liquid Fuels and Natural Gas Infrastructure 13, d
Infrastructure
Probability
of Damage
Tropical Storm
(39-73 MPH)
Severity of
Damage
Hurricane Cat 1-2
(74-95 MPH, 96-110 MPH)
Probability
of Damage
Severity of
Damage
Hurricane > Cat 3-5
(111-129 MPH,
130-156 MPH, >157 MPH)
Probability
of Damage
Severity of
Damage
Loss of Electrical Power Med Significant Med-High Major High Catastrophic
Gulf of Mexico
Platforms
Pumping/Compressor
Station
Low Insignificant Med-High Major Med-High Major
Low Insignificant Med Significant Med-High Major
Pipelines Low Insignificant Low-Med Interrupting Med-High Major
Rail Low Insignificant Low-Med Interrupting Med-High Major
Ports Low Insignificant Med-High Major High Catastrophic
Crude Tank Farm Low Insignificant Low-Med Interrupting Med Significant
Refineries Low Insignificant Med Significant Med-High Major
Natural Gas Plants Low Insignificant Med Significant Med-High Major
Product Storage
Terminals
Low Insignificant Low-Med Interrupting Med-High Major
Propane Tanks Low Insignificant Low Insignificant Low Insignificant
Underground Storage Low Insignificant Low Insignificant Low Insignificant
LNG Terminals Low Insignificant Med Significant Med-High Major
Local Gas Distribution Low Insignificant Med Significant Med-High Major
Filling Stations Low Insignificant Med Significant Med-High Major
SPR/NEHHOR Low Insignificant Low-Med Interrupting Med Significant
This table is an example of infrastructure damage from natural disasters (here showing tropical storms and hurricanes). For three ranges of intensity
of tropical storms and hurricanes, the severity of probable damage was rated qualitatively using a 5-point scale (i.e., minor, interrupting, significant,
major, and catastrophic). These ratings were based on the extensive review of impacts from past events and judgment of industry experts.
d
Damage severity is defined by ease of recoverability. Infrastructure damage categorized as minor includes damage that can be
resolved with no outside help (i.e., clearing downed trees). Interrupting damage is associated with damage that probably requires
outside assistance to repair. Recovery from significant damage is problematic and causes minor delays. Major damage requires
replacements to resolve and causes major delays. Damage defined as catastrophic disrupts infrastructure for months, in addition to
requiring rebuilding.
QER Report: Energy Transmission, Storage, and Distribution Infrastructure | April 2015 2-7