No matter the time of year, communities throughout the U.S. face risk of weather events that could affect the electric grid. Public power utilities planning for these risks should stay aware of when these risks are most likely to occur — and how their frequency, intensity, and geographic reach are changing.

Flooding

Greenish-blue gradient line showing relative flooding risk throughout the year, with risk throughout the year, peaking in July
Icon showing floodingFlooding can occur at any time of year and is a risk across the United States, from heavy rain, snowmelt, or coastal storm surges. Flooding causes an average of $5 billion a year in damage in the U.S — more than any other severe weather-related event. Critical infrastructure facilities at risk of flooding are anticipated to increase 6% through 2050.

Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

Purple gradient line showing relative hurricane risk throughout the year, with June-November as the official Atlantic hurricane season and the highest risk for stronger hurricanes from mid-August to mid-October
Icon representing hurricaneMore category 3 or greater hurricanes developed in the Atlantic in the last 25 years (91) than did in 40 years from 1960-1999 (81).

Tornadoes

Gray gradient line showing relative tornado risk throughout the year, with April-September as the peak risk period
Tornado iconRisk of destructive tornadoes, historically concentrated in Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas, is shifting east into Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The high risk in Florida is also extending to more of the southeast, which is seeing more days with conditions conducive to tornado development.

Wildfires

Orange gradient line showing relative wildfire risk throughout the year, with May-November as the peak fire season and the highest risk in August
Icon representing wildfireWhile risk of wildfire is year-round and dependent on region, the peak wildfire season in the U.S. has extended by two months since the 1950s. Wildfire risk is still highest in the arid parts of the western United States, but they are becoming more common in the Great Plains, Midwest, and Alaska.

Winter Storms

Light blue gradient line showing relative winter storm risk throughout the year, with December through February as the peak risk for freezing rain and heavy snow
Icon of snowflake and thermostatWhile blizzards are expected to continue to become less frequent, risk of freezing rain, leading to ice accumulation, is increasing in northern parts of the U.S.

Utilities can explore risks specific to their area with tools such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Resilience Analysis and Planning Tool.

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Tags
Wildfire
Risk Management
Topics
Disaster Response and Mutual Aid