SECTION 4: RISK ASSESSMENT
research gaps on the variability of the natural climate. VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT
METHODOLOGIES AND ASSUMPTIONS Property at risk to hurricanes was estimated using data from the NCEM IRISK database, which was compiled in NCEM’s Risk Management Tool. The vulnerability data displayed below is for wind -related damages. Hurricanes may also cause substantial damages from heavy rains and subsequent flooding, which is addressed in Section 4.5.5 Flood. PEOPLE The very young, the elderly and the handicapped are especially vulnerable to harm from hurricanes. For those who are unable to evacuate for medical reasons, there should be provision to take care of special- needs patients and those in hospitals and nursing homes. Many of these patients are either oxygen- dependent, insulin-dependent, or in need of intensive medical care. There is a need to provide ongoing treatment for these vulnerable citizens, either on the coast or by air evacuation to upland hospitals. The stress from disasters such as a hurricane can result in immediate and long-term physical and emotional health problems among victims. PROPERTY Hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage to coastlines and several hundred miles inland. Hurricanes can produce winds exceeding 157 mph as well as tornadoes and microbursts. Additionally, hurricanes often bring intense rainfall that can result in flash flooding. Floods and flying debris from the excessive winds are often the deadly and most destructive results of hurricanes. Hurricanes and tropical storms can also cause agricultural damages. For Wake County, USDA RMA reports losses of $2,868,207 from 2007-2023 due to hurricanes and tropical storms, which equates to an average annual loss of $168,718. Table 4.86 summarizes the crop losses due to drought in reported in the RMA system. Table 4.86 – Crop Losses Resulting from Hurricanes and Tropical Storms, 2007-2023 Year Determined Acres Indemnity Amount 2010 55.11 $42,928.00 2011 419.90 $262,951.00 2016 398.59 $430,484.80 2018 2086.71 $1,858,323.85 2019 328.26 $66,882.00 2020 511.52 $149,256.50 2022 88.34 $38,480.10 2023 32.72 $18,901.25 Total 3921.17 $2,868,207.50 Source: USDA Risk Management Agency The damage estimates for the 100-year hurricane wind event total $402,503,452, which equates to a loss ratio of less than 1 percent. These damage estimates account for only wind impacts and actual damages would likely be higher due to flooding. Therefore, the region would likely experience a higher overall loss ratio from the 100-year hurricane event and face difficulty recovering from such an event. Table 4.87 through Table 4.91 detail the estimated building damages from varying magnitudes of hurricane events.
Wake County, NC Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
WSP June 2024 Page 165
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