Monterey County experiences some form of severe weather
activity annually based upon seasonal meteorological patterns and local
topographical conditions. It is susceptible to a full range of weather
conditions including high winds, substantial rainfall, thunderstorm activity,
fog, dust storms, hail, drought and periodic temperature extremes.
All areas of Monterey County are susceptible to severe
weather conditions, although local topographical conditions, such as elevation
and land contours, do play a significant part in how weather impacts a
particular area.
Every unincorporated community and municipality in the
County is susceptible to impact from severe storm activity.
Depending upon the prevailing conditions at the time of storm occurrence,
one community may experience severe damage while another, located nearby,
escapes with minimal impact.
Factors such as storm track, local topography, pressure
differentials and other naturally occurring meteorological conditions will
determine how an individual area is impacted.
Generally, people are injured
during severe storm activity because of exposure to the following hazardous
conditions:
·
Exposure to objects and debris propelled by high winds.
·
Exposure to lightning strikes.
·
Exposure to extreme temperatures.
·
Risks associated with flash flooding and localized inundations.
Hail storms, lightning strikes, high wind velocities and
temperature extremes cause damage to structures, property and agricultural
crops. Properly constructed
buildings are usually able to resist the effects of severe storms, while
structures of lesser integrity are often damaged or destroyed.
Severe storm activity poses a significant threat to
unprotected or exposed lifeline systems. Generally,
commercial power networks are very susceptible to interruption from lightning
strikes, high winds, ice conditions and hail.
Other utilities, including underground pipelines, may be impacted if not
protected from exposure.
Communications networks are vulnerable to severe weather
conditions if not properly protected from exposure or severe natural forces.
Most public safety communications systems within the County are protected
from the elements and are considered to be secure from interruption.
Commercial communications networks are also protected and, unless
severely impacted, are expected to remain operational during most severe weather
emergencies.
Severe weather emergencies do not ordinarily impact
transportation systems unless some form of structural damage is experienced.
Except for flooding hazards associated with severe storm activity, most
primary and secondary transportation routes should remain passable during severe
weather conditions, although effort may be required to clear downed trees. Extra
caution may be required for fog and ice conditions.
Response operations may be impacted during severe storm
conditions due to a lack of available emergency resources, disrupted emergency
communications, access to impacted areas blocked by debris or flooding and other
impediments to effective public safety operations. Continuity of local
government operations can be impacted when offices and facilities are closed due
to damage or inaccessibility.
The most effective method of mitigating the effects of
severe storm activity involves the issuance of timely and accurate weather
forecasts and public safety warnings. Appropriate
public safety advisories, issued in advance of potential severe weather, can
alert the public to the associated dangers, permitting the implementation of
protective measures.
Nothing is as effective in mitigating the impacts of a
Winter Storm as the preparations people and families take before a storm hits.
Be sure to see the Flood page. See the Hazardous Materials page for information on
sealing a home, the Checklists page for information
about preparing an essential supplies kit prior to an emergency, the Shelter
page for measures regarding water purification and the Evacuation
page for information on evacuation procures.
During the winter season many visitors come from beyond
the reaches of Monterey County, and many f the County's citizens seek the
business and recreational activities beyond the borders of the County.
Severe winter weather driving conditions can be encounter in Monterey
County and within a few short hours drive from the county those can be snow and
ice conditions. It is always
best when driving in the winter months to be prepared to encounter the worst
possible conditions.
