The Risk of Severe Weather is Real

A Call to Action: Talking About Severe Weather Threats

Weather often fades into the background of our daily lives, a steady and predictable rhythm we rarely stop to notice. But while normal weather might not demand our attention, severe weather should. Though the data and discussions around climate change can be contentious, the reality on the ground suggests that weather patterns are becoming more severe and more volatile.

To underscore this point, consider this sampling of news headlines from the first five months of 2024, which highlight how devastating severe weather events can be.

1. "More than 90 dead after fierce US winter storms." January 22, 2024 (link)

2. "More than 800,000 without power in California as intense atmospheric river brings threat of mudslides and flooding." February 5, 2024 (link)

3. "First-ever February tornadoes in Wisconsin caused $2.4M in damages." February 14, 2024 (link)

4. "Texas Panhandle wildfires have burned nearly 1.3 million acres in a week – and it's not over yet." March 4, 2024 (link)

5. "14 confirmed tornadoes from Texas to Florida amid severe storm warnings." April 11, 2024 (link)

6. "Southeast is lashed by more severe weather after deadly storms and tornadoes hit Tennessee." May 10, 2024 (link)

7. "Wildfire weather is increasing in California and much of the U.S., report finds." May 15, 2024 (link)

8. "Storms Batter Houston, Leaving at Least 7 Dead." May 16, 2024 (link)

9. "Holiday weekend storms kill at least 24 in 7 states as severe weather continues." May 28, 2024 (link)

These articles, which often consolidate multiple storm events into one narrative, reveal the extensive and multifaceted impacts that severe weather has on communities, businesses, critical infrastructure, special event venues, and school districts. These headlines tell a sobering story of how communities across every part of the United States are grappling with the relentless forces of nature.

The importance of this realization cannot be understated.

Before we can prepare for severe weather events, organizations must first decide that severe weather is a risk worth addressing. Without a shared understanding and shared perception of the risk that severe weather poses to an organization, the support required for successful preparedness initiatives will never materialize. Without this shared understanding, there is no motivation or incentive to invest the time and money required to develop a true severe weather response capability.

Looking ahead, the risks that organizations face due to severe weather is real. We are seeing storms that are intensifying more rapidly, occurring more frequently, and becoming more destructive. Organizations that start preparations now will be in a better position to adapt and improve their plans than those that delay even beginning the process.

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From Concept to Capability

If you are looking to translate these concepts into action, two key questions that organizational leaders can ask themselves are:

• How well does your organization currently monitor and prioritize the risks posed by severe weather?

• Does your organization have a shared understanding of the risk of severe weather across all leadership levels?

If the answers to these questions does not bring a sense of calm and confidence that you are ready, that is probably an indicator that you have room for improvement in your preparations for future disasters and severe weather events.

If you would like to discuss your organization’s preparation and roadmap for severe weather threats, send me an email at patrick@cp-journal.com and I’ll be happy to find a time to connect.