2016-069V - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Extent/Probability. Indian River County averages more than 70 days with thunderstorms per year, with the most frequent occurrences being between the months of July and September. With thunderstorms come lightning and Florida leads the nation for the number of lightning strikes. Both Florida and Indian River County have about 12 strikes per square kilometer per year in some places (National Lightning Safety Institute). Vulnerability Assessment. Thunderstorm/lightning events can have the following potential impacts within a community: • Excessive wind; • Excessive water; • Damaging hail; • Electric power outage; • Surface and air transportation disruption; • Telecommunications system outage; • Human health and safety; • Psychological hardship; • Economic disruption; • Fire; and • Stormwater drainage impairment. Thunderstorms typically cause damage in a community by knocking down trees and power lines. Downed trees can block key roadways within a community, making emergency response more difficult. Downed power lines block roadways, disrupt businesses when power is lost, and pose threats to people when lines are severed. Mobile homes also are more susceptible during severe thunderstorm activity. According to the Housing Element of the Indian River County 2030 Comprehensive Plan, there are 7,193 mobile homes utilized as year-round dwelling units in the county. This represents 9.75 percent of the countywide housing stock in that category. Three municipalities within Indian River County have significant concentrations of mobile homes. Sebastian has a total of 564 mobile homes, representing 7.6% of the total housing units. Wabasso has a total of 166 mobile homes, representing 31.9% of the total housing units. Fellsmere has a total of 397 mobile homes, representing 42.4% of the total housing units. Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 30