Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2022-159
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2022-159
22 Jun 2022
 | 22 Jun 2022
Status: a revised version of this preprint was accepted for the journal NHESS and is expected to appear here in due course.

Review Article: Wind and storm damage: From Meteorology to Impacts

Daniel Gliksman, Paul Averbeck, Nico Becker, Barry Gardiner, Valeri Goldberg, Jens Grieger, Dörthe Handorf, Karsten Haustein, Alexia Karwat, Florian Knutzen, Hilke S. Lentink, Rike Lorenz, Deborah Niermann, Joaquim G. Pinto, Ronald Queck, Astrid Ziemann, and Christian L. E. Franzke

Abstract. Wind and windstorms cause severe damage to natural and human-made environments. Thus, wind-related risk assessment is vital for the preparation and mitigation of calamities. However, the cascade of events leading to damage depends on many factors that are environment-specific and the available methods to address wind-related damage often require sophisticated analysis and specialization. Fortunately, simple indices and thresholds are as effective as complex mechanistic models for many applications. Nonetheless, the multitude of indices and thresholds available requires a careful selection process according to the target environment. Here, we first provide a basic background on wind and storm formation and characteristics, followed by a comprehensive collection of both indices and thresholds that can be used to predict the occurrence and magnitude of wind and storm damage. We focused on five key environments: forests, urban, transport, agriculture, and wind-based energy production. For each environment we described indices and thresholds relating to physical properties such as topography and land cover but also to economic aspects (e.g. disruptions in transportation or energy production). In the face of increased climatic variability, the promotion of more effective analysis of wind and storm damage could reduce the impact on society and the environment.

Daniel Gliksman et al.

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on nhess-2022-159', Anonymous Referee #1, 11 Jul 2022
  • RC2: 'Comment on nhess-2022-159', Anonymous Referee #2, 06 Jan 2023

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on nhess-2022-159', Anonymous Referee #1, 11 Jul 2022
  • RC2: 'Comment on nhess-2022-159', Anonymous Referee #2, 06 Jan 2023

Daniel Gliksman et al.

Daniel Gliksman et al.

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Short summary
Wind and storms are a major natural hazard and can cause severe economic damages and cost human lives. Hence, it is important to gauge the potential impact of using indices which potentially enable us to estimate likely impacts of storms or other wind events. Here, we review basic aspects of wind and storm generation and provide an extensive overview of wind impacts and available indices. This is also important to better prepare for future climate change and corresponding changes to winds.
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