Europe has a long history with powerful storms, from coastal battering rams to inland tempests. These systems have shaped our landscapes, tested our resilience, and driven innovation in building and living. But climate change is throwing a wrench into this familiar pattern, with the potential for stronger, more disruptive windstorms in the future.
Extratropical cyclones, also known as windstorms, are already a major source of economic woes across Europe. These are large rotating weather systems that form in regions beyond 30 degrees latitude from the equator. They are characterized by low surface pressure, cold and warm fronts, and develop in regions with strong horizontal temperature gradients.
Europe experiences about 10 windstorms per month during the storm season, and a subset of these expansive, rotating weather systems have the potential to generate high winds, substantial rainfall, and even coastal storm surges, ultimately leading to extensive damage to infrastructure, disruptions to transportation and business operations, and adverse impacts on agriculture and forestry.
Recent storms like Ingunn, Jocelyn, and Gerrit are stark reminders of the disruptive power of windstorms. Powerful winds can topple trees, rip down power lines, and damage buildings, leaving communities in chaos. The true cost extends beyond immediate disruption.
Winter storms Eunice, Dudley, and Franklin in 2022 caused insured losses exceeding $4 billion – a significant increase from the previous decade's average (1). And history shows even larger events, like Storm Kyrill in 2007, are possible
The fury of Storm Eunice in 2022: Crashing waves pound Porthcawl, Wales.
(Jacob King / Associated Press).
The science is clear: climate change is likely to increase the intensity of windstorms across Northern and Central Europe (3). This translates to potentially double the storm severity based on what we are used to.
Expanding populations within these regions further exacerbate these risks. Even with the implementation of adaptation strategies, the overall risk level is anticipated to increase substantially.
The good news is, we are not powerless. By proactively assessing and managing climate risks, we can build a more resilient Europe. Here at refinq, we are dedicated to helping businesses and communities prepare for the coming storm.
Our innovative climate risk assessment tool provides crucial insights into potential windstorm damage to your business infrastructure. We leverage the latest climate science to empower you to prepare for strong winds.
Don't wait until the storm hits. Contact refinq today and take control of your wind risk.
By working together, we can navigate the changing winds and ensure a more secure future for Europe.
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Cover Image: NOAA on Unsplash