Abstract

Implementing ArcGIS Geoprocessing Models in Assessing Tornado Damage in Alabama
Track: Forestry
Authors: Abi Dhakal, Patrick Glass

The spring 2011 tornadoes were historic in nature and were recorded in more than half of Alabama's counties. The models were very effective in classifying areas of tornado damage, forested versus non-forested parcels, parcels with varying Wildfire Susceptibility Indices, and segregating parcels into urban and rural classes.

The total for impacts to the forest land in Alabama from the April storms were 204,590 acres with an assessed value of $266,088,751.00.

The results of the analysis were used by Alabama's Congressional Delegation to document a supplemental funding request for the USDA Farm Services Agency's Emergency Forest Restoration Program. Results are also being used by the AFC, Alabama Forestry Recovery Task Force, Alabama Cooperative Extension Service, and other agencies to manage recovery of the forest resources.

Implementation of such models for large scale analysis during emergency management and recovery phases can benefit subtleties in analysis objectives.