Potential economic and social value of short-range forecasts of Boulder windstorms.

Abstract

Surveys were conducted of selected samples of Boulder residents and businesses concerning the potential economic and social benefits and disadvantages of improvements in downslope windstorm forecasts. All segments of the community were found to be concerned about the windstorms because of the possibility of serious injury and/or major property damage. The responses also revealed a strong desire for improved windstorm forecasts, although the level of desire was found to depend upon the accuracy of the forecasts. Moreover, significant increases in the use of a variety of protective actions would occur if accurate. The results of the surveys and interviews indicated that accurate forecasts could reduce residential property damage by approximately 200,000 U.S. dollars annually, and the potential savings to local businesses were estimated to be an additional 150,000 U.S. dollars. These benfits appear to greatly exceed any incremental costs associated with formulating and disseminating the forecasts and any economic losses suffered by local businesses due to decreased windstorm damage. (based on Authors' abstract)