PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Federal Emergency Management Agency launched its new National Risk Index, calculating the riskiest and safest counties in the country for disasters. Philadelphia is on the list, ranked among the top danger spots for tornadoes above "Tornado Alley" in the Midwest.
It may be surprising to some that Philadelphia ranks higher than the plains of the Midwest, but FEMA factored in population density in the index.
"The whole I-95 corridor is very densely populated. So you are at higher risk when you have any kinds of severe weather or impactful weather. It impacts more people all at once," said meteorologist Valerie Meola with the National Weather Service. "There has been an increase in the amount that we have seen over the past couple of years."
That's partially because of the advancement of technology, said Meola, and the ability to determine if a tornado actually touches down.
"So you may be able to detect them with radar a little more readily," she explained. "We go out and do surveys, so being able to see the damage, we may be able to make that better determination based on damage that we are getting. Whether it's through photos, land surveys or drone surveys, that's all the information that helps us make a better determination to what caused the damage."
She urged people to be "weather-aware" and know what to do in the event of an weather emergency.
"If a watch comes out, keep an eye to the sky," she said. "If you see anything take shelter, appropriate cover, you know, just to keep yourself and those around you safe."
Tornadoes range from the weakest, EF-0, to the strongest, EF-5. According to Meola, we have seen EF-0s to EF-2s in the region over the past couple of years.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, is at the very top in one natural disaster category. According to FEMA, Philly has the highest risk for heat waves.