PHOENIX — A new book by a New York Times bestselling author warns about the likelihood of a "Hurricane Katrina of extreme heat."
In "The Heat Will Kill You First", author Jeff Goodell talked to an Arizona State University infrastructure expert about the likelihood of a “Hurricane Katrina of extreme heat,” an event in which a power failure during a heat wave kills thousands of people, with government authorities dangerously unprepared.
"I call heat an engine of planetary chaos," Goodell said.
Goodell said the idea for his book was ignited in 2018 when he was staying in downtown Phoenix and experienced signs of heat exhaustion.
In his book, he explores what would happen in Phoenix during an extreme heat event coupled with a blackout that lasts two or more days.
"[Researchers] calculated it would result in 800,000 emergency room visits and 13,000 deaths in the city of Phoenix over this [two-day period]," Goodell said.
This is a scenario being looked at by scientists and experts on infrastructure.
Goodell said buildings would become like convection ovens without a functioning air conditioner and during a situation like that – Goodell calls heat a predatory force going after the most vulnerable.
Goodell added he believes a "heat Katrina" may already be happening in slow motion. Over the past five years, nearly 2,000 Valley residents have died from heat-related deaths. Goodell also analyzed vulnerable cities in Texas, Nevada and California.
Our extreme weather isn’t visual like hurricanes or tornadoes, Goodell said, and noted that when you look outside you can’t tell the difference between temperatures of 80 and 110. Because of that, he said his book is somewhat of a cautionary tale.
"I’m not saying Phoenix is doomed. I’m saying Phoenix needs to think seriously about this and take real action on this," Goodell said. "I think of this book as a survival guide for the 21st century, helping people get smart about these risks that they face."
Arizona Weather
Arizona has seen its fair share of severe weather. Here is a compilation of videos from various storms across the Grand Canyon state.
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