When Texas Storms Rage, Waffle House Offers More Than Just Breakfast

Waffle House is famous for its hashbrowns, breakfast plates, coffee, waffles, and getting your whole meal smothered in gravy. It's a haven for those who burn the midnight oil, and people craving a classic diner-style breakfast to stave off a hangover. It's also my kids' favorite place to eat. What you may not know is that Waffle House is also one of the best sources of information when a major storm is blowing through. If you want to know how bad storms will be in Texas, just ask Waffle House.

When It Comes To Severe Weather, Look At The Waffle House Index

Don't laugh. This is actually a pretty reliable source of info when it comes to just how bad the bad weather is going to get. It's called the Waffle House Index, and it's used unofficially by FEMA to help "inform disaster response". This index is looked at by people all over the country to determine just how bad things are. It was even created by a former administrator of FEMA. He's quoted as saying:

If you get there and the Waffle House is closed; that's really bad.

The reason why this unofficial metric even exists is because Waffle House never closes. You get it chopped and smothered 365 days a year; 24 hours a day. The idea is that if Waffle House is closed, you better be prepared for things to get bad.

How Does The Waffle House Index Work?

The Waffle House Index is made up of three tiers. These tiers are all based on how much of the menu is available, and if Waffle House is open. The tiers are:

• Green - Full menu is available; Waffle House has power and there is little to no damage.
• Yellow - Limited Menu; Power is out or the Waffle House is powered by a generator. Food supplies may be running low.
• Red - Waffle House is closed; There is severe damage, flooding, and severe destruction to the restaurant.

It should go without saying, but if Waffle House is closed then "it" has definitely hit the fan.

What Does The Waffle House Index Say About Hurricane Milton?

Hurricane Milton has been all over the news recently and is an opportunity to see the Waffle House Index in action. Today, news reports claimed that Waffle Houses in Tampa were closing in advance of the storm that is coming their way. Looking at the tiers above, you can tell that things are about to be bad in Florida; bad enough for Waffle House to close. Florida needs our prayers.

It may seem funny, but the Waffle House Index is a pretty good indicator when looking at severe weather. When the next big storm hits in Texas, and you're wondering how bad it could get, look to the Waffle House down the street.