Storm season is brewing. Are your fuel systems ready?

With the official start of the 2024 Hurricane season approaching, now is the time for fuel operators to check protocols and anticipate the potential impacts of storms and natural disasters. There’s no disputing the fact that the frequency and severity of such events has increased, which is why preparing now for operational continuity, as well as service and supply chain contingencies, is critical.  

In just the first quarter of 2024, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has already recorded several “billion-dollar weather events” across the central, southern, and northeast regions of the United States. These severe storms, including tornadoes, high winds, and baseball-sized hail, have caused almost $6 billion in damages, and taken several lives. Add the fact that this closely followed extreme east coast storm-surge flooding in December, and a six-month drought in the South and Midwest between spring and fall 2023. It’s clear that climate change will continue to spur unpredictable weather challenges for the foreseeable future. 

The true cost of weather events 

Downtime caused by severe conditions can negatively impact fuel operations and revenue long after the storm clouds have parted. Managing fallout beyond interruptions in service, fuel operators may be left to deal with physical damage to infrastructure and fuel systems. Repairs, especially when those who can make them may be overwhelmed with requests, cost even more time and money. To top it off, the amount of time it will take to get back on track can be tough to estimate following a disaster.  

To best prepare for the unpredictability of severe weather, fuel operators must focus on a few key preventative measures: 

• Prioritize regular fuel supply chain maintenance and critical facility system updates to spot vulnerabilities early 
• Inspect tank equipment and vent lines for damage that could invite the risk of water ingress 
• Check for gaps or cracks in caps, gaskets, grommets, and spare risers to spot potential breach points 
• Look for cracked or settling concrete that could damage components below ground 
• Put a system in place to track water entry above a given threshold 

The value of integrated technology 

With severe weather events increasing year over year, enhanced monitoring and response capabilities can mean the difference between coming through a storm fully operational or managing costly downtime for days to weeks afterward. Industry-specific technology has become a vital tool for fuel operators to strengthen storm preparedness. 

Titan Cloud’s Fuel Asset Optimization platform does this by providing fuel operators with:  

• End-to-end visibility of fuel supply chain systems via one single, centralized overview 
• Automated water trend reports to flag ingress into tanks 
• Real-time monitoring of critical data before, during, and after adverse weather events to adapt to evolving conditions 
• Remote troubleshooting capabilities to address equipment issues quickly and mitigate potential losses, without having to brave a storm to be on site 

By leveraging innovative technologies and implementing robust contingency plans, businesses can minimize the impact of extreme weather events and safeguard their operations against disruptions.  

To learn how Titan Cloud can fortify your business against whatever Mother Nature sends your way this year, speak with one of our solutions experts.