Waffle House Index

The Waffle House Index is an informal measure used by emergency management agencies to assess the severity of a storm's impact. It monitors whether Waffle House restaurants, known for staying open during emergencies, remain open, have limited menu, or close entirely. If Waffle Houses stay open and serve their full menu, it indicates minimal storm impact. If they operate with a limited menu, it suggests moderate severity. If they close, it signals significant damage or danger, prompting a higher emergency response. This index provides a quick, real-world gauge of community disruption during disasters.