Understanding the Waffle House Index
The serves as an informal, yet surprisingly reliable, measure of the impact of hurricanes on Southern communities, based on the operational status of Waffle House restaurants.
The index categorizes restaurant status into three colors: green for full menu service, yellow for limited menu indicating reduced supplies, and red for closed, signifying severe damage or unsafe conditions.
Historical Context and Current Relevance
Originating from former administrator 's observations during Charley in 2004, the index has been used by federal officials and locals to assess storm severity and recovery needs.
Recently, about two dozen Waffle House locations remained closed in the and Georgia after , while others along the closed in anticipation of Hurricane Milton, highlighting the index's ongoing relevance.