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Measuring a storm's fury, one breakfast at a time
The Waffle House Index is an informal metric used by FEMA to assess the severity of a storm or disaster. Because Waffle House restaurants are famous for staying open through extreme weather — with limited menus if necessary — their operational status serves as a surprisingly reliable indicator of local conditions.
Full menu. Restaurant is operating normally. The storm's impact in this area is likely minimal.
Limited menu. Power may be out or supplies limited. Conditions in the area are deteriorating.
Restaurant is closed. Conditions are severe. This rarely happens and indicates a serious disaster.
"If you get there and the Waffle House is closed? That's really bad. That's where you go to work."
This tracker uses real-time weather alerts from the National Weather Service to estimate which Waffle House locations may be at risk. Locations within active warning areas are flagged as Threatened, those under watches or advisories are marked At Risk, and all others show as Open.
Note: This tracker estimates risk based on NWS alert areas. It does not reflect actual restaurant operating status. Actual status can only be confirmed by contacting individual locations.