Kentuckians are just beginning the gauge the economic cost of the weekend’s disaster. A more complete picture will become apparent once damage assessments are complete. However, there are economic trends that follow a tornado. For example, economist Kevin Timmons says full recovery is likely. In fact, Timmons says some communities re-invent themselves after devastating weather. He spoke with reporter Charles Compton.
Kevin Timmons is a professor of economics at Austin College in Texas. He’s co-author of “The Economic and Societal Impact of Tornadoes” and “Deadly Season.”