Storm Damage Resources

Let’s face it—freezing pipes are a headache. Worse, they can be dangerous, causing leaks, flooding, mold, and more inside your home or business. As temperatures fall across North America each winter, plunging below 32º Fahrenheit (0º Celsius), homes and businesses must cope with the change. But how can you help ensure your water pipes don’t freeze? Whether you have copper or plastic pipes, it is i...

You might be familiar with the weather terms El Niño and La Niña, but have you ever heard of a Super El Niño? If not, you’ve come to the right place, as some meteorologists indicate the winter 2023 forecast calls for a Super El Niño.A Super El Niño could bring some unexpected weather extremes. If it does, you can count on SERVPRO® to help with cleanup, restoration, and construction for your home o...

Hail - it’s a mark of strong thunderstorms and the one frozen precipitation that can occur in the middle of a summer heatwave. The National Weather Service reported that there were 4,436 hailstorms in 2022 alone – the majority of these events happening between May and September. We have compiled the most frequently asked questions to help you be more weather aware and better equipped should a hail...

As some of the Atlantic hurricanes made their way up the northeastern coast of the United States and Canada this summer, quite a few have significantly increased the risk of dangerous rip tides along the beaches. The intense winds and low-pressure system associated with hurricanes and strong storms can drastically alter oceanic conditions, leading to the formation of dangerous rip currents. &...

Hurricane Lee is forecast to impact the east coast of the United States in the coming days. To help you track the storm as it approaches and makes landfall, SERVPRO® has put together some resources to help you follow the path of the storm. Remember, hurricanes are unpredictable no matter what category or strength, so it is important to be prepared, stay safe, and know where the storm is in relatio...

The weather term “La Niña” may conjure up images of intense storms, hurricanes, and bitterly cold winter weather. Like its sibling El Niño, the La Niña weather pattern is an important part of global climate and can indicate what type of storm seasons to expect on a large-scale basis for years at a time. Read on to discover how La Niña affects the weather, its meteorological definition, and how SER...

The weather phenomenon known as “El Niño” is a commonly used term during the summer hurricane season, but what does it mean, exactly? And how does it affect our everyday weather? SERVPRO® has compiled important facts about this unique weather phenomenon below, so you can learn how it may affect your local weather, national weather, and even larger weather patterns around the world.What is El Niño?...

Landslides are devastating natural occurrences, sometimes taking place with little to no warning. But what effects do they cause, and how can SERVPRO® help? Read on to learn about three major effects of landslides, and how SERVPRO is available 24/7 to provide cleanup, restoration, and construction efforts in the aftermath.  Definition of a LandslideAccording to the USGS, a landslide is define...

Chances are, you’ve heard the term “nor’easter” at least once. But what exactly is it? And how dangerous can this weather event get? In short, these powerful winter storms can cause gale force winds, abundant snow, and torrential rain, which may lead to flooding.This article covers need-to-know items regarding these unique winter storms, and how SERVPRO® can help with the recovery if you find your...

2023 has been a year of weather extremes. While SERVPRO® is available for all manner of storm damage cleanup for residential and commercial spaces, with such extreme weather, it is helpful to stay up to date on the latest environmental conditions both locally and nationally. Here are just some of the extreme weather events that have happened in 2023.Record Heat in ArizonaThe state of Arizona has e...

Storm damage from hurricanes can range from minor damage to major destruction. But with five categories routinely referenced each year during hurricane season, you may be wondering just what each category means, and the dangers associated with them. This article delves into the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale and details how SERVPRO® can be of assistance after a hurricane damages your property.Who ...

Tornadoes are recognized as some of nature's most violent storms. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the United States experiences an average of 1,200 tornadoes per year. These destructive funnels, born out of powerful thunderstorms, can result in fatalities and reduce communities to rubble in seconds. The aftermath of a tornado is frequently characterized by chaos a...

Winter storms can cause significant damage to your home and property, so it’s important to take the proper precautions to winterize this space before the weather gets too cold. While SERVPRO® is always available to assist with your cleanup, restoration, and construction needs in the event you are struck by winter storm damage, the following article outlines some helpful tips on how you can winteri...

A leaky roof can be destructive. But what if you can’t find the source right away? With the interior of your home, business, garage, barn, or other area exposed to the elements, severe weather, debris, and other waste can quickly make its way inside your space and cause further destruction. Thankfully, there are some helpful tips you can follow when you need to quickly detect the source of a roof ...

Hurricanes can be devastating, causing costly damage and loss of life. Thankfully, there is usually a significant warning period before one makes landfall, and numerous analyses of where it may possibly set down. This article provides helpful information on these large-scale natural disasters, so you can be better prepared if you live in a region that is prone to hurricanes.Which Hurricane Season ...

Hail can cause serious damage. Ranging in size from a small pea to a grapefruit or larger, it can be destructive to property and deadly to humans and animals. In fact, the largest hailstone recovered in the United States (located in South Dakota in 2010) was an astounding 1.9375 pounds. But is it more likely to strike during a certain time of year? Does it depend on where you live? And ultimately,...

The SERVPRO Customer Care Center operates 24/7, 365 days a year. When you dial 1-800-SERVPRO, you will be connected to a dedicated agent who will take your information down and send out a crew to assess the damage and assist as quickly as possible. Did you know the “CCC” receives hundreds of thousands of leads per year, and dispatches just as many? Furthermore, what’s the significance of those num...

Winter storms are often unpredictable, bringing intense blizzards, sometimes feet of snow, sleet, icy roads, and countless other hazards to cities and towns across the United States and Canada. If you have the chance to prepare in advance, there are certain steps that are frequently recommended to ensure your home or business is ready to withstand the freezing temperatures, snow, and ice associate...

Just two days into the 2023 Hurricane Season and there is already a named storm.  Tropical Depression Two was upgraded to Tropical Storm Arlene on Friday afternoon. It is located in the eastern half of the Gulf of Mexico and is predicted to move south toward Cuba. According to the National Hurricane Center, maximum sustained winds in the system are near 40 miles per hour (mph) with highe...

June 1 marks the start of another Atlantic Hurricane Season and authorities are already weighing in with their opinions on how volatile this year’s season could be.Researchers at Colorado State University believe the 2023 Hurricane Season will result in 13 named storms during the Atlantic Hurricane Season. Scientists expect at least six of those storms to become hurricanes, with two of those hurri...

The National Hurricane Center has updated the pronunciation guide for the Atlantic Basin Storm Names for the 2023-2028 hurricane seasons. The 2023 Hurricane Season officially starts on May 15 in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, followed closely by the beginning of Atlantic Ocean and Central Pacific Ocean Hurricane Seasons on June 1. All hurricane seasons end on November 30.  Each year, th...

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your property, and appropriate maintenance can go a long way in extending its life and ensuring you stay safe from the elements, leaks, and other unwanted damage. But tarping a roof is not as easy as throwing a tarp overtop it and calling it a day. There is a recommended process that will help ensure your roof is properly cared for.Types of RoofsBeli...

Hail is a weather event commonly associated with intense thunderstorms and tornadoes. But there is more to this unique weather phenomenon than meets the eye. For instance, there is a “Hail Alley” in North America. Unlike the more common Tornado Alley, Hail Alley covers a smaller portion of the United States.Want to know more about Hail Alley, where it is located, and how hail forms? Read on for th...

There is no doubt a strong roof can mean the difference between minimal or severe damage when it comes to storms. Hail, high winds, and other serious weather events can all contribute to your home or business’s roof sustaining varying levels of damage, but the good news is, you can prepare for these events in advance. Additionally, if your roof suffers damage during a storm or other extreme weathe...

Storms can have a devastating effect on your home or business. Tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, landslides, or other severe weather are often accompanied by intense thunderstorms that leave you with damage you aren’t sure how to handle. We understand the stress, confusion, and overwhelming feelings that often come with this type of damage. This article outlines SERVPRO®’s storm damage and constructi...

Hurricanes are typically slower than other natural disasters like tornadoes and earthquakes, giving newscasters and meteorologists time to provide more advance notice. But what, exactly, should be included in your preparation for a hurricane? And, how do you recover from a hurricane if your home or business suffers storm damage? Read on for helpful tips and information on how best to make plans be...

Derechos and tornadoes are violent weather events that have the capability of causing intense damage to your home or business. But what defines these two events? In the wake of severe derechos across the United States, and continuous tornadoes throughout North America, this article breaks down the difference between the two events and outlines SERVPRO®’s services that can assist you in the afterma...

A mudslide can strike without warning, leaving your home, business, school, hospital, or other property devastated and in need of disaster restoration services. Given their incredible strength and ability to lift buildings from their foundation, it’s in your best interest to know the signs of an oncoming mudslide so you can best prepare yourself and evacuate if necessary. The following article out...

Many of us are all too familiar with tornadoes and their associated thunderstorms, hailstorms, and the property damage these cause. In fact, it’s common to learn at an early age how best to prepare for these frequent natural disasters. Some general tips include going into your basement (if you have one) or navigating to a room without windows, staying low, and covering your head. While these basi...

A tornado can strike with little to no warning if conditions are favorable. Although tornadoes tend to occur in specific regions like Tornado Alley, it is important to remember they have occurred in all 50 states and can happen any time of year. Notably, they most frequently occur between 4 pm and 9 pm. With tornadoes, we often hear about the Fujita Scale rating, which measures the severity of win...

Hurricane season is the time of year when hurricanes are most likely to form and occur in the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea. In the United States, hurricane season typically runs from June 1st to November 30th.What is a Hurricane?A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, which is a storm system that forms over warm ocean waters and has the potential to bring strong win...

Severe weather can be defined in many ways, but typically it’s associated with weather events like thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. While your local climate influences the weather events you experience, it’s generally known that spring in all parts of the country often causes rapid fluctuations in weather patterns, temperature, precipitation, and more. This article outlines the ty...

With cold winter weather frequent in many regions of the United States and Canada, it’s always useful to make sure your home is prepared for winter storms, blizzards, bomb cyclones, and freeze events. Additionally, staying safe and warm during these cold winter months is essential. With the proper preparation and safety knowledge, you can make sure your family, home, and pets are protected from th...

Cold weather, snow, and ice storms can cause severe damage to your home or business. When these types of disasters strike, immediate action is necessary to prevent additional damage to your property. SERVPRO has the experience, expertise, and the resources to remediate damage caused by winter weather.Frozen Pipes Extreme cold weather can cause pipes to freeze and burst. In general, pipes are more ...