Storm Damage Resources

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 …

During hurricane season, the term “storm surge” is used a lot. This phenomenon is one of the dangers that comes along with a hurricane. In fact, storm surges have the potential to make a hurricane even more deadly than the high winds, torrential rain, and tornado risk that already make these potentially lethal storms a danger to life and property.  NOAA states storm surge is, “The abnormal rise …

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.  According to the USGS, a landslide is defined as “the downslope movement …

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 …

Most of us don’t even think about what life would be like without electricity—until we don’t have it.  A storm can take your home off the power grid for a few hours, or even days in the most extreme circumstances. When that happens, your first concern may be finding an alternative power source such as a portable generator to keep you and your family comfortable until the electricity can be …

Winter storms can cause significant damage to your home and property, so it’s important to take the proper precautions to winterize your house before the weather gets too cold.  Winterizing isn’t just about staying warm. It’s about protecting your home from what Mother Nature throws at it—while saving a little money on your energy bills. 1. Seal up drafts around windows and doors. Caulking and …

Cold winter weather is a given in many parts of the United States and Canada. It’s always useful to make sure your home’s fully prepared for winter storms, blizzards, bomb cyclones, and freeze events.  With the proper preparation and safety knowledge, you can make sure your family, home, and pets are safe and warm—and protected from the elements as the temperatures start to fall. Winter storms …

We all know how destructive, devastating, and deadly hurricanes can be. We’ve seen the news stories or even been through one ourselves. There’s a lot more to a hurricane than meets the eye. Here are seven interesting facts you may not know:  Hurricanes go through a series of changes before they become hurricanes. A hurricane starts as a tropical disturbance. With cyclonic circulation and faster …

Hurricane season is the time each 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. A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, a storm system that forms over warm ocean waters with the potential to bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and …

Storm damage from hurricanes can range from minor damage to major destruction.  Hurricanes are typically sorted into five categories, according to their sustained wind speed. It can be confusing to understand what each category means, and the dangers associated with them. But it essentially boils down to this: the higher the speed, the higher the category, and the higher the danger and risk of …

As Atlantic hurricanes make their way up the northeastern coast of the United States and Canada each summer, the intense winds and low-pressure system can drastically alter oceanic conditions.  As the winds get more intense and the waves get larger, there’s a greater chance for dangerous rip currents, rip tides and undertows. These terms are often used interchangeably, but there are significant …

In January 2024, a polar vortex (also known as a “bomb cyclone” or “freeze event”) covered a big portion of the continental United States, bringing frigid temperatures, dangerously low wind chill, and snow across the Northeast, Midwest, and South.But what exactly is a polar vortex? What causes a polar vortex? And more importantly, how can you prepare for it?A polar vortex as “a large area of low …

Derechos and tornadoes are violent weather events, both capable of causing intense damage to your home or business. But what are the similarities and differences between the two events? According to the National Weather Service, a derecho is defined as “a widespread, long-lived wind storm that is associated with a band of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms.” Although they’re like tornadoes …

All around the globe, weather events known as hurricanes form in the ocean, sometimes striking land with incredible force (or, if conditions are favorable, dissipating before they reach land). When these events make the news, they’re referred to by multiple terms, such as “typhoons,” “monsoons,” or “tropical cyclones.” What exactly is the difference between these types of storms?  According to …

Hurricanes can be devastating, causing costly damage and tragic loss of life. Thankfully, there is usually a significant warning period before one makes landfall, and numerous analyses of where it might 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 prone to hurricanes. Hurricane season differs …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Areas on the coast are particularly susceptible to hurricanes, but with so many weather terms, it can be overwhelming to stay up to date with the latest news and information. Still, the damage from typhoons, intense storms, flooding, and more is not something to take lightly. So, what exactly is the difference between a coastal flood watch, warning, and advisory? And in addition to coastal …

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 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 …

Fall is a unique season, signifying the end of summer and beginning the transition from warmer to cooler weather in North America. But what specific weather events are associated with this season? Are there specific weather threats to be aware of, once Labor Day arrives, kids return to school, and beach vacations wind down? This article outlines common fall weather events, and how SERVPRO® can …

With the United States averaging over 1,200 tornadoes every year, these natural disasters are more common in America than any other country in the world. If a tornado has been spotted or indicated by weather officials, but you do not have immediate access to a tornado shelter or basement, it is important to prioritize your safety and know where to go. The key to reducing the risk of injury and …

Tornados, severe storms, heavy winds, natural disasters, and hurricanes can knock the power out in your home or business in an instant, and even leave you without shelter for days on end. In some cases, it can take a week or more to restore power after a natural disaster, leaving you and your family without any way to access food, water, cash, or other supplies. Having a well-stocked storm …

The center of the United States, often referred to as the Great Plains, is no stranger to severe weather. In fact, Tornado Alley, which includes northern Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, parts of Louisiana, Nebraska, Iowa, and eastern Colorado, according to AccuWeather, carves a path straight through the center of the continental U.S. But why is this specific region so prone to tornadoes, …

The desert states in the U.S., which generally include Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, experience what is frequently called “monsoon season.” But what exactly is involved in monsoon season, besides intense storms, and heavy rainfall? How does this tropical season affect home and business owners? And what can be done to prepare? …

Winter Emergency Survival Kit: What to IncludePutting together an emergency winter kit can be crucial if you live in an area prone to heavy snowstorms or blizzards, or if your region is forecast for a long period of winter weather. If the power goes out, or you are unable to leave your home for a period of time, this type of kit could be the difference between catastrophe or calm. But what …

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 …

Storm and water damage affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO®  understands that your home is more than a structure; your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings help transform a house into a home.SERVPRO specializes in restoring contents damaged by storms and other water damage events. Our expertise and our “restore” versus “replace” …

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.Extreme cold weather can cause pipes to freeze and burst. In general, pipes are more likely to …