Different Types of Storm & the Damage They Bring

7/2/2022 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms can be incredibly damaging to your home. There are many different elements a thunderstorm may include, such as lightning, wind, rain, and hail. While there is only so much you can do to protect your home from a natural disaster, understanding the different types of storms and how they may damage your home can help you properly plan if a bad storm is headed your way and know what to expect in the aftermath.

Depending on the area you live in, you may be at an increased risk of experiencing certain types of storms. Being familiar with the types of storms your area is most likely to experience can be very helpful. The following is an overview of the more common types of storms and how they can damage your home. 

Types of Storms

The different types of storms include thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and winter storms. Each is damaging in its own way and claims numerous lives each year in the United States. In addition to the deadly nature of storms, they can also severely damage your home. 

Storms often damage homes by infiltrating them with water, causing electrical damage, and damaging the foundation, walls, and roof through heavy wind, lightning, rainfall, and other elements. 

Water damage, fire damage, and heavy damage caused by wind are among the most common ways in which your home can suffer from a severe storm. Below we highlight the three main types of damage that often occur to homes in the United States. These damages include lightning, tornado, and flood damage.

Lightning

Lightning exists with many thunderstorms. They have the power to damage the electrical wiring inside your home. If there are any electrical items plugged into outlets in your home, then they are at risk of damage as well. This includes computers, cell phones, televisions, kitchen appliances, and more. Another way lightning can damage your home is by striking your roof or other parts of your home. Lightning can also lead to home fires that can quickly spread as well.

To prevent lightning damage, be sure to unplug all electrical appliances and items. Also, stay away (and keep children away) from electrical outlets, appliances, and systems during thunderstorms for optimal safety. 

Lightning can also cause the power to go out, so be sure to have flashlights and candles ready before an expected storm. If lightning damage does occur, consider contacting a home damage restoration company near you that offers prompt service. They can restore parts of the home directly affected by lightning such as roof damage as well as damages that occur as a result of an electrical fire caused by lightning.  

Tornadoes

A tornado is a fast-moving vortex of high winds that connects from a cloud to the ground. They appear as a funnel-shaped cloud and can be incredibly violent and destructive. Most tornadoes have 100-mile-per-hour winds or higher, and some can carry winds more than 200 miles per hour. This gives them the potential to be incredibly destructive to a home. 

There is little that can be done to prevent a tornado from causing damage, but a prompt initial response to damage can help the restoration process be more effective. If a tornado warning is given for your area, then be sure to get in the safest place possible where there are no windows. After the storm, check your home for damage and call a restoration professional for fast and effective service. 

Floods

Floods are often more severe than many realize, and they claim hundreds of lives each year in the United States alone. 

A flood occurs when there is an overflow of water in areas that are normally dry. Storms often bring heavy rain to an area. While much of the water absorbs into the soil or goes down drains, storms that produce heavy rain or rain that continues for an extended period of time leads to flooding. Flash floods can also occur if rivers and other water sources become too full and lead to an overflow. 

Floods can damage your home if standing water builds up along the foundation. In many instances, the water and moisture can enter your home through tiny cracks and gaps. If this occurs, it may lead to the need for storm damage restoration. 

Fight Back Against Storm Damage with SERVPRO

SERVPRO of Highland Village is here to help homeowners restore their homes after storm damage. If wind, water, fire, or other elements have damaged your home, then get in touch with us today. 

We offer a 24/7 service so that the restoration process for your home can start right away. You can reach us through phone or email, and our team is happy to answer your questions and guide you through the restoration process.