Possible Issues That Arise During a Thunderstorm

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

With the frequency that thunderstorms occur at during the warmer months of the year, it is easy to discount them as just another weather event that can be disregarded. This is quite dangerous however—every thunderstorm poses the potential for serious threats due to high winds, potential for flooding, lightning strikes and more.

Any time a thunderstorm is in the forecast, it is important to take it seriously.

All storms must contain thunder and lightning to be classified as thunderstorms, and every thunderstorm will always contain both. A thunderstorm can evolve into a severe thunderstorm if it becomes volatile enough to produce large hail over one inch and winds greater than 58 miles per hour. As the name implies, severe thunderstorms are even more dangerous.

How Thunderstorms Can Lead to Damage and Injury

Damage and injury from lightning strikes. Because every thunderstorm contains lightning, the damage that a lightning strike can cause is a threat every single time a thunderstorm impacts the area. Over 300 injuries occur every single year as a result of lightning striking people, and it can also cause damage due to fallen trees or building fires as well. It is vital to remember that you do not have to see lightning for it to be a threat.

Property damage due to hail. Hail is an interesting phenomenon, as it can fall even when the surface temperature is quite high. Not only is hail frightening due to the noise that it makes, but it is also extremely dangerous. Large hail can cause injury to anyone who is without shelter when it comes through, and it can also dent cars and cause water damage to homes by impacting roofs and creating vulnerabilities in siding.

Harm from flash flooding. Though there are many misconceptions about where flooding can occur, it is really best to assume that it could happen anywhere, as flash flooding often does. Flash flooding can occur due to backed-up ditches, overwhelmed drains and more—and this can quickly lead to hazards. It only takes a few inches of water to carry cars away or knock an adult off their feet, making driving or crossing floodwaters a major hazard.

Thunderstorms are dangerous and can cause significant damage to homes or commercial spaces. If you have damage due to a thunderstorm, you can count on us to help. Contact us ²⁴⁄₇ for more information about our storm restoration practices.