How Thunderstorms Impact Wisconsin

5/23/2021 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms can pop up at any moment. Contact SERVPRO of North Kenosha County if you experience any damage.

The dark, gray clouds and rumble from the sky only means one thing: A storm is coming our way. But how serious is the storm expected to be and what necessary precautions do you need to take? This all depends on the classification of the storm: thunderstorm or severe thunderstorm.

A thunderstorm is defined as any storm that has thunder and lightning. These types of storms are commonplace, happening about 40 days of the year in Wisconsin.

However, a severe thunderstorm not only has thunder and lightning, but also contains hail that is at least one inch in diameter and has straight-line winds of 58 miles per hour, at minimum. The National Weather Services issues on average five to 10 severe thunderstorm warnings per county per year in the southern counties. How does this type of storm affect your home and how can you keep it safe?

The 3 Major Elements That Make a Severe Thunderstorm Dangerous

Lightning. These bolts are commonly considered the most dangerous element of a thunderstorm because of its unpredictability. They have been reported to cause about 300 injuries every year, and that doesn’t even include the damage it can do to homes, like starting a house fire or felling trees.

Damage from hail. Due to its size (at least one inch or larger) and speed, hail can do damage to just about anything, particularly vehicles that are exposed, people or pets that are not under a sturdy shelter, and the sidings and roofs of houses. Statistically, Kenosha County doesn’t experience as much hail as the rest of the state, but the damage is still felt when it does happen.

Flash flooding. Flash flooding can occur at any time for a variety of reasons, including heavy rain, a backed-up storm drain or overflowing ditches on the roadside. These things can turn flooded roadways into a life-threatening scenario in a matter of minutes. Damage to vehicles is common if someone tries to cross a flooded road, but it’s also possible for a car to be taken away with the tide in a little as 12 inches of water.

While severe thunderstorm season is approaching, it’s time to prepare your business or home. But if these dangerous storms cause damage to your property, we will be there to help. Contact SERVPRO of North Kenosha County to restore your home back to pre-storm condition.