Summer and Severe Weather

lightning

Summer conjures up happy memories for so many of us: running around barefoot, staying out until dark, cookouts, pool parties. As we get older, summer has another, less-fun element to consider: severe weather. From tornadoes to thunderstorms, summer weather in the Twin Cities can take a toll. What do you need to know to stay safe?

What is a Severe Thunderstorm?

A thunderstorm is considered severe if it contains one or more of these elements:

  • Winds that exceed 57.5 miles per hour
  • Hail one inch or larger
  • A tornado

According to the National Weather Service, over 10,000 thunderstorms are categorized as severe each spring and summer. Severe thunderstorms can create a number of problems: rainfall can lead to flash flooding, accompanying lighting can start fires, hail, fallen trees, and fallen power lines can cause quite a bit of damage.

If your property has been damaged by a fallen tree, rain, wind, large hail, or lightning, then you’ll want to invest in restoration immediately. Storm damage left alone can lead to more extensive (and more expensive) issues down the line.

Tornadoes in Minnesota

Here in the Gopher State, we average 29 tornadoes a year. While peak tornado season typically falls in May and June, August can prove to be quite a busy month for tornadoes, with the northern United States seeing more activity than the lower regions. Even as the summer wanes, it’s important to remain vigilant about weather.

How to Prepare for Severe Weather

Make a Plan. Where will you hunker down? Are there pets or valuables that need to be moved? Who is responsible for what? Communicating ahead of time is crucial – in the moment there isn’t time to make a detailed plan. This list is a great resource to help you answer the important questions.

Create a Safe Space. Choose a spot in your home that’s sturdy (and preferably windowless). The basement, bathroom, or room in the center of your house is your best bet. Stock your space with canned food, flashlights with extra batteries, extra clothes, power bank, first aid kit, and bottled water.

Tune In. Listening to your local news or radio station during storms helps you stay safe and informed. The National Weather Service website is also a great resource so you can keep tabs on your surroundings while you’re hunkering down.

Storm Damage Cleanup

We sincerely hope that severe weather won’t lead to property damage, but if it does, we’re here to help! At Paul Davis, we specialize in storm damage cleanup for both residential and commercial properties. Our experts work to prevent further damage and assist in bringing your property to its previous condition, making your space feel like your own again.

Call Paul Davis & Have a Great Summer

We hope this summer brings you popsicles, pool days, and plenty of sunshine. But if severe weather does impact your property, give us a call. With Paul Davis, you can expect fast response, great work, and excellent customer service. Check out our testimonials, and when you need storm damage cleanup, contact us!
For Immediate Assistance, call 651.243.0737.