The Importance of Understanding Storm DamageTexas is no stranger to devastating storms. There’s no better way to prepare for a storm is to know what e

9/21/2018 (Permalink)

The Importance of Understanding Storm Damage

Texas is no stranger to devastating storms. There’s no better way to prepare for a storm is to know what exactly is coming. There are ten different types of storms with unique causes and that cause create mostly, water damage.

SERVPRO® of Northeast Collin County/Greenville knows the importance of keeping a home and business safe before, during, and after a storm. Continue reading to learn more about different storm types and storm and there resulting water damage.

The 10 most common storms are hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, snow storms, hail storms, thunderstorms, lightning storms, tropical storms, ice storms, and Derecho storms.

Depending on where a person lives in the state, they likely won’t experience each type of storm in a lifetime. You may even be wondering what a Derecho storm is. (Simply, it’s one monster storm made up of many smaller but still large storms. To be considered a Derecho, these multiple storms must rage at over 58 miles per hour and cross 240 miles. Suffice to say, they are vast.)

Some storm damage effects are obvious, like how hail breaks a window or lightning and thunderstorms cause power outages.

But since hurricanes can have such far-reaching effects (like how Hurricane Sandy impacted 24 states), it’s particularly important to be informed on the damage they can cause. It’s important to be educated on all types of storm and the damage they cause, but this blog will focus on hurricane damage - whether you experience a hurricane’s immediate effects or the aftermath.

These are Most Common Causes of Storm Damage from Hurricanes:

Storm Surge

Storm surge is generally felt most by those who live on the coast that is directly hit by a hurricane. Storm surge happens when wind drives so much water to the shore that it causes the water to pile up far past the predicted tide level. The force of this water is so powerful that it can cause tremendous water damage and destroy buildings and other structures.

Flooding

Floods from a hurricane often are directly tied to storm surge. Storm surge can force extra water past the normal tide levels, onto the shore and even far inland. The accompanying heavy rainfall also contributes heavily to flooding. Rainfall caused by hurricanes can impact an area even 100 miles from where the hurricane landed, causing widespread flooding. But a tropical storm does not have to reach hurricane levels to cause heavy rain and floods.

Wind

Wind caused by hurricanes can often reach speeds between 74 - 155 miles per hour. The powerful speed and force of storm winds can uproot trees, fell power lines, and hurl debris. Objects moved by wind can cause damage like broken windows or damaged roofs. The wind during a storm can also be powerful enough to lift the roof off your house. Often, these damaging winds are caused by tornadoes that form because of the hurricane.

The damage caused by storm surge, floods, and strong winds can be unexpected. This is why it is important to take necessary precautions like packing an emergency preparedness kit, installing storm-resistant features on your home, and following any official warnings at the onset of a storm.

Water damage and the other types of damage in the aftermath of a storm can be excessive and overwhelming. Cleanup can also be dangerous. SERVPRO® of Northeast Collin County/Greenville is the leading expert in storm damage restoration.  SERVPRO® of Northeast Collin County/Greenville is currently servicing clients in Anna, Farmersville and Murphy Texas, due to the recent rainfall in the North Texas area.