Can thunderstorms be Dangerous?

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Thunderstorm in action.

Can thunderstorms be Dangerous?

The answer is YES!

Thunderstorms can be one of the more dramatic weather events and they can make themselves known through the crashes and bright bolts of lightning. Here is how storms can cause damage to your home so you can be aware of what to watch out for.

There are several ways that a thunderstorm can lead to issues around the house. Some main ways can be lightning damage, flood damage and the development of water leaks that are in your home. Knowing what can happen is the best way to keep yourself and your home safe/ damage-free.

Three main things can happen when a thunderstorm rolls through your area.

1. Lightning Damage: Some thunderstorms are caused by electrical charges in the air, this produces the lightning and thunder we can see and hear. While many lightning bolts will strike from cloud to cloud, the ones that strike the ground can cause serious damage to buildings/homes. Lightning that strikes on or near a home can send an electrical current through the wiring, which can lead to surges to electronics and even electrical fires within the walls of your home or business.

2. Flood Damage: Floods can be caused for many reasons, but flash floods are caused by sudden, heavy rainfall that overwhelms an area, and they can cause serious damage to the area. Flash floods are a big concern after thunderstorms because they can overwhelm any area and multiple areas. They can catch people off guard, so it is important to always be listening about the weather because flash flooding is a possibility. While the physical damage can cause devastation, the flash floods can also be very dangerous.

3. Water Leaks: Leaks in the house are extremely common after heavy rain, as the moisture can work its way into the home that homeowners were not aware of. You should check your roof after every big storm to look for missing shingles or any indicator that there is a leak underneath. Also check around all windows and doors to ensure their seals have held up and be sure there is no water in your gutters or around your foundation to help with flooding and water damage.

For any questions call SERVPRO of Morgantown

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

304-291-3434