Keeping Out the Rain: Safety During Summer Storms in Fort Worth
Welcome to the (unofficial) summer season—a time for fun in the sun but also a time for unpredictable weather. Summer storms in Fort Worth can be dangerous and destructive, causing everything from flash floods to tornadoes. That’s why it’s crucial to be prepared and stay alert when these storms are forecast.
When a summer storm hits, your home can suffer extensive damage if you’re not ready. That’s why it’s essential to understand the potential harm that these storms can cause, including wind and hail damage, flooding, and power outages. In this blog, we’ll look at these sources of damage and provide tips to help you prepare for summer storms and keep you and your property safe.
Watching for Damage During Summer Storms in Fort Worth
Wind damage is a key factor when discussing summer storm damage.
Wind Damage. If you live in an area prone to high winds, they can wreak havoc on your home during a storm. Even moderate winds can impact your roof, windows, and siding. If a gust of wind is strong enough, they can uproot trees.
Hail Damage. Small balls of ice, commonly known as hail, can devastate property. Hailstones can range from a few millimeters to several centimeters in size and often fall at high speed.
The most severe hail damage typically occurs during supercell thunderstorms, which are characterized by large, rotating updrafts or upward air movement. These updrafts can propel hailstones upward before they fall back to the ground. When hailstones fall from such great heights, they can acquire enough kinetic energy to create damage.
Flooding. The combination of heavy rains and strong winds can rapidly overwhelm storm drains, causing water to back up and flood streets and homes. Flash floods can also occur when summer storms move through an area, creating dangerous conditions. They can happen within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall, catching people off-guard. Just six inches of moving water can knock a person down, and two feet of water can sweep a vehicle away.
It’s also important to know that most typical home insurance policies don’t include flood insurance. If you live in a high-risk area, talk with your agent about adding this important coverage.
Power Outages. Power outages are sometimes the result of a summer storm. Due to downed power lines, outages can last for hours, days, or even weeks. A lack of electricity can be a problem for those who rely on electrical medical equipment and those who live in hot weather regions where air conditioning is necessary. Power outages can cause food spoilage, water shortages, and transportation disruptions.
Summer storms can also cause widespread damage to the electrical grid, leading to long-term power outages. Not having power can affect an entire community, causing business closures and a loss of income for residents.
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