Reasons That Thunderstorms Are So Dangerous | SERVPRO® of Alamo Heights

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms can pop up at any moment. Contact SERVPRO of Alamo Heights today if you experience any damage.

It is not uncommon for thunderstorms to occur during the warmer months of the year, but even though they are frequent, they should still be treated with caution every time. Every thunderstorm has the potential to cause damage due to high winds, lightning strikes, hail, flash flooding and more, and if you are unprepared, they can be quite dangerous events.

Any storm that has thunder and lightning is considered a thunderstorm, and all thunderstorms do contain both even if you do not see a lightning strike. If hail one inch or larger falls and winds reach 58 miles per hour, a thunderstorm will be upgraded to severe status.

Understanding how thunderstorms can be dangerous is key to staying safe from them, so we will look at that information below.

Why Thunderstorms Can Be So Dangerous

Damage and injury from lightning strikes. Lightning strikes are one of the most dangerous elements of thunderstorms, and it is reported that they cause around 300 injuries every year. This does not include the damage that lightning can cause to homes, such as starting a house fire or felling trees that can then fall on structures. Every thunderstorm also produces lightning, so even if you do not see it, it is a possibility.

Property damage due to hail. It is extremely frightening when hail begins to fall, both because it is quite loud and because it can cause serious damage. If cars are left unsheltered or unprepared people get caught in hail, serious damage and injury can occur. Hail can also damage a home’s roof or siding, making it more susceptible to water damage vulnerabilities as well.

Harm from flash flooding. Though flooding tends to happen in predictable areas, flash flooding due to thunderstorms is quite different. Backed-up storm drains or overflowing ditches can lead to a flash flooding incident that impacts an entire neighborhood, which is a very dangerous situation. Just a few inches of water can knock over an adult or carry away a vehicle, and if it is dark outside, it can be quite difficult to see the floodwaters rising.

Thunderstorms are dangerous and can cause significant damage to homes or commercial spaces. If you have damage due to a thunderstorm, you can count on us to help. Contact us ²⁴⁄₇ for more information about our storm restoration practices.