Types of Weather Damage to Be Aware of in the Lehigh Valley

9/20/2019 (Permalink)

SEVERE WEATHER & STORMS

High-speed wind gusts, heavy rainfall or a combination of both pose a higher risk for property destruction than your basic rain shower. Severe weather storms including thunderstorms, flash floods, hurricanes, hail and tornadoes far surpass average storms with their sheer force and potential for damage.

TYPES OF SEVERE WEATHER TO BE AWARE OF

• Thunderstorms Severe thunderstorms generate wind gusts greater than 57.5 mph. Winds of this speed can damage shingles, break windows, knock down trees and leave your home susceptible to water damage.
• Flooding In the right conditions, storms can generate immense amounts of precipitation that quickly saturate the ground, overwhelm drainage systems and swell waterways. Rapidly rising water can easily inundate homes, where it may stay for hours or days before receding.
• Hail storms Hail storms can cause immense damage to the structure of your home, ranging from creating vulnerabilities in the protection of shingles or siding to clear holes in your roof, windows or walls.

Severe weather can be scary, and the damages to your home can be even worse. When a harsh weather event impacts your home, SERVPRO of Easton, Bethlehem & Whitehall can take care of your water damage needs, as we are always watching the storm patterns and ready to react in your time of need.

WINTER WEATHER

In addition to freezing temperatures, winter weather conditions can include rain, heavy snowfall, ice dams, sleet and blizzards. Dents from hail, roof damage from ice dams, and flooding from frozen and burst pipes and snowmelt are just a few examples of the potential damages that can be wrought by severe winter weather.

WINTER WEATHER TERMS TO KNOW

• Wind chill advisory Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be a significant inconvenience to life with prolonged exposure, and if caution is not exercised, could lead to hazardous exposure.
• Wind chill warning Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be hazardous to life within several minutes of exposure.
• Dense fog advisory Issued when fog will reduce visibility to ¼ mile or less over a widespread area.
• Blizzard warning Issued for sustained or gusty winds of 35mph or more, and falling or blowing snow creating visibilities at or below ¼ mile. These conditions should persist for at least three hours.
• Winter storm watch Alerts the public to the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain or heavy sleet. Usually issued 12 to 48 hours before a storm begins.
• Winter storm warning Issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain or heavy sleet is imminent or occurring. Usually issued 12 to 24 hours before event.

If you ever find yourself in need of Storm Damage Restoration services, call SERVPRO of Easton, Bethlehem & Whitehall at 800-455-9453