With severe weather season 2012 officially underway, forecasters are watching the southern Midwest this week, as severe thunderstorms, some accompanied by tennis ball sized hail may strike parts of the western Oklahoma and move slowly across northern Texas. This weather could result in flood damage and water damage to businesses and personl property. This is according to forecasts released from the National Weather Service.
Weather warning for Midwest
Chance of widespread flood and water damage
Beginning this week, Oklahoma has a fairly moderate risk of severe storms, with a near 50% chance of damaging hail and a much smaller (5%) chance of tornadoes. Most of the expected damage will come from strong winds and large hail, but the chance of tornadoes has not been ruled out completely. The Storm Prediction Center in Norman Oklahoma has released a hazardous weather statement detailing to risks posed to residential and commercial properties.
Other areas of the country are under similar watches, with damaging storm systems also predicted for areas of Kansas in addition to Oklahoma and Texas from April 12 through the 14th.
So far in March, 223 tornadoes were reported in the US, down from the average for the month which is up from the average of 80 reported twisters for the same time period. Tornadoes and damaging hail struck the Dallas TX area just last week, causing widespread water damage and the cancellation of more than 1900 airline flights. Aircraft on the ground were also damaged by the storm system. No fatalities were reported. Another tornado outbreak across the Ohio Valley and the Southeast killed 40 people caused more than $1.5 billion in wind and flood damage. It marked the first time so far this season that a weather related event had caused damage totals to top the $1 billion mark. Last season, the United States had 14 such weather events.
Many states are observing Severe Weather Weeks, with each day taken to highlight a specific aspect of severe weather, such as lightning, hail, rain, and wind. Participating communities are taught how to prepare their homes and businesses against the threat of severe weather, and children are taught what to do and what not to do if they are caught up in an undesirable situation.
Dangers associated with severe storm water damage
In the event of any sort of water or storm damage, it is always important to think safety first. Downed power lines should be avoided, and electricity and gas should be shut off to any damaged structure. It isn’t hard to see why, either, since water and electricity do not mix and leaking gas can be easily ignited. Shutting off utilities is one of the best ways to secure a damaged property.
Your local water damage restoration provider is ready to help you take care of all your water damage restoration needs. They are available 24/7 and offer same day service in most cases, which means you can have a qualified technician on your property within an hour or so of your call. They will be able to properly assess the situation and begin the water damage restoration process. All work is guaranteed and they will be able to work with your insurance company directly, billing them and sparing you the headache of dealing with it.
It’s severe weather season, so make sure that you, your family, and your home are protected from sudden storm damage and water damage.
