5 Common Issues After Severe Storms

The wind has finally died down. The heavy rain that pounded against your windows for hours has turned into a light drizzle, leaving behind a silence that feels both relieving and slightly unsettled. When a severe storm rolls through, the immediate focus is always on safety and riding it out. But once the clouds clear, a new phase begins: damage assessment.

While some storm damage is obvious—like a large tree branch blocking your driveway—other issues are far more subtle. These hidden problems can fester, turning into expensive repairs if they aren’t caught early. From the peak of your roof to the foundation of your basement, post-storm inspections are vital for protecting your property.

Here is a guide to the five most common issues homeowners and vehicle owners face after severe weather, along with tips on how to spot them before they escalate.

1. Roof Damage and Missing Shingles

Your roof takes the brunt of any storm. High winds, hail, and heavy debris can wreak havoc on shingles and tiles, compromising the structural integrity of your home’s first line of defense.

Wind damage doesn’t always look like a gaping hole. It often manifests as lifted or curled shingles. When the sealant breaks, the shingle might lay flat again, but it is no longer watertight. During the next rainstorm, water can slip underneath and rot the wood decking below.

What to look for:

• Missing Shingles: Look for dark patches on your roof where shingles have been ripped away.
• Granule Loss: If you have asphalt shingles, check your gutters. If they are filled with excessive granules (the rough, sandy coating on the shingle), it means the life of your roof has been significantly shortened by hail.
• Debris: Heavy branches on the roof can puncture materials. Even if the branch looks small, the impact velocity could have caused a crack.

If you suspect damage, avoid climbing up there yourself, especially if the surface is wet. Use binoculars from the ground or hire a professional roofer to perform an inspection.

2. Water Intrusion and Foundation Issues

Water is persistent. During a severe storm, rainwater can pool around your foundation, overwhelming drainage systems and seeping into basements or crawl spaces. This is particularly dangerous because mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure.

Even if you don’t see standing water, moisture could still be present. Saturation in the soil around your home exerts hydrostatic pressure on your foundation walls, which can lead to cracks and eventual bowing.

Check these areas immediately:

• The Attic: Look for dark spots on the underside of the roof decking or wet insulation.
• Ceilings and Walls: Yellow or brown rings on your drywall indicate an active leak.
• The Basement: Check corners and floorboards for dampness. A musty smell is often the first indicator of hidden moisture.

3. Vehicle Damage: Dents and Cracked Glass

Your home isn’t the only property at risk. Vehicles parked outside are highly susceptible to damage from hail, flying debris, and falling branches. While a few dents on the hood might seem like a cosmetic annoyance, damage to your car’s glass is a safety hazard that needs immediate attention.

Hail impact can create small chips in windshields that might go unnoticed at first. However, as the temperature fluctuates—warming up during the day and cooling down at night—those small chips can rapidly expand into large cracks that obstruct your vision and compromise the structural integrity of the cabin.

If you are located in areas with volatile weather patterns, you know how quickly a minor chip becomes a major headache. For example, if you reside in Northern Utah, you deal with intense seasonal shifts. Finding a local specialist is key. Whether you need body work or auto glass in Kaysville, Utah, addressing these vulnerabilities immediately prevents the crack from spreading across the entire windshield.

4. Electrical System Damage

Power surges are common during lightning storms, and they can silently fry your home’s electronics and appliances. Furthermore, damage to the exterior service entry cable (the line running from the utility pole to your meter) can be dangerous.

If your power went out and came back on, or if you noticed flickering during the storm, do a quick inventory of your electronics.

Signs of electrical trouble:

• Tripped Breakers: If a breaker won’t reset, do not force it. This indicates a short or a fault in the line.
• Burning Smells: An acrid, plastic-like smell near outlets or your breaker panel is an emergency. Turn off the main power and call an electrician immediately.
• Flickering Lights: This could indicate a loose connection caused by wind damaging the exterior lines.

5. Dangerous Tree Limbs and Debris

We often look at the ground for fallen branches, but the real danger is often hanging above. Arborists call them “widowmakers”—broken branches that have detached from the trunk but are caught in the canopy, waiting to fall.

After a storm, walk your property (wearing a hard hat if possible, or staying clear of the drip line of trees) and look up. Inspect trees near your house, driveway, and power lines.

Additionally, debris on the ground can hide other hazards. Leaves and twigs can clog exterior drains and catch basins. If another storm follows quickly behind the first, these clogs will prevent proper drainage, leading to the flooding issues mentioned earlier. Clear your gutters and downspouts as soon as it is safe to do so to ensure the water has a clear path away from your home.

Restoring Safety and Peace of Mind

Storms are a reminder of nature’s power, but the recovery process puts the control back in your hands. By systematically checking your roof, foundation, vehicle, and electrical systems, you can catch minor issues before they turn into major financial burdens.

Don’t rush the process. If you find significant damage, document it with photos for insurance purposes and contact professionals who can help you restore your property. Whether it’s a roofer, an electrician, or a specialist for your car, getting the right help ensures that when the next storm rolls in, you’ll be ready.

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