Spring Storm Season

5/20/2021 (Permalink)

It’s spring in Wisconsin.  And with it comes storms and tornado season.  April through September is considered tornado season in Wisconsin.  That said, tornadoes can occur any time of the year, but happen most often in the months of May, June and July.  Of those three months, Wisconsin tends to see the most tornadoes in June.

Tornado season tends to be one of our busiest times because storms pose multiple threats to your home or business.  Lightning strikes can start a fire.  High winds can blow off shingles and allow water to intrude into your home.  High winds can also topple power lines leaving you without electricity and a working sump pump, which can result in water in your basement. Large amounts of rain can result in flooding or run off that can run into your home or business if the surrounding ground is not properly graded.

Unfortunately, you cannot prevent strong storms and tornadoes.  But you can be prepared.  You can make sure your home is in good repair so it can withstand high winds and you can make sure the ground around your home is properly graded so that ground water runoff flows away from your home instead of towards it.  And of course, you can keep SERVPRO of Appleton’s phone number handy.  Prompt response to disaster is key to mitigating the damage.   

SERVPRO of Appleton will help you clean up and insurance will cover the cost of damage to your property.  You need to focus on staying alert and staying safe during a storm.  Local television and radio station typically broadcast weather alerts.  If you do not tend to listen to local stations, a weather radio can be helpful during storm season. 

A WATCH means that the conditions are perfect, and the potential exists, for the development of severe storms or tornadoes but nothing is currently happening.  A WARNING means that severe weather is imminent in your area or is already occurring.  If a warning is issued, you should take shelter immediately.