Spring brings warmer temperatures and longer days, but it also marks the return of severe weather season across the United States. This year, we’ve already seen a lot of storm activity and forecasts suggest we may see more instability as the season continues.
Spring storm season typically runs from March through June, when changing weather patterns create conditions for thunderstorms, hail, tornadoes, and heavy rain. While severe weather can occur at any time, April through June is often the most active period. During these months, storms can develop quickly, making it especially important to stay informed, monitor weather alerts, and prepare your home and family ahead of time.
Preparing for a Storm
Preparing ahead of time can help protect your family and reduce potential damage to your home. Identify a safe place to shelter, such as a basement or an interior room on the lowest level away from windows, and make sure everyone in your household knows where to go during severe weather.
Keep an emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, batteries, bottled water, nonperishable food, and a first-aid kit. Securing outdoor furniture, trimming tree branches, and clearing gutters can also help prevent damage during strong winds and heavy rain.
Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms are one of the most common types of spring storms and can form quickly. These storms may bring strong winds, lightning, heavy rain, and sometimes hail or tornadoes. Lightning can pose serious risks, especially for people outdoors or near tall structures.
When thunderstorms approach, move indoors and avoid open spaces, tall objects, and metal structures. It is also a good idea to unplug sensitive electronics if possible during severe lightning.
Damage caused by lightning or strong winds is typically covered by standard homeowners insurance policies, though coverage details and deductibles may vary.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes can develop during severe thunderstorms and produce powerful winds capable of damaging homes, uprooting trees, and sending debris through the air.
If a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter immediately in a basement or interior room on the lowest level of your home, away from windows. If a basement is not available, choose a small interior room such as a closet or bathroom.
In many cases, homeowners insurance covers tornado-related damage, including structural damage to your home and personal belongings affected by wind. Reviewing your coverage before storm season can help you understand what protection your policy provides.
Hail
Hail forms during strong thunderstorms when water droplets freeze into ice stones before falling to the ground. Hailstones can vary in size, and larger storms can produce hail large enough to cause significant damage.
Large hail can damage roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. If hail begins to fall, move vehicles into a garage or covered area if possible and stay indoors until the storm passes.
Hail damage to homes is usually covered by homeowners insurance, while vehicle damage is typically covered under the comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy.
Water Damage and Flooding
Heavy rainfall during storms can lead to flooding and water damage. Flash flooding can happen quickly, especially when drainage systems become overwhelmed by large amounts of rain.
Keeping gutters clear, checking drainage around your home, and maintaining sump pumps can help reduce the risk of water damage. It is also important to avoid driving through flooded roads, as even small amounts of moving water can be dangerous.
It is important to note that flood damage is usually not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies and may require a separate flood insurance policy.
Stay Protected – Let's Review Your Policy
Spring storms can develop quickly, so preparing your home and understanding your insurance coverage can make a big difference. Knowing what your policy covers can help prevent unexpected costs if severe weather causes damage.
Our agents are here to help review your coverage and answer questions, so you can feel confident your home, vehicle, and belongings are protected.
