Onshore Cold Fronts Can Bring Powerful Storms to Tampa

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

The Tampa area is accustomed to power thunderstorms and the damage they can do. Often in the late Fall and Winter a cold front will head in from the Gulf. A line of gusty thunderstorms will move onshore right before the main cold front arrives. These storms can happen anytime, but when they are in the early morning hours, you might be waking up to storm damage.

According to the National Severe Storms Laboratory, there are an estimated 16 million thunderstorms each year throughout the world. In the U.S., the number typically comes to around 100,000 thunderstorms per year, with 10% of those considered severe.

Damage Created by Thunderstorms in Tampa

There are many aspects of a thunderstorm that can prove dangerous, but one of the greatest risks is the chance of flying debris due to high winds.

In a severe thunderstorm, wind speeds can gust and cause significant damage to your property.

Take the time to secure items in your yard prior to any thunderstorms rolling through. Even items that seem harmless can turn into a projectile, such as tree branches, gravel, mailboxes, fencing, lawn furniture, potted plants and garbage cans when high winds occur.

Besides wind damage, thunderstorms can also produce the following damage:

Lightning damage. If lightning strikes a home or building, that electricity can pass through the wiring of the home. This could severely damage any electrical appliances that are plugged into an outlet. Lightning can also result in the starting of fires.

Tornado damage. Tornadoes are extremely destructive, and they can have wind speeds reaching upwards of 200 mph in the worst of occurrences. Tornadoes can do severe structural damage in a very short amount of time.
Hail damage. Did you know that according to NOAA, the cost of hail damage can reach $1 billion a year? Small hail can damage crops, while larger hail can damage vehicles, roofing and windows.

Flood damage. It is not uncommon for heavy rains to accompany a thunderstorm, and occasionally, that can lead to flash flooding. These floods can damage structures, tear trees out of the ground and sweep things away.

When you experience damage to your home or business as a result of a thunderstorm, know that the team at SERVPRO of West Tampa is available to help with cleanup and restoration. Call us:(813) 855-0888