Summer Thunderstorms 101

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

While we see a general increase in the number of thunderstorms during the summer months, there is variation in the severity of such storms.

Due to atmospheric conditions, we see an increased number of thunderstorms during the summer months. There is, however, variation in the severity of summer thunderstorms. In today’s blog, using information compiled by NOAA's National Severe Storms Laboratory, we will break down different types of thunderstorms you may see during the summer so that you can better understand what effects they can have on your residential or commercial property. For an overview of summer thunderstorm classifications and the ways in which SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall can help should any storm damage be inflicted upon your home or commercial property in the aftermath of a storm, read on.

Single-Cell Thunderstorm

Encountering a single-cell thunderstorm, especially on a hot summer afternoon, is fairly common. Usually short and weak in nature, single-cell thunderstorms typically conclude within an hour. While they may be short-lived, single-cell thunderstorms can still be powerful, as they produce lightning and heavy rain.

Multi-Cell Thunderstorms

In comparison, multi-cell thunderstorms last significantly longer than single-cell thunderstorms. They are also considerably stronger, producing heavier rain, flooding, hail, strong winds, and even tornadoes. 

Squall Line

Differing from thunderstorm cells, squall lines are composed of a line of thunderstorms, occurring one after the other. Squall lines, like multi-cell thunderstorms, produce high winds and heavy rain, but they generally pass over areas in a shorter amount of time and are less likely to initiate tornadoes. A “super squall” is also possible, which increases the duration of the storm event. 

Derecho

One rare type of summer thunderstorm is a derecho. This weather event is a prolonged and strong storm, which features fast-moving thunderstorms and downpours, as well as forceful winds. A derecho usually leaves a path of damage in its wake that resembles that of a tornado. While a derecho is a severe weather event with potential for inflicting serious damage, remember that they are rare. 

Have Storm Damage? SERVPRO Can Help

If your residential or commercial property experiences storm damage this summer, know that SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall is always standing by, ready to help restore your home or business to its preloss condition. To make it “Like it never even happened” for property owners, our highly-skilled and trained storm damage restoration professionals, in combination with our advanced technologies, provide customers with top-quality Storm Damage Restoration services. In the event of an emergency, you can find additional resources, such as our Water and Storm Damage Tips, on our SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East website, while waiting for help to arrive. On our website, you can also find additional information about our Disaster Recovery Team, SERVPRO’s large network of teams across the country, which serves as a tool that allows us to compile resources in the event of commercial large-loss storm events. Give us a call at (412) 672-5400 for more information about how SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East can restore your property after any emergency.