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	Sommario <br> St. Louis, often referred to as STL, experiences a variety of severe weather events throughout the year that can cause significant property damage. From thunderstorms and tornadoes in spring and summer to ice storms and heavy snowfall in winter, residents of the greater St. Louis metropolitan area must be prepared for the potential impacts of these weather events. This article explores the common types of storm damage in the STL region, preventative measures, and steps to take when damage occurs.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Common Types of Storm Damage in STL<br> <br> <br> <br> Thunderstorm Damage<br> <br> <br> The St. Louis region experiences an average of 40-50 thunderstorm days annually. These storms can produce multiple hazards:<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Wind Damage: Straight-line winds exceeding 60 mph can topple trees, damage roofs, and send unsecured objects flying. If you beloved this article and you would like to obtain more info regarding Local Pros - https://localpro.tips/tag/tree-removal/ generously visit the page. The July 2006 derecho (a widespread, long-lived windstorm) caused extensive damage across the region with winds reaching 90 mph.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Lightning Strikes: St. Louis averages 40-50 thunderstorm days per year, with each storm producing numerous lightning strikes. Direct lightning strikes can ignite fires, damage electrical systems, and destroy trees that may fall on structures.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Hail Damage: Hailstones can range from pea-sized to softball-sized in extreme cases. The April 2012 hailstorm damaged thousands of roofs and vehicles across St. Louis County with hail reaching 2 inches in diameter.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Tornado Damage<br> <br> <br> St. Louis sits on the eastern edge of "Tornado Alley" and has experienced several devastating tornadoes:<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> The 2011 Good Friday Tornado damaged Lambert International Airport and numerous homes in North County.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> The 2021 Edwardsville Tornado caused catastrophic damage to an Amazon warehouse, resulting in multiple fatalities.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Tornado damage can range from broken windows and roof damage in EF0-EF1 tornadoes to complete structural failure in EF3-EF5 events.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Flooding<br> <br> <br> The confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers makes the STL region vulnerable to flooding:<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Flash Flooding: Urban areas with significant impervious surfaces are particularly susceptible to rapid water accumulation during intense rainfall.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> River Flooding: The Great Flood of 1993 remains a stark reminder of the Mississippi River's power, causing billions in damage across the region.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Basement Flooding: Many St. Louis homes experience basement flooding during heavy precipitation events due to saturated soil conditions and aging infrastructure.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Winter Storm Damage<br> <br> <br> Winter brings its own set of challenges:<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Ice Storms: The weight of ice accumulation can bring down tree limbs and power lines. The January 2007 ice storm left over 500,000 residents without power.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Snow Load: Heavy, wet snow can cause roof collapses, particularly on flat roofs common in older commercial buildings.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Freeze-Thaw Cycles: The fluctuating temperatures in STL winters create expansion and contraction that can damage foundations, driveways, and roads.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Preventative Measures<br> <br> <br> <br> Property Maintenance<br> <br> <br> Regular maintenance is the first line of defense against storm damage:<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Roof Inspections: Have your roof professionally inspected annually, particularly after severe weather events. Replace damaged shingles promptly.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Tree Management: Remove dead or diseased trees and trim branches that overhang structures. Consider having mature trees evaluated by an arborist.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Gutter Maintenance: Clean gutters and downspouts at least twice yearly to prevent water backup and ice dams.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Foundation Inspection: Check for cracks or signs of water intrusion around your foundation and address issues promptly.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Structural Improvements<br> <br> <br> Consider these upgrades to improve your property's resilience:<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Impact-Resistant Roofing: Class 4 impact-resistant shingles can withstand hail better than standard materials.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Storm Shutters or Impact-Resistant Windows: These can protect against flying debris during high winds.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Basement Waterproofing: Interior drainage systems, sump pumps with battery backups, and exterior waterproofing can prevent basement flooding.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Roof Strapping: Hurricane straps or clips create a continuous load path from roof to foundation, significantly improving wind resistance.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Emergency Preparedness<br> <br> <br> Being prepared for storms is essential:<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Emergency Kit: Maintain a kit with water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and a weather radio.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Evacuation Plan: Establish and practice a family evacuation plan, including meeting points and communication strategies.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Safe Room: Identify the safest location in your home for tornado sheltering, typically a basement or interior room without windows on the lowest floor.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Generator: Consider investing in a portable or whole-house generator for extended power outages.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> When Damage Occurs<br> <br> <br> <br> Immediate Actions<br> <br> <br> If your property sustains storm damage:<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Ensure Safety: Check for hazards like downed power lines, gas leaks, or structural instability before re-entering or assessing damage.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Temporary Repairs: Cover damaged roofs or broken windows with tarps or plywood to prevent further water intrusion.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Document Everything: Take photos and videos of all damage before cleanup begins. This documentation is crucial for insurance claims.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Prevent Further Damage: Remove water using pumps or wet vacuums to prevent mold growth and additional structural damage.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Insurance Considerations<br> <br> <br> Navigating insurance after storm damage:<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Prompt Notification: Contact your insurance company immediately after discovering damage.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Claim Documentation: Keep detailed records of all conversations with insurance representatives, including names, dates, and discussion points.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Professional Assessment: Consider hiring a public adjuster for significant claims to ensure fair compensation.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Contractor Selection: Use only licensed, insured contractors for repairs, and be wary of storm chasers who may provide substandard work.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Climate Change Implications<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> The St. Louis region is experiencing changing weather patterns that may influence future storm damage:<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Increased Precipitation Intensity: Climate models suggest more frequent heavy rainfall events, potentially increasing flash flooding risk.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Temperature Variability: Greater temperature fluctuations may lead to more freeze-thaw cycles and associated infrastructure damage.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Storm Severity: While the frequency of tornadoes may not increase, some research suggests the potential for more intense storms when they do occur.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Community Resources<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> St. Louis residents can access various resources for storm preparation and recovery:<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> St. Louis County Emergency Management Agency: Provides alerts, preparedness information, and coordination during disasters.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> % Lasciare vuoto per usare come riassunto una versione del testo abbreviata automaticamente. Altre informazioni sui formati del testo Plain text Nessun tag HTML consentito. Indirizzi web o e-mail vengono trasformati in link automaticamente Linee e paragrafi vanno a capo automaticamente.	Peso per la riga 1
	Sommario Lasciare vuoto per usare come riassunto una versione del testo abbreviata automaticamente. Altre informazioni sui formati del testo Plain text Nessun tag HTML consentito. Indirizzi web o e-mail vengono trasformati in link automaticamente Linee e paragrafi vanno a capo automaticamente.	Peso per la riga 2

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