Damaging Winds: Essential Safety Tips For Fast-Moving Storms

4 min read Post on May 21, 2025

Damaging Winds: Essential Safety Tips For Fast-Moving Storms

Understanding the Risks of Damaging Winds

Fast-moving storms, capable of producing damaging winds, come in various forms. Understanding the different types and their potential impact is the first step in effective preparedness.

Types of Fast-Moving Storms

Several types of storms can generate extremely high winds:

Derechoes: Widespread, long-lived windstorms associated with a band of rapidly moving thunderstorms. These can cause significant damage over vast areas.
Thunderstorms: While many thunderstorms produce only moderate winds, severe thunderstorms can unleash damaging gusts exceeding 58 mph (93 km/h). These often include hail and heavy rainfall.
Hurricanes: These intense tropical cyclones are characterized by sustained high winds and torrential rain. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale categorizes hurricanes based on wind speed, with Category 5 hurricanes possessing the most destructive winds.
Tornadoes: These violently rotating columns of air are the most localized but potentially the most destructive of all windstorms. The Enhanced Fujita scale rates tornadoes based on the damage they inflict.

Wind Speed and Damage Potential

The intensity of damaging winds directly correlates with the level of destruction.

39-57 mph (63-92 km/h): Minor damage; broken tree branches, some damage to signs.
58-72 mph (93-116 km/h): Significant damage; uprooted trees, structural damage to buildings, mobile homes damaged or destroyed.
73 mph (117 km/h) and above: Catastrophic damage; widespread tree damage, major structural damage, significant risk to life.
High winds can uproot trees, causing damage to property and power lines.
Strong winds can snap power lines, leading to widespread power outages.
Flying debris, such as signs, tree branches, and even parts of buildings, poses a significant threat to life and property during high winds.
Fast-moving storms can lead to flash flooding, compounding the risks.

Preparing Your Home for Damaging Winds

Preparing your home and property before a storm with damaging winds hits is critical for minimizing damage and ensuring safety.

Securing Your Property

Taking proactive steps to secure your home and property before a storm significantly reduces the risk of damage.

Bring all loose outdoor items inside: furniture, decorations, garbage cans, anything that could become airborne and cause damage.
Trim or remove trees and branches that are close to your house. These can easily fall and cause significant damage.
Reinforce your garage door, as this is a vulnerable point of entry for high winds. Consider using bracing kits or additional support.
Board up windows if necessary, especially if you are in the path of a high-wind event.
Protect your windows with storm shutters or plywood.
Create an emergency supply kit that includes water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, and important documents.

Staying Safe During a Storm with Damaging Winds

Knowing what to do during a storm with damaging winds is crucial for your safety.

Evacuation Procedures

If you are in a high-risk area and an evacuation order is issued, leave immediately and follow designated routes.

Safe Indoor Practices

If you cannot evacuate, follow these steps:

Stay away from windows.
Go to a designated safe room or an interior hallway, away from windows and exterior walls.
Avoid using electronics during a power outage to prevent electrocution.
Monitor weather reports and warnings through a weather radio or reliable news sources.
Stay informed through a NOAA weather radio or a reliable news source.

After the Storm: Assessing Damage and Recovery

Following the storm, safety remains paramount.

Post-Storm Safety Precautions

After the storm passes, exercise caution:

Check for gas leaks and electrical hazards. Call emergency services if you detect any issues.
Avoid downed power lines—they can be electrically charged even after the power is out.
Be cautious of debris and flooding. Flooding can cause structural damage and create hazardous conditions.
Document damage with photos and videos for insurance claims.

Reporting Damage and Seeking Assistance

Report damage to your local authorities.

Contact your insurance company immediately to report the damage.
Seek assistance from local or state agencies if needed.

Conclusion

Protecting yourself and your property from damaging winds requires preparation and awareness. By understanding the risks associated with different types of fast-moving storms, preparing your home, and knowing how to stay safe during and after a storm, you can significantly reduce the impact of damaging winds. Don't wait for the next storm with damaging winds to strike; prepare your home and family today. Learn more about protecting yourself from damaging winds and other severe weather events by consulting your local emergency management agency.