To help keep your family and home protected, it’s important to know the facts about severe weather, so you can take appropriate action when needed. We researched some of the most common questions homeowners have about severe weather, and found the answers and solutions.
Q: Can lighting strike in the same place twice?
Yes, it can. The Empire State Building gets struck by lightning about 100 times every year! During a thunderstorm, buildings can get struck by lightning multiple times. Therefore, if you’re out in a storm, don’t run to the last spot you saw lighting strike for protection—there’s no guarantee it won’t hit the same spot again!
Q: Does being inside a building protect me from being harmed by lighting?
Lightning can strike telephone lines, electrical wires, plumbing, and metal door frames. So while it’s definitely better than being out in the open, you still need to seek protection inside a building by staying away from these areas. Also, avoid using phones or taking a bath or shower.
Q: If the weather looks clear am I safe from lighting?
Many people attribute lighting to gray clouds and rain, but lightning isn’t confined to just storms. Even if the sky is clear, lightning can still strike from miles away. In some cases, lightning has hit buildings or people from up to 15 miles away from an actual storm.
Q: If I own a truck or other large vehicle can I just drive through flood waters?
Some people believe that a larger vehicle can drive through deeper water. Unfortunately, a vehicle, even a very heavy one, can float away in just two feet of water. Never drive through floodwaters during a storm!
Q: Do flash floods only occur along streams?
No, flash floods can occur in dry creek beds, urban areas, and even locations where no streams are present. They are extremely dangerous and can happen in areas far from waterways.
Q: What direction do storms and tornadoes move?
Thunderstorms and tornadoes flow in different locations based on the wind and the atmosphere. While it is more common for a storm to move from the west to the east, tornadoes are especially erratic. They can change direction at any moment, so you should never try to outrun a storm in your vehicle.
Q: Can I wait out a tornado under a concrete highway overpass?
Overpasses will actually concentrate a tornado’s winds. This makes the wind stronger under an overpass than it would be somewhere else. If the overpass does not withstand the storm, falling concrete and building materials pose a serious threat to anyone underneath. Find a place to wait out the tornado, ideally below ground level, such as a ditch.
Q: Will opening the windows in my house prevent the glass from exploding during a tornado?
While some people expect an open window to lower the pressure in the homes, it is unlikely to have any positive effect. Homes are not airtight, therefore closed windows do not stop the flow of air. In reality, the violent winds of the tornado and flying debris are the most common causes of building damage. Stay away from windows and exterior walls to keep yourself safe from any flying debris.
Q: Does the amount of damage from a hurricane depend on the wind strength?
While a hurricane’s winds can have a devastating effect, it can cause damage in other ways. Storm surges and flooding are responsible for half of the serious injuries (and worse) from a hurricane. Even if the hurricane is not significantly windy, storm surges can cause excessive damage.
ALE Solutions monitors weather activity 24/7/365. In anticipation of a storm’s path, ALE reserves hotel rooms in advance to ensure availability in periods of high demand. Learn more about ALE Solutions disaster response.
