Restoration logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Restoration logo
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Products & Technologies
    • Submit Your Product
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
  • EDUCATION
    • KnowHow.
    • Podcasts
    • Trade Shows & Expos
    • Training & Certification
    • Webinars
    • Whitepapers
  • TOPICS
    • Water Damage
    • Fire & Smoke Damage
    • Mold
    • Contamination
    • Odor
    • Contents
    • Architecture
    • Catastrophe
    • Cleaning
  • BUSINESS
    • Managing Your Business
    • Insurance/Legal Matters
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • VIDEOS
    • Ask Annissa
    • Ask the Expert
    • Ironclad Marketing Minute
    • TradeTalks
    • Video Channel
  • INFOCENTER
    • Mold and Mycotoxins
  • THE EXPERIENCE
    • Conference & Exhibition
    • Convention & Trade Show
    • R&R Special Issue
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP
Water Damage RestorationContamination Restoration & Remediation​

Severe Weather 101: Understanding the Weather Can Mean Getting Ahead of Claims

By Michelle Blevins
thunderstorm
July 12, 2016

One of my favorite "hobbies" as a newbie journalist during my first gig out of college was "storm chasing." Living in the middle of nothing but cornfields in Northwest Indiana offered the perfect breeding ground for severe weather, and I was always quick to grab my camera and keep a close eye on the radar to get near the most intense spots I could find. Yes, it was a stupid hobby -- especially since I knew very little about weather, patterns, and didn't always have a plan in case conditions got too dicey.

Today, I understand a little more about weather and its patterns, and can see the link between restoration contractors understanding those patterns, and a greater ability to respond to hard-hit areas sooner. Now, I am not suggesting in the least that you "claim chase." I don't think you should be going up to someone's door moments after a tornado passes offering to fix someone's roof. However, if you are able to keep an eye on storms and weather patterns, you could still be the first to offer a helping hand to victims after the dust settles and the storm has fully passed.

Single-Cell | Pop-Up Storms

Not all thunderstorms are severe -- not all will have catastrophic results. For example, a single-cell or pop-up storm tends to be weak, and come and go within an hour. These are a normal occurrence in the heat of the summer.

Multi-Cell Storms

Storms that can produce damage are multi-cell, and form when cold and warm air collide. According to The National Severe Storms Laboratory, these are the storms that produce hail, strong winds, tornadoes, and flooding. However, not all multi-cell storms are severe! There are some more specific indicators of whether or not the storm system will pack a big punch or not.

Supercell

Within that multi-cell storm, a supercell can form. Unlike most thunderstorm cells that die off in less than an hour, supercells are highly organized and last longer than an hour. These supercells tilt and rotate and can cover a 10 mile radius, and up to 50,000 feet into the sky. These supercells are where tornadoes happen, and many times you can see rotation of the cell on the radar before tornadoes form and touch down.

Bow Echo

Now, if you know there is a supercell nearby, take a look at the radar for something called a bow echo. This will look like a strong line of storms with a bend in the middle; it looks kind of like a comma. The greater the bow, the higher the winds likely are -- and tornadoes can occur on the leading edge.

What if there is storm damage?

If you've been watching the weather and the news and have some around-the-clock teams ready to respond to hard hit areas, don't go in like a bull in a china shop. Keep some cases on bottled water and snacks in your warehouse and send those with crews to the scene. Respond to human needs first before looking at the structural damage. Is everyone safe? Does anyone need medical help? Could you call in the Red Cross for some temporary housing or clothing?

Thinking about what you can do to help the victims before getting right down to business will help you build trust with potential future clients and customers. Remember, this industry is all about caring for people often during a traumatic event, so the more you are able to get to their level, the better.

Want to know more about thunderstorms and how to know what might be heading to your area? Check out this YouTube video! 

KEYWORDS: air purification biohazard cleanup flood damage restoration natural disasters roofing restoration

Share This Story

Michelle blevins headshot 200px

Michelle Blevins is the former Editor-in-Chief of Restoration & Remediation. From April 2015 through July 2021, Michelle oversaw all of the editorial content and focused on multimedia efforts for the brand.

Recent Comments

article review`

Agility

Information

Thanks for sharing this with us here....

Great Post. Thanks for sharing with us a...

Manage My Account
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • Manage My Preferences

More Videos

Popular Stories

Pop Art Female Superhero Punches a Masked Villain

TPAs vs. Independence: The Restoration Industry’s Own Version of the Cola Wars

RIA Carrier Advocate Mark Springer

Turning the Page: A New Era of Trust and Collaboration in Restoration

particle count hands-on demonstration of a HEPA filter

The Truth About HEPA Filters

Submit Your New Product/Technology to R&R!

Would you like to promote a new restoration, remediation or cleaning product/technology with Restoration & Remediation? Fill out the question below to start your submission:

Events

September 3, 2025

The Experience Convention and Trade Show

The Experience Convention & Trade Show logoJoin us in Las Vegas for The Experience Convention & Trade Show, the leading event for cleaning, restoration, and remediation pros, packed with hands-on demos, expert speakers, and high-impact networking. Happening September 3–5, 2025 at Caesars Forum—this is where the industry comes to learn, connect, and grow!

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Doffing PPE

When you are doffing your PPE, do you sanitize between every step?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary.

See More Products
Prepare for CATASTROPHE with R&R!
×

Stay ahead of the curve with our eNewsletters.

Get the latest industry updates tailored your way.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
    • Submit a Press Release
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eNewsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Reprints
    • Marketing Services
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing