Storm & Hurricane Damage Guide
Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms produce concentrated destruction: EF-scale winds that can level structures in seconds, golf-ball hail that destroys roofs and vehicles, and debris fields that span entire neighborhoods. The Southeast experiences more tornadoes than most people realize.
First-Hour Priorities
Step 1
Tornado damage can compromise load-bearing walls, floor systems, and foundations in ways that are not visible from outside. Wait for a structural assessment before entering. Gas leaks and downed electrical lines are common in tornado debris.
Step 2
If you smell gas, leave immediately and call 911. Do not flip light switches or use any electrical devices in a tornado-damaged structure. Downed power lines may be hidden under debris—assume all wires are live.
Step 3
Tornado damage documentation should include the full scope: structural damage, displaced contents, vehicles, landscaping, fencing, and outbuildings. Walk the entire property perimeter with photo and video before any cleanup begins.
Step 4
Board up any openings and tarp exposed areas to prevent rain damage. If the structure is compromised, focus on protecting undamaged sections and salvageable contents rather than attempting structural repairs.
Field Visuals
These examples show the conditions and response patterns our teams evaluate during active storm damage restoration.
EF3+ tornadoes scatter debris across entire neighborhoods. Professional debris removal separates salvageable materials, hazardous waste, and general debris before reconstruction begins.
Hail impacts are often invisible from the ground. Close inspection reveals granule loss, denting, and cracking that compromises the roof's water barrier over time.
The Southeast experiences more tornadoes than most realize. Supercell thunderstorms produce concentrated destruction including EF-scale winds and large hail.
Technical Workflow
This sequence keeps decisions measurable, documented, and aligned with insurance requirements and safe reconstruction.
Licensed engineers evaluate foundation integrity, load-bearing wall stability, and roof system condition. Tornado forces create unique failure patterns—twisting, uplift, and lateral displacement—that require specialized assessment.
Professional debris removal separates salvageable materials, hazardous waste, and general debris. Heavy equipment clears large structural elements. The site is prepared for reconstruction with proper grading and drainage.
Hail damage to roofing requires close inspection—most hail impacts are not visible from the ground. We document granule loss, denting, cracking, and fractured underlayment that compromise roof integrity over time.
Tornado-damaged properties must be rebuilt to current building codes. In many cases, this represents a significant upgrade from pre-tornado construction, including improved wind resistance, updated electrical and plumbing, and modern insulation standards.
North Carolina
NC sits in "Dixie Alley"—the Southeast's tornado corridor. Charlotte and the Piedmont see multiple tornado warnings annually. Severe thunderstorms with straight-line winds exceeding 80 mph are more common than tornadoes but cause similar damage patterns.
South Carolina
SC experiences both coastal tornadoes (spawned by hurricanes and sea-breeze fronts) and inland severe weather. The Pee Dee region and Midlands are particularly active during spring severe weather season (March-May).
Florida
Florida leads the nation in tornado count, though most are EF0-EF1 from thunderstorm and hurricane-spawned twisters. Waterspouts moving onshore cause localized but intense damage along the Atlantic coast and Gulf coast.
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