Storm Damage Continues Even After Monsoon Season Passes

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

Monsoon season is officially over, but someone forgot to tell Mother Nature. Several days into October have seen storms, from light sprinkles to torrential downpours. If the rainy season in Arizona is new to you, then here are a few things you should understand about monsoons and the damage they can cause.

Flash flooding happens... a lot

One frequent item you’ll see on the news during the rainy season is how cars get stuck in flash floods. What most people are surprised about is how this can happen within city limits, not just remote backroads that are prone to flooding. Neighborhoods all over Phoenix experience flash flooding from storms every year. Flash flooding can cause anywhere from a small amount of damage to your property to substantial damage requiring remediation. Because of Phoenix's unique geographic location, it is vulnerable to the leftovers of tropical storms, which originate from the Pacific ocean and make their way to our state. Just because we don’t have beachfront property in Arizona doesn’t mean we don’t experience storms coming in off the ocean. The water from these storms can be torrential, which can lead to flash floods. Make sure your home has proper drainage so excess water doesn’t permeate your home. Flash flooding is just one of the many ways that these storms can impact your home and cause damage.

High winds can damage homes

Storm damage can be exceptionally damaging to your home, regardless of whether it’s old or new. High winds and flying debris can break a window and allow the water to enter. It can rip off rain gutters, loosen roof tiles and permeate into your home. It can uproot trees that can fall on your home, vehicle, or wall. As the winds from the storm recede and some of the water goes with it, the damage may continue. With high winds and water, undetected and unaddressed water can result in mold growing within moist walls and attics, so be sure to inspect the damage thoroughly from the wind as well as the water that may have entered your home and call for professional help if you find any damage.

Floodwaters and the aftermath

Floodwaters are not always clean; in fact, they can often come teaming with chemicals, pesticides, petroleum products, and sewage depending on where they came from. When the water becomes mixed with such things, disposing of it is not a job for a layperson. When black water or otherwise compromised water floods your home, it is best to call SERVPRO because we have the proper equipment and tools to deal with the problem. If left unaddressed, flood water can ruin furnishings in your house. It is essential to understand and know what possessions and materials are safe to keep and dry out inside of your home and what needs to be discarded. SERVPRO can sort through your belongings and advise you on what you can and what you should not keep. We even offer a document drying service should you need it.

New residents of AZ are often taken by surprise by the amount of damage caused by monsoons and other seasonal storms. If storm damage impacts your Phoenix home, call SERVPRO of Central Phoenix so that we can assist you with the damage and get your house back to normal. Call us today (602) 386-4268.