When Does Hurricane Season Start and End

Hurricane seasons vary depending on the geographical location, and it’s essential to be aware of these timelines if you live in or near hurricane-prone zones. 

The Atlantic hurricane season officially commences on June 1 and concludes on November 30. However, the eastern Pacific hurricane season has a slightly different timeline, with an official start date of May 15 and an end date of November 30. These timescales represent the periods in a year when hurricanes are most likely to form in these respective oceanic regions.

While it’s true that Wisconsin has never directly experienced a full-fledged hurricane, it’s not entirely immune to the indirect effects of these colossal storms. Hurricanes that develop in the Atlantic or the Gulf of Mexico can generate severe weather systems that extend far from their center. These systems can move into the Midwest, causing high winds, heavy rains, and even tornadoes. This is where the expertise of Emergency Restoration Specialists (ERS) comes into play. 

ERS has extensive experience dealing with these situations. Our professional team is equipped to respond quickly to incidents of flooding or water damage. We act swiftly to minimize potential damages, conducting comprehensive drying processes to curb mold growth and further destruction.

How Can a Hurricane Damage Your Property?

• Roof Damage: High winds, especially those on the outer edges of a storm system, can cause significant damage to your roof. Shingles can be ripped off, and any loose or weakened areas can be exacerbated by the wind, potentially leading to leaks and water damage inside your home.
• Water Damage: Hurricanes often bring heavy, persistent rainfall, leading to potential flooding. This can result in water intrusion in your basement or ground floor, causing extensive damage to flooring, walls, furniture, and other belongings. Water damage can also lead to mold growth, a serious concern for property damage and health risks.
• Structural Damage: Extreme winds and heavy rains can weaken the structural integrity of your property. This can include damage to the home’s siding, windows, doors, and foundational elements. In the worst cases, buildings can be irreparably damaged.
• Fallen Trees and Branches: Hurricane-strength winds can easily snap branches or even topple entire trees. If these fall on your property, they can cause serious damage to your home, garage, vehicles, or other structures. They can also bring down power lines, leading to power outages or even fire hazards.
• Electrical Damage: If your home is flooded or struck by a fallen tree, this could lead to potential electrical issues. These may include power outages, damage to electrical systems, or even the risk of electrical fires.
• Debris Damage: Hurricanes can carry debris at high speeds, turning harmless objects into destructive projectiles. This flying debris can shatter windows, damage siding, and cause personal injuries.

How to Prepare for a Hurricane Season

While Wisconsin may not bear the direct brunt of a hurricane, it can still be subject to heavy rainfall, high-speed winds, and unexpected storms due to the influence of hurricanes passing through coastal regions. As such, preparing for hurricane season can help safeguard your property and ensure your safety. Here are some essential steps to help you get ready:

• Home Inspection: Regularly inspect your home for potential vulnerabilities. Check your roof for loose shingles that high winds might rip off. Ensure your gutters and downspouts are clean and functioning correctly to handle heavy rainfall. Inspect windows and doors for any leaks or gaps that could let in water.
• Weatherproof Your Home: Consider investing in weatherproofing measures for your home. This might include installing storm shutters on windows, reinforcing your garage door, and ensuring your sump pump is in good working condition.
• Trim Trees: Large or dead tree branches can be torn off by strong winds and cause damage to your property. Ensure any trees on your property are healthy and well-pruned.
• Prepare Emergency Supplies: Have an emergency kit ready. This should include items such as bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, extra batteries, essential medications, first-aid supplies, and important documents stored in a waterproof container.
• Create a Family Emergency Plan: In case severe weather forces you to evacuate, everyone in your family should know what to do. This includes understanding the local evacuation routes, having a designated safe meeting place, and knowing how to communicate with each other in case you’re separated.
• Monitor Weather Reports: Stay informed about the weather conditions during the hurricane season. Check out the National Hurricane Center website, listen to a weather radio, or follow local news channels for updates.

What to Do When a Hurricane Strikes

First and foremost, follow the instructions and updates from local authorities. They will guide you on whether you should stay home or evacuate. If an evacuation order is given, it is essential to comply swiftly. Prepare an evacuation kit ahead of time, including essential items like non-perishable food, water, necessary medications, important documents, and a battery-powered radio.

If you are staying at home during the storm, remain indoors and avoid windows and glass doors as much as possible. This will help you stay safe from flying debris. Keep track of the storm’s progress through battery-powered weather radios or trusted online sources.

While you may feel inclined to begin property damage assessment and cleanup during the storm, it’s important to wait until the storm has fully passed and local authorities have given the all-clear. Venturing out during the storm can put you at risk due to high winds, flooding, and flying debris.

After the storm has passed, inspect your home for any signs of damage. If you notice any issues like water intrusion, structural damage, or potential electrical issues, contact Emergency Restoration Specialists.

Our team is equipped to handle post-storm cleanup and restoration, helping you return your property to its pre-storm condition. It’s important to reach out as soon as possible to prevent further damage like mold growth.

Remember, the safety of you and your loved ones is the utmost priority. Material possessions and property can be replaced or restored, but lives cannot.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the start and end of hurricane seasons and recognizing the potential impacts of these severe weather events, even in regions like Wisconsin, is essential. With this guide, we have provided a comprehensive overview of what you need to know about hurricane seasons, how they can affect your property, and, most importantly, how to prepare for them.

But no matter how much you prepare, severe weather events can still cause unexpected damage. In such cases, know that you’re not alone. ERS is here to help. As Wisconsin’s leading water damage restoration company, we specialize in helping homeowners and businesses recover from water-related disasters, including those resulting from hurricanes.