Preparing Your Home for Summer Storms

Summer brings backyard barbecues, pool days, and unfortunately, some pretty wild storms. Those sunny afternoon skies can turn dark and angry faster than kids can run inside from a sprinkler. Many homeowners learn the hard way that summer storms pack a serious punch.

Ever noticed how the air feels different right before a storm? That heavy, still feeling is your first clue that weather's about to get rough.

Understanding Summer Storm Threats

Summer storms hit different than winter ones. They bring lightning that can fry electronics, winds that tosses patio furniture around like toys, and downpours that test every gutter and basement. The National Weather Service tracks about 100,000 thunderstorms in the U.S. each year, with most happening during summer months.

One surprising fact most people don't know: lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. That means even if the storm looks far off, danger could be closer than you think. The old saying about counting seconds between lightning and thunder to measure distance? It actually works - each 5-second count means the lightning is about a mile away.