When Coastal Storms Come Inland

9/12/2024 (Permalink)

How Tropical Storms and Hurricanes Can Affect Us in the Midwest

In the Midwest, we may feel fortunate to be far from the coasts where hurricanes and tropical storms make landfall. However, what many people don’t realize is that these powerful weather systems can still affect us, even from hundreds of miles away. Though we don't experience the eye of the storm, its remnants can lead to severe weather conditions such as heavy rainfall, strong winds, and even tornadoes. Understanding the meteorology behind how these storms work and what they bring to our region is essential in preparing for their effects.

The Meteorology Behind Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

Tropical storms and hurricanes are massive, rotating systems of clouds, wind, and rain that form over warm ocean waters, typically in the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, or the eastern Pacific Ocean. These storms are fueled by moisture and heat, gathering power as they draw in warm air from the ocean surface.

When hurricanes and tropical storms make landfall, they begin to lose strength, as their source of energy—warm water—is cut off. However, they don’t just disappear. Instead, the remnants of the storm can travel hundreds or even thousands of miles inland, often being picked up by larger atmospheric systems such as jet streams or frontal boundaries. This allows the storm to maintain momentum, carrying significant amounts of moisture with it. Although the hurricane or tropical storm may have downgraded by the time it reaches the Midwest, the remaining energy and moisture can still lead to severe weather conditions in our area.

How the Midwest is Affected by These Storms

Even though the heart of the storm may not directly hit the Midwest, the aftereffects can be disruptive and damaging. Here’s how tropical systems can impact our region:

1. Heavy Rainfall and Flash Flooding

One of the most significant impacts of tropical storm remnants is the heavy rainfall they bring. The moisture from the ocean, combined with the storm’s massive cloud systems, can lead to days of intense rain. In areas that are already prone to flooding or have saturated ground, this rain can lead to flash floods, overflowing rivers, and localized water damage in homes and businesses. The Midwest is particularly vulnerable to this, as low-lying areas or regions near rivers may experience sudden and significant flooding.

For instance, the remnants of Hurricane Ike in 2008 brought heavy rains and flooding to parts of Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, causing widespread property damage and significant cleanup efforts. Such events serve as a reminder that even a weakened storm can still pack a punch when it comes to rainfall.

2. Wind Damage

While the winds in a tropical storm or hurricane tend to weaken significantly by the time they reach the Midwest, they can still be strong enough to cause damage. Wind gusts of 40-60 mph are not uncommon in the remnants of a tropical system, and these winds can easily knock down trees, damage roofs, tear off siding, and down power lines. The wide-open spaces of the Midwest can make the effects of these winds even more noticeable, as they have little to obstruct their path.

In addition, weakened trees or structures that have already been stressed by a wet summer or previous storms may be particularly vulnerable to damage from these wind gusts. Fallen trees can lead to property damage, block roadways, and cause widespread power outages.

3. Tornadoes

Surprisingly, tropical storms and hurricanes are often associated with tornadoes, particularly as the storm weakens and its energy becomes less organized. These tornadoes can form on the outer edges of the storm and can still be quite destructive, even as far inland as the Midwest. In fact, tropical storm systems are some of the leading causes of tornado outbreaks. While tornadoes formed from hurricanes tend to be weaker and shorter-lived than those from supercell thunderstorms, they can still cause serious localized damage.

4. Prolonged Storm Effects

In some cases, the remnants of tropical systems can linger for several days. Because these storms carry so much moisture, the rain can persist, leading to prolonged periods of wet conditions. This is particularly concerning for agricultural regions in the Midwest, where excess rainfall can damage crops, delay harvests, or lead to soil erosion. In addition, saturated ground combined with high winds can lead to uprooted trees and damage to foundations and basements, as the waterlogged soil loses stability.

Long-Term Consequences of Tropical Systems in the Midwest

The consequences of a tropical storm’s remnants are not always immediately visible. Beyond the flooding and wind damage, long-term effects include:

• Mold Growth: Excess moisture from flooding can seep into walls, floors, and other structures, creating a breeding ground for mold. Mold can lead to poor indoor air quality and health problems if not properly addressed.
• Foundation and Structural Damage: Water that infiltrates the foundation or basement of a home can lead to cracks and long-term structural damage. Prolonged exposure to moisture weakens building materials like wood and drywall, compromising the integrity of the structure.
• Soil Erosion: For agricultural areas, heavy rains can cause significant soil erosion, which can lead to loss of fertile topsoil, damage to crops, and long-term impacts on land use.

How SERVPRO® Can Help After Tropical Storms Impact the Midwest

Even though we don't live in a hurricane-prone region, the aftereffects of tropical storms can still create significant challenges for homeowners and businesses in the Midwest. SERVPRO specializes in helping communities recover from all types of storm damage, including flooding, wind damage, and water intrusion caused by the remnants of hurricanes and tropical storms.

Our highly trained team offers comprehensive services, including:

• Water Extraction and Drying: After heavy rains or flooding, removing standing water quickly is crucial. SERVPRO uses powerful pumps and industrial-grade dehumidifiers to dry out your property and prevent further water damage.
• Mold Remediation: Excess moisture often leads to mold growth. Our team is trained in mold removal and remediation, ensuring your home is safe and free from harmful mold spores.
• Storm Damage Cleanup and Repair: From fallen trees to damaged roofs, our storm cleanup services handle everything from debris removal to structural repairs. Whether it’s a damaged roof from high winds or waterlogged walls from flooding, SERVPRO works quickly to restore your property.
• 24/7 Emergency Response: Storms don’t wait for business hours, and neither do we. SERVPRO is ready to respond to storm damage emergencies 24/7, minimizing downtime and helping you get back to normal as quickly as possible.

In the Midwest, tropical storms may seem like distant threats, but their impacts can still reach us. When the remnants of these storms arrive, trust SERVPRO to be there, ready to make storm damage “Like it never even happened.”

For more information on our services or to schedule an appointment, contact SERVPRO of Frankfort at (815)485-6901 or https://www.SERVPRO.com/locations/il/SERVPRO-of-frankfort.