Early this year, two strong low-pressure systems spawned a rash of tornadoes in the eastern, south and southeastern regions of the United States. The tiny state of Maryland, not normally a tornado prone area, experienced a record-breaking five tornadoes. As we conclude spring and enter summer, meteorological experts predict an increased number of twisters. On average, there are around 80 confirmed and unconfirmed tornadoes that touch down in Canada each year, with most occurring in southern Ontario, the southern Canadian Prairies and southern Quebec. Canada ranks as the country with the second most tornadoes per year, after the US.
Paul Davis pays very close attention to weather predictions. “Tapping a range of sources, we monitor weather modeling, storm systems and forecasts 24/7,” says Patrick Matthew, Vice President - Quality Assurance & Catastrophe, for Paul Davis. “Tracking the weather in the states and Canadian provinces is critically important to positioning equipment, manpower and technology where and when they are most likely to be needed.”
As 2020 summer begins, Paul Davis is preparing to respond to a range of expected threats from several types of severe storms:
Thunderstorms/Hailstorms: Experts estimate that 40,000 thunderstorms occur daily worldwide, translating to more than 14 million of these severe storms annually. North America grapples with hundreds of thousands yearly, with most clustering in the spring and summer months, and about 10 percent of those are considered severe. Notably, meteorologists say there has been an uptick in associated hail reports in Canadian locales. (One recent hailstorm in South America produced hail so large – measuring 18 to 23 centimeters across - that scientists proposed a new size category: gargantuan hail.) Any thunderstorm may produce extreme wind events - downbursts, microbursts and derechos - and flash flooding.
Tornadoes: About a thousand tornadoes touch down in the United States every year. While the Southeast has passed its riskiest season - March through April - the most active part of the year for the United State midsection is still ahead: summer. Areas at greatest risk of tornado activity include north Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota.
Hurricanes: Experts predict a very active hurricane season this year from June 1 through November 30, calling for more than 14 named storms of which six to nine will likely become true hurricanes. Factors like high surface water temperatures, a weak El Nino that will not inhibit storm formation, and overall trends toward more severe global weather conditions support these higher than average predictions.
Providing extraordinary care to people in need since 1966, Paul Davis provides a comprehensive range of services that are critical after severe storms:
- Storm damage assessment and repair estimates
- Water damage repair
- Wind damage repair
- Emergency board up
- Tree removal
- Structural stabilization
- Comprehensive reconstruction services
- Insurance claim assistance – partnering with major insurance companies to manage and speed mitigation and restoration.
As citizens and communities grapple with risks from severe storms, Paul Davis is proud to serve as North America’s most experienced mitigation and restoration expert. Paul Davis offers 24/7 emergency services, responds to calls for assistance within 30 minutes and pledges to have a team member arrive within four hours.