As the season changes from cold to warm weather, competing air masses form volatile atmospheric conditions. Warm high pressures push air towards areas of cold low pressure which sweep across the country forming lines of heavy rains, severe lightning storms, and the potential for destructive hail and dangerous tornadoes. The old saying, “Hope for the best. Prepare for the worst.” is a good one to live by at this time of year.

For example, here in Wilmington, NC we have had gorgeous mild to warm weather and temperatures for the past two or three weeks. While discussing all of the herbs, fruits, and vegetables I purchased this past weekend and began planting for my spring/summer garden, a wise seasoned fellow gardener warned me…”We’re still not past our last frost!” I laughed it off as I walked out in my shorts, t-shirt and flip-flops. As I sipped my Monday morning coffee, I skimmed through the weekly weather forecast…warm…a little rainy…Saturday…Low of 27 degrees Fahrenheit!!! 27 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT! I almost spat out my coffee…

According to the National Weather Service, North Carolina experienced a total of 344 wind damage events, 109 flooding incidents, 101 large hail storms, and 21 tornadoes in 2021. This week is the Severe Weather Preparedness Week, and all you have to do is look at the forecast for this weekend to understand why there’s never better time than now to start preparing.

Weather forecast for this Saturday…Extreme winds, lightning, torrential rain, followed by snow out west and below freezing temps.

Today, North Carolina conducted its annual statewide tornado drill. In a press release, The North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey offered the following tips should a tornado threaten your area:

• Know the terms: “Watch” means a tornado is possible. “Warning” means a tornado has been spotted; take shelter immediately
• Go to the basement or storm shelter if you have one. Avoid areas where heavy objects (like a piano or refrigerator) are on the floor above you, as they could fall through the floor and injure you
• If driving, leave your vehicle immediately to seek safety in an adequate structure. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle and do not stop under an overpass or a bridge

“Not only should you have an emergency plan in place, but one of your top priorities should be to make sure you have the appropriate insurance coverage for dangerous storms and flooding that could cause serious damage to your home or your property,” Causey said in a release.

Saturday morning (Wilmington 62ºF)

Sunday Morning (Wilmington 27º F)

The following insurance tips, Causey said, should also help families be better prepared for severe weather:

• Most homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies do not cover damage from floods, although most mobile homeowners’ and comprehensive auto policies do
• A landlord’s insurance policy likely won’t cover damage to a renter’s personal property
• The National Flood Insurance Program takes 30 days to take effect. Waiting to take out a flood policy once a storm or hurricane is in motion will be too late
• Just because there’s no longer a mortgage on a home does not nullify the need for homeowners’ insurance

So, aside from covering all your spring blooms and bringing in your potted plants this weekend, please make sure you, your family, and your property is protected and prepared. Extreme weather isn’t completely predictable, but it is certainly inevitable. Stay connected with the National Weather Service, local authorities, and check with your insurance carriers to make sure you’re covered in the event of an extreme weather event. Always feel free to give us a call or email us if you have further questions or concerns.

910-762-8551

insurance@wellsins.com