In June of 2009 a severe storm produced a series of tornadoes in Flower Mound, TX as it swept across Denton County. Fortunately, the damage confined itself to buildings, fences, trees, and homes and left people safe from harm. However, it is unsettling when violent weather strikes nearby.
If a tornado struck your community are you confident you have enough insurance to cover damage to your home, garage, personal contents and fences?
Straight line Winds Are Often Confused With Tornadoes
A straight line wind refers to wind that comes down out of a thunderstorm. Straight line winds mimic tornadoes in many ways: they can be as large as a tornado, from 20-65 miles wide and 100+ miles long; they produce a lot of rain; and winds can gust up to 150 m.p.h. One way to tell the difference between the two is by studying the direction that debris has scattered following a storm.
Straight line winds push debris in the same direction that the wind is blowing. Tornadoes, on the other hand, scatter debris in every direction because the funnel is rotating violently.
Are you protected from sustained high winds?
Downbursts and Derechos
These are two types of straight line winds. Downbursts occur when rapidly descending rain and rain-cooled air develop underneath a thunderstorm. Wind speeds can range from 100 – 150 m.p.h. on the forward side of the downburst.
Derechos are violent winds that are created by merging thunderstorm cells. They form a wind wall that can extend for many miles and can spawn tornadoes.
Protect Your Most Valuable Asset From Wind Damage
Regardless of whether a severe thunderstorm brings tornadoes or straight line winds, homeowners need to be prepared. Spring and summer are the seasons with the most dangerous tornado threats. Here are a few tips get you prepared:
What Other Dangers Are Present When A Tornado or Straight-Line Winds Strike
- Flash Floods: The number one weather killer in the nation comes from flash flooding. There is an average of 146 deaths reported yearly from individuals that got trapped in flash flood waters.
Lightning: When lightning is nearby, remember to stay indoors. Unplug computers, landlines and television sets. Between 75 – 100 people are killed each year from lighting strikes.
Damaging straight line winds: these winds can be just as dangerous as tornadoes because they form a massive wall of wind when striking.
Large hail: Severe storms cause several hundred million dollars a year to property and crops.
: The number one weather killer in the nation comes from There is an average of 146 deaths reported yearly from individuals that got trapped in waters.Let us assess right now just how much insurance coverage you need to be assured and at peace when disaster strikes. Pick up the phone and call us right now!!
TriStar Insurance Professionals, based in Plano, TX, is a full-service insurance agency owned and operated by Roger Harkins. Specializing in consumer insurance programs inluding homeowners, auto, boat, and life insurance they also specialize in commercial insurance offerings for small to medium sized businesses. Low cost is always important, but far more critical in both the personal and business coverage arenas is making sure that there are no gaps in your coverage. Find out today simply by calling Roger Harkins or John Coyle at 469-464-5790 . The call and any quotes you request are always confidential and free!
