A Broad Brush of Spring Weather Hazards in the United States | SERVPRO® of New Center/Highland Park

The United States has one of the most wide-ranging climates of any nation on the planet due to its size. Seasonal weather patterns differ significantly throughout the country, from region to region, resulting in a broad range of weather threats all across the nation.

Let’s look at what each of the major regions of the United States, including here in Michigan, may expect as spring approaches and warm and cold air masses collide across the nation.

Flooding and water damage are common in the Pacific Northwest during the spring months due to severe rainfall. Also, melting and runoff from spring snowfall at higher altitudes can oftentimes cause its own challenges.

Winters in the Upper Midwest and Northeast, including here in Michigan, are the longest and coldest. Even into late spring and early summer, residents from Maine to the Dakotas may expect frigid temperatures, blizzards and plenty of snow. As the snow melts and warm air rolls into Michigan, several hazards become present including melting and heavy rains contributing to flooding and severe storms, including tornadoes.

As spring arrives, severe heat waves may threaten people and property across the Southwest and southern West Coast. Tsunamis generated by tectonic activity are also a possibility in the South Pacific, which includes Hawaii.

When conditions are dry and windy in the central United States, essentially from Iowa down to Texas, wildfires are also on the radar and can spread swiftly in the right conditions. This region in the middle of the country is also susceptible to severe and highly destructive spring storms as the region contains what is known as Tornado Alley because of its high risk of tornadoes.

Throughout the Southeast, severe weather events such as thunderstorms and tornadoes inland, as well as early-season hurricanes near the coast, are possible.

Although your risk might be different from that of family or friends in other states, you are still in danger of severe weather, and you can never be too prepared.

If extreme weather leaves you with damage from water, fire or other elements, help is a click away. Contact SERVPRO for fast, expert recovery.