Microburst explained.

8/9/2024 (Permalink)

Dennis Mersereau explains

Microbursts, also called "downbursts," are a sudden downward burst of wind from the base of a thunderstorm. The air can rush towards the ground at speeds of 60 MPH before impacting the surface and spreading out in all directions. Winds at the surface can exceed 100 MPH in the strongest microbursts, often causing extensive tree and building damage.

As the name suggests, microbursts tend to affect a small area, no larger than a few square miles in most cases. The intense damage these wind events leave behind can cause residents to think they had a tornado. While weak tornadoes and microbursts can produce similar amounts of damage, there is a marked swirl in tornado debris on the ground when viewed from above, while microbursts produce damage in a starburst pattern, with straight-line winds radiating away from the point of impact.

Two Types of Microbursts
There are two types of microbursts—dry microbursts and wet microbursts—each native to certain parts of the United States.

Dry Microbursts
Drier climates, such as Denver, experience dry microbursts. Dry microbursts hit the ground without any precipitation, making them virtually impossible to see unless they kick up dust and dirt at the surface. Dry air entrainment is basically the only process driving these wind events.

Wet Microbursts
East of the Rockies, especially in the southeastern United States, wet microbursts are dominant. Wet microbursts form from both dry air entrainment (causing cold air to sink towards the ground) and water loading (weight of the rain dragging the air). Seen from a distance, wet microbursts look like an upside-down mushroom cloud—a narrow rain shaft extending from the cloud to the ground, with a large burst of wind-driven water and dirt puffing away from the point of impact at the surface

Are you prepared for high windstorms in New England?

6/3/2024 (Permalink)

Wind can cause damage to homes and businesses. From having a tree blown over and falling on your home or business, which can lead to additional problems such as water damage and even the possibility of mold if not professionally taken care of quickly.

Here are some ways you can help protect your home and commercial buildings from damage due to high winds.

*Check outside for any and all objects that will be easily lifted during a wind storm and tuck those items away.

*Check around your properties for trees that may have loose limbs, or dying trees. By removing any possible dangers you improve the possibility of keeping your home and/or commercial building safe from trees falling onto your building(s).

SERVPRO of South Springfield/Agawam will be here if you find yourself needing storm cleanup.

What is a MICROBURST?

8/21/2023 (Permalink)

Microbursts What Are They?

Dennis Mersereau explains

Microbursts, also called "downbursts," are a sudden downward burst of wind from the base of a thunderstorm. The air can rush towards the ground at speeds of 60 MPH before impacting the surface and spreading out in all directions. Winds at the surface can exceed 100 MPH in the strongest microbursts, often causing extensive tree and building damage.

As the name suggests, microbursts tend to affect a small area, no larger than a few square miles in most cases. The intense damage these wind events leave behind can cause residents to think they had a tornado. While weak tornadoes and microbursts can produce similar amounts of damage, there is a marked swirl in tornado debris on the ground when viewed from above, while microbursts produce damage in a starburst pattern, with straight-line winds radiating away from the point of impact.

Two Types of Microbursts

There are two types of microbursts—dry microbursts and wet microbursts—each native to certain parts of the United States.

Dry Microbursts

Drier climates, such as Denver, experience dry microbursts. Dry microbursts hit the ground without any precipitation, making them virtually impossible to see unless they kick up dust and dirt at the surface. Dry air entrainment is basically the only process driving these wind events.

Wet Microbursts

East of the Rockies, especially in the southeastern United States, wet microbursts are dominant. Wet microbursts form from both dry air entrainment (causing cold air to sink towards the ground) and water loading (weight of the rain dragging the air). Seen from a distance, wet microbursts look like an upside-down mushroom cloud—a narrow rainshaft extending from the cloud to the ground, with a large burst of wind-driven water and dirt puffing away from the point of impact at the surface.

To learn more about cleaning up after a storm, click here.

A tree falls on your home, do you know what to do?

6/19/2023 (Permalink)

A severe New England storm hits the Springfield area. What do you do when a tree falls on your home during a storm? 

First and foremost, immediately get you and your family safely out of your home. You and your family's safety is and always should be the first priority. 

The next step would be to call your insurance company and let them know of the event and get a claim started.

Call a tree removal service to remove the tree from your home.  

Once the tree is removed call SERVPRO to start temporary repairs on your roof and/or siding to prevent additional damage due to the elements entering your home. SERVPRO will assess the situation to see what additional equipment may be needed to remediate the damage and coordinate repairs.  We will work with your insurance carrier to ensure your property is properly cared for.

Damage caused by Thunderstorms!

5/5/2022 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms can cause damage to our homes and commercial buildings. High winds, lightning strikes and flash flooding and heavy snowfalls are always a possibility here in New England. 

Did you know that it's the water that usually causes the most damage to your home or commercial building? While high winds can cause trees to knock over power lines or even just the tree into the home or building, it's the water that does the serious damage. 

Water when left untreated can lead to mold growth, which can lead to health effects. Properly cleaning and drying your home or commercial building is key in preventing mold growth. 

We here at SERVPRO have the professional equipment to thoroughly dry out your home or Commercial building and make sure that mold growth is not an issue. Rely on the professionals to do it right the first time. 

Your Roof after storm damage

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

Concerned about the New England storms and your roof? What should you look for to make sure you do not have roof damage after a storm comes through?

Here are some things you should check to ensure that your roof is still in tact after a New England storm has passed through. 

Debris: Did any trees fall on your roof that may have caused any damage? 

Wind Damage: Have you looked at your roof to be sure no shingles or flashing are missing? Missing flashing or shingles could lead to water leaks and should be repaired right away. 

Hail Damage: Do you see dimples in your roofing shingles? Dimples could mean that the shingles have been damaged and should be replaced or repaired. If you see them you should call a roofer to have your roof accessed. 

Winter storms in New England can be harsh on your roof, which may lead to roof leaks. If you had a roof leak and need water remediation call the professionals at SERVPRO of South Springfield/Agawam now. 

SERVPRO is ready When Storms or Flooding Hits Hampden County, are you?

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Springfield/Agawam specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Hampden County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (413) 372-4115

When Storms or Floods hit Hampden County, SERVPRO is ready!

9/13/2016 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Hampden County.

SERVPRO of South Springfield/Agawam specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Hampden County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (413) 372-4115