Dangers of Torrential Rain

8/12/2020 (Permalink)

Torrential rain is any amount of rain that is especially heavy. It is not a technical weather term as there is no formal definition of torrential rains. However, meteorologists define heavy rainfall as rain that accumulates at a rate of 3/10”, or more, per hour.

Dangers of Torrential Rain on a Home

Heavy rain can trigger any one or more of the following deadly events

Runoff:

If heavy rains arrive more quickly than the ground can absorb water, you get what is called run off. Runoff can carry pollutants (like pesticides, oil and yard waste) into nearby creeks, rivers, lakes, and sometimes Homes.

If a home is not sealed in the foundation or the bottom sills are damaged the water can seep into the home causing a world of damage. A lot of the time we see this happen in the spring months due to the ground being hard from winter and the ground already engorged.

Flooding:

If enough rain falls into rivers, and other bodies of water it can cause their water levels to rise and over flow onto normally dry land.

If a home is near a lake or pond, a torrential rainfall could cause that body of water to rise up and flood its surroundings. Damaging, foundations, siding, roofs. Etc.

Mudslides:

If rain is continuous over a period time, the ground and soil can liquify and carry unsecured objects, people, and even buildings away in debris flows. This is exacerbated along hillsides and slopes since the ground there is more easily eroded away. In the US mudslides are common and pose as a great threat to residents. Sometimes even destroying entire cities, and small towns.

At SERVPRO of North Rensselaer/South Washington Counties, we always recommend to prepared for any disaster. Even though at most time the weather is unpredictable, being cautious and aware will help is any disastrous situation. If you would like to know more about Rain Safety and how to prepare yourself, give us a call! 518-677-3444