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At the end of June, Tucson residents experienced a dramatic and destructive weather event—a powerful microburst. The sudden and intense weather event, which lasted only a few minutes, brought with it strong winds and heavy rainfall, uprooting trees, downing power lines, and causing damage to buildings. In this blog, we’ll explore microbursts and microburst damage, the specific impact it had on Tucson, steps to take if your home has been damaged, insurance considerations, and what to expect from a restoration company like Commercial Cleaning and Restoration.
A microburst is a small but very strong burst of wind that comes down from a thunderstorm. Unlike tornadoes, which have a spinning motion, a microburst pushes wind straight down, and then it spreads out quickly when it hits the ground. These winds can be extremely fast, sometimes over 100 miles per hour, causing a lot of damage in a small area. Microbursts can bring heavy rain (“wet”) or just strong winds without rain (“dry”).
Tucson, located in the heart of the desert, is no stranger to the microburst, especially during the monsoon season from mid-June through September. The combination of high temperatures and humidity during this season creates the perfect conditions for microbursts to form.
TUCSON: The storm began as a typical monsoon thunderstorm but quickly escalated. Within minutes, Tucson was engulfed in a barrage of strong winds and heavy rain. Trees were uprooted, power lines were downed, and numerous buildings suffered structural damage. Tucson Electric Power reported over 10,000 customers were affected. Residential and commercial properties alike bore the brunt of the storm, with roofs torn off, windows shattered, and vehicles damaged by debris.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” said local resident Maria Gonzalez. “One moment it was just a regular storm, and the next, the wind was so strong it felt like the roof was going to come off.”
TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — After the monsoon storms on Friday, June 21 one Tucsonan was left with countless trees knocked over and uprooted on his nine acre property on the Southeast side. “First we saw the dust moving in and in less than five minutes this heavy wind came,” Gomez said. It also brought rain and hail. “It was really scary,” he said.
See Satellite Imagery.
PIMA COUNTY, Ariz. (The Gila Herald) Numerous trees were uprooted and multiple cases of property damage was caused by the microburst that saw “tornado-like” wind speeds. Playsets were displaced, basements and homes saw flooding, one resident’s porch blew back over onto the house, a business had part of its roof blown off, and, of course, trampolines were thrown about throughout neighborhoods. A second round of heavy rain then caused more flooding and further issues into the night, including water damage to the Pima Public Library.
If your home ever becomes damaged in a microburst, it’s essential to take immediate action to ensure safety and begin the recovery process. Here are some steps to follow:
- Ensure Safety: First and foremost, ensure that you and your family are safe. Avoid downed power lines, and be cautious of structural damages that could pose further risks.
- Document the Damage: Take photographs and videos of the damage for insurance purposes. Detailed documentation will be critical when filing a claim.
- Temporary Repairs: Make any necessary temporary repairs to prevent further damage. This might include tarping over a damaged roof or boarding up broken windows. Keep receipts for any materials purchased as these costs may be reimbursed by your insurance.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurer as soon as possible to begin the claims process. Provide them with the documentation you’ve gathered and follow their guidance on next steps.
- Hire a Professional Restoration Company: For significant damage, it’s advisable to hire a professional restoration company like Commercial Cleaning and Restoration. These experts can assess the full extent of the damage and provide the necessary repairs and cleanup.
Filing an insurance claim can be a daunting task, but understanding your policy and the claims process can help smooth the way. Here are some key points to consider:
- Review Your Policy: Understand what your homeowner’s insurance covers. Most policies cover wind damage, but there may be exclusions or limits on certain types of damage.
- Filing a Claim: Contact your insurance company promptly and provide them with all necessary documentation. An adjuster will likely need to inspect the damage in person.
- Deductibles and Limits: Be aware of your policy’s deductible and the maximum coverage limits. You will be responsible for paying the deductible amount out-of-pocket before insurance coverage kicks in.
- Additional Living Expenses: If your home is uninhabitable due to the damage, your policy may cover additional living expenses, such as hotel stays and meals, until repairs are completed.
- Damage Cleanup and Restoration: Engage a professional restoration company like Commercial Cleaning and Restoration is a crucial step in the recovery process. Here’s what you can expect when you hire them:
- Initial Assessment: The restoration team will conduct a thorough inspection to assess the extent of the damage. This includes structural assessments, mold inspection, and checking for water damage.
- Cleanup Services: The company will start by removing debris, drying out any water damage, and mitigating mold growth. They will also handle hazardous materials safely.
- Restoration and Repairs: Once the cleanup is complete, the restoration process begins. This can include repairing or replacing damaged roofs, windows, and other structural components. Interior repairs, such as drywall, flooring, and paint, are also addressed.
- Coordination with Insurance: A reputable restoration company will work closely with your insurance company to ensure that all repairs are covered under your policy and to streamline the claims process.
- Final Inspection and Approval: After all repairs are complete, a final inspection ensures that everything meets the necessary standards. Commercial Cleaning and Restoration will ensure you are satisfied with the work before considering the job complete.
When a microburst strikes, the aftermath can be overwhelming. The sudden, intense winds can leave behind significant damage, from uprooted trees and downed power lines to damaged roofs and shattered windows. In these challenging times, it’s crucial to have a reliable partner to help you restore your home or business swiftly and efficiently.
With years of experience and a dedicated team of professionals, we are equipped to handle all aspects of cleanup and repair, ensuring your property is safe and restored to its former glory.
Roof Tarping • Debris Removal
Roof Repair & Patches • Water Cleanup
At Commercial Cleaning & Restoration, we want the best for you and your home and we will work to prove it to you.
We also provide carpet and area rug cleaning, tile and grout cleaning,
upholstery cleaning, and carpet repair.
