What is a Microburst Storm?

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

Microburst storm causing sever lighting storm.

According to The National Weather Service, a microburst is a localized column of sinking air (downdraft) that is in a thunderstorm and is usually less than 2.5 miles in diameter.

These storms can cause massive damage at the surface and can put people in danger. Wet microburst and dry microburst are the two primary types of microbursts. Wet microburst come with large amounts of rain and are common in the Southeast during the summer months.

In recent years, Northeast Georgia has had an increase in annual rainfall. This has coincided with an increase in evening thunder cells and storms.

These storms are small and come on very quickly, which causes them to be overlooked by local or and national news reports. However, the damage to homes and business while in a small area, can be extensive.

The wind speeds in microburst often get as high as 100 mph, which is on par with an EF-1 tornado! These winds can cause major damage to buildings, neighborhoods, and hundreds if trees. It is supremely important that you take Severe Thunderstorm Warnings as seriously as you do Tornado Warnings!

Make sure to take appropriate shelter to protect your family and loved ones. Once the storm has passed, SERVPRO is here to help repair whatever damage you might have experienced from the storm.

Because SERVPRO is individually owned and locally operated, we are often only a few minutes away from where these events occur.

Whatever is needed to clean, dry, repair or restore a damaged structure can be coordinated thru your local SERVPRO team.  

We remain “Ready to Help.”