Recent severe weather in the Twin Cities and nearby areas brought about conditions conducive to large hail, destructive winds, and significant property damage, affecting both local residents and those in neighboring communities. Here’s the overview of what occurred:
- What: Hail, Thunderstorms
- When: August 11, 2023
- Where: Twin Cities and surrounding areas
What started as a mild thunderstorm quickly intensified into a massive hailstorm causing damage to siding, roofs, windows, and vehicles. The storm, complete with mighty winds and huge chunks of hail nearly two and a half inches in diameter caused great damage to windshields in one Minneapolis neighborhood.
Sven Sundgaard | MPR News
Xcel Energy reported about 19,000 customers lost power at the storm’s peak in the Twin Cities metro, with about 4,000 in the west metro and 15,000 in the east metro losing power, Xcel spokesman Kevin Coss said. By 3:30 p.m. Saturday, that number was fewer than 200.
What does this mean for homes?
Minor hail storms of ice chunks nearly 1” in diameter can create complications that will need to be repaired quickly. If delayed, the next major storm could exacerbate the damage. This damage includes:
- Dents in shingles
- Bruising of underlayment
- Dents in gutters
- Broken gutters
- Cracked siding
- Holes in windows
- Ripped screen doors
Larger hail near the size of tennis balls and baseballs, like what the Twin Cities and surrounding communities experienced, can create much more severe damage. These include, but are not limited to,
- Gutters breaking off of the home
- Huge dents and rips in the siding
- Severely broken windows and screens
- Damage to metal fixtures
Add to these chunks of ice a forceful, massive wind, and it can create destruction to all buildings and vehicles.
This type of damage is not uncommon in the Midwest in the springtime months. Massive storms of this magnitude occur when the warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico combines with the dry, cooler air from the Rockies. When these two different conditions combine, devastating storms are the result and sweep their way across the plains.
Ascension Roofing & Siding
When massive storms pound local communities, and damages require repair, trust the professionals at Ascension Roofing & Siding in the Twin Cities. We understand the devastation that can occur to homes and businesses and are ready to assist you in bringing the quality of your beautiful home back to its former glory. If you are suffering from damage caused by this massive storm, don’t wait. Call today and let’s begin a plan to restore your home.
