The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for Cook County early Monday which was to remain in effect through the morning hours. There have been no major reports of serious flooding as of Monday morning but the forecasts call for more showers in the afternoon so there is still a chance for flooding in some areas.

On Sunday, thunderstorms developed across north-central Illinois ahead of an approaching low pressure system, triggering the heavy rains. Over the weekend thunderstorm activity caused some damage in Park Ridge, a suburb of Chicago where a female driver had a very close call when a tree toppled onto her vehicle. The tree had been struck by lightening before it smashed into several vehicles that were parked on a street. The National Weather Service had warned that dangerous cloud-to-ground lightening could occur as the turbulent weather system moved across the Upper Midwest. May happens to be the deadliest month in the U.S. for lightening.

The bad weather also forced over 300 flights to be canceled at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport on Sunday. Nearby Midway Airport also had delays which averaged about thirty minutes. The thunderstorms produced such high winds Sunday that several cars of a freight train were flipped over and derailed near Peoria, south of Chicago. The train was moving west at the time that it was hit by the winds and in all, twenty-one cars were affected.

Several states were threatened by severe weather Sunday. Warm, moist air stretching over an area from the deep south to the Ohio Valley is putting many states in the line of fire of more severe storms today (Monday) and this evening.

The severe weather which is moving across the United States also affected many Plains states Tuesday night as it moved into northern Iowa at around 8pm. In Sioux City, wind gusts of 87 miles per hour were reported as were several others clocking in at over 79 miles per hour. Numerous tornado warnings were issued for northwestern Iowa Tuesday night although there were no reported touch-downs. There were also tornado warnings in effect for portions of Minnesota when the severe weather moved into that state.

Wednesday is set to be warmer than usual for many in the Midwest. Along with the warmer temperatures will be the potential for more severe weather that will likely touch off late afternoon thunderstorms in Minnesota’s Twin Cities and later on in Chicago, northern Indiana and Ohio as well as in southern, lower Michigan. Temperatures could top 80 degrees in many Midwest states Wednesday – setting the stage for heavy thunderstorms. The greatest risks will be large hail, locally damaging winds, flash foods and a few isolated tornadoes.

Storms packing high winds and windshield-shattering hail roared across portions of the Midwest Tuesday. In Albany, Minnesota, hail stones nearly two inches in diameter smashed vehicle windshields there while winds elsewhere in the state whipped up to 60 miles per hour or more. It is not unusual for May to bring with it severe weather in the United States as the month is one that is characterized by transitional weather which is moves toward wet, stormy conditions – increasing the threat of severe weather.

During May, moisture that is being pushed northward from the Gulf of Mexico interacts with disturbances in the upper levels of the atmosphere which is often the catalyst for violent thunderstorms. People living in the central, Midwest or eastern part of the country should re-familiarize themselves with their local severe weather watches and warnings.

First up was the massive tornado outbreak early in the month. Dozens of people lost their lives due to twister touchdowns and already, damages are over the $1 billion mark across the country. The tornado activity was due to warmer than average temperatures which created the perfect conditions for severe weather. There were over two hundred tornadoes reported in March, a month that averages eighty. March was also the warmest March ever recorded in the lower forty-eight states with the average temperatures registering at nearly nine degrees above normal.

The weird March weather was due to a very persistent weather pattern that collided with the jet stream and prevented cool air from reaching the eastern two-thirds of the contiguous United States. Very warm temperatures normally seen in June and July smashed records in many states. For example, in Chicago from the 14th of March through the 22nd, the mercury levels were over 80 degrees. Temperatures that high are extremely unheard of for March in the Windy City which usually experiences temps in the high 30s to 40s.

Hundreds of towns and major metropolitan areas across the country broke their all-time March temperature highs. There were even twenty-one occurrences of night-time temperatures being as warm or warmer than the existing daytime temperatures. But it was not only about temperatures. Rainfall amounts were also breaking records across the country. The northwestern portion of the country and Southern Plains had higher than average rainfall amounts during March. Meanwhile, drier than average conditions dominated portions of the west, the Northeast and the deep south.

Scientists still are in disagreement over what all this means. Some blame global warming and others believe that the turbulent, unpredictable weather the US has been experiencing is due to nothing more than a normal “cycle” the earth goes through. What experts across the board do agree on is that the start of the year in the United States has shown us that 2012 is sure to be a very active weather year across the nation.

Water damage can ruin a home. Water is one of the most destructive forces in nature. This damage can be from flooding or from rain water getting through the roof. Flooding from a storm can happen not just from rain water seeping in through the basement walls, but also from sewers becoming over flooded causing the water backing into your home. A back flow prevention system being installed on your property can help to prevent this damage. Make sure your drains, culverts, downspouts and gutters are not clogged, that they are open and free of debris, so that water is channeled away from your home. Test your sump pump to make sure it is functioning as it should by dumping a few gallons of water into it. The sump pump should turn on and remove the water quickly then shut off, if it does not there is an issue at hand. If your sump pump operates often make sure you have a battery back up system for your sump pump that will operate during a loss of power. Storms during spring often cause power failure, and having a sump pump does you no good if the sump pump cannot operate!

Wind and hail damage can also ruin your home during spring. Hail can shred roof coverings which can lead to water damage to your ceilings, walls, floors. Does your home have an impact resistant roof? If your singles are class 4 rated by Underwriters Laboratories 2218 standard, they will not crack if hit twice in the same location by up to a two inch steel ball bearing. If you have landscaping, avoid loose stone material. The windows of your home should be impact-resistant, a side benefit of these windows is that they are often energy efficient as well, so this is one area a home owner may consider investing in. Make sure your walls joints are able to withstand high winds, if you are unable to determine this, a design professional can test this. If the joints need work they can be retrofitted. If your home has more than one story, make sure that the upper story wall framing is securely connected to the lower framing of your home. Also anchoring your roof to the walls with metal clips and straps will help to prevent wind damage to your roof.

What Causes Freezing Pipes?

Just as water freezes and expands in nature, water within pipes also freezes and expands. Stagnant water freezes as the temperatures drop creating an ice blockage within the pipe. This can sometimes cause a burst pipe, but more often, the ice blockage causes flowing water to build up and eventually burst the pipe. In the north, where below freezing temperatures are quite common in the winter, most household piping is installed within the home’s insulation. However, frozen pipes are actually a more common problem in the south where homeowners are less informed about the problem. The warmer climate causes less concern for the problem, and pipes are typically installed outside of the protection of insulation.

Prevention

Knowing when pipes are more susceptible is key to preventing burst pipes. In the south, temperatures of 20 degrees Farenheit and lower are considered high risk for freezing pipes. Problems can also occur at higher temperatures if homes have pipes with high risk factors such as exposure to wind or openings in outside walls. Homeowners in the north should also be aware of any uninsulated pipes located in unheated attics or crawl spaces since these pipes will also be susceptible to freezing at the 20 degree threshold. All homeowners should also ensure that outdoor hoses are detached and brought inside during cold weather.

Pipes that are located in areas that are susceptible to freezing can be covered with insulation sleeves available for purchase at home repair and plumbing supply stores. It’s also important to inspect the walls around the pipes for any areas where cold air could enter. Making repairs is a quick way to decrease the chance of pipes freezing. Finally, when homeowners know that temperatures will dip below freezing, they should allow their faucet to drip to prevent pressure building up and causing burst pipes.

Repairing a Frozen Pipe

Once a pipe is frozen, it’s necessary to take immediate action to fix it before the problem worsens. Homeowners should call a plumber as soon as they suspect a frozen pipe. It is much easier to repair a frozen pipe than a burst pipe, so immediate action could end up saving homeowners a lot of money and grief. Once a pipe has burst, the first step is to turn off the main water supply switch. Once the main supply is cut, the remaining water must be drained from the pipe until it is empty. A plumber can help empty the pipe as well as locate and repair the break in the pipe.

Water Damage

A substantial amount of water damage can occur as a result of a burst pipe. Electrical damage can also occur from the water affecting appliances and electric sockets. Once a pipe has burst, contact professionals to help repair the pipes as well as clean up the mess. A quick online search will reveal companies in the area that deal with fixing water damage. In addition to a plumber, homeowners may also want to contact a reputable electrician if they suspect any electric damage.

Strong Windy Storms

Cold weather storms are generally accompanied by intense winds creating blizzards. Strong winds can cause blinding snow and severe chilly conditions. These powerful winds with potent clod fronts and storms can bring down utility poles, power lines and trees. Winter storms along the coast can lead to flooding of the coastal area, beach erosion, and even sink boats and ships at sea. Winds blowing down the mountains in the West and Alaska can reach the speeds of 100 mph or more inflicting serious damage to roof and buildings.

Extreme Cold Brought By Cold Weather Storms

Extreme cold conditions either accompany or follow the cold weather storms. Extended exposure to cold can cause serious health problems such as frostbite or hypothermia. These conditions can even become life-threatening. Older people and infants are most vulnerable during cold conditions. Freezing conditions can seriously damage the fruit crops and plant life. Freezing temperatures can cause the pipes in your home to freeze and burst, which may damage your property and belongings. Long spells of extreme cold can result in freezing of rivers, hindering shipping, and may also lead to the formation of ice jams causing flooding.

Ice Storms

Heavy ice storms can knock down electric lines, communication towers and trees. Accumulation of ice can disrupt power supply and communications for days. It may also leave roads impassable causing extreme hazards to pedestrians and motorists.

Heavy snow storms

Heavy snow storms can leave an entire region completely immobilized and paralyzed. Snow storms can disrupt emergency and medical services. Accumulation of snow can cause a building to collapse. Heavy snowfall can take down trees and power lines. Homes and farms in rural regions can be cut off from the rest of the surrounding areas for several days, and vulnerable livestock can be lost. In the mountainous regions, extreme snowfall can cause dangerous avalanches. The cost of restoring the damage caused by a heavy snow storm can have a huge impact on the economies of the effected cities and towns.

Regularly Examine Your Roof

Many roofing professionals recommend that you should get your roof inspected at least once every year. Dead leaves or fallen tree branches can add to the wear and tear on your roof, so if there are lots of trees around your home, you may consider getting it examined twice in a year. If you are going to check your roof yourself, then make certain that you know the things you need to look for. Holes, worn-out sections, broken shingles and decay are some of the things you should check while inspecting your roof. Examine your roof gutters as well. A gutter system that is blocked can cause significant damage to even the strongest roof.

Remove tree debris such as broken limbs, twigs, nuts, pinecones and leaves from your roof regularly. Replace the damaged shingles, repair the worn-out areas and patch the holes. Take necessary steps to keep your roof gutters clean, so that the rain water can flow freely.

Adequate Ventilation

One of the leading causes of roof decay and collapse is improper ventilation. The best way to detect this problem is to observe the temperature inside your home. If you note that your house feels improbably warm in the summer and awfully cold in winter, then the odds are your roof is not adequately ventilated. You should immediately contact a competent roofing company to fix this problem.

Treat Your Roof

Roofing experts suggest that a roof must be treated every three to five years. If you have a roof maintenance contract with a reputable roofing company, then they will treat it at appropriate times. If not, then you can do it on your own by using a superior-quality roof cleanser.

Preventing Roof Leaks from Ice Dams

The warm temperature in the interiors your home melts the snow accumulated on top of your roof, as it is the warmest area of your roof. This melted snow flows down toward the edge of your roof. The edges of your roof are at sub-zero temperatures, which results in refreezing of the melted snow creating ice dams. The load of these ice dams can damage the roof itself, but the real problem arises when additional snowmelts gather in pools against these ice dams. This collected water ultimately gets trough your roof and leaks into your home. In order to prevent roof leaks from ice dams you must install proper insulation, have adequate ventilation and create an effective air barrier.

Governor Bobby Jindal declared a state of emergency, and said flooding was Louisiana’s “primary concern”. The downpour had caused extensive street flooding in the weekend and the pumps in New Orleans did a good job taking in the water and diverting it to Lake Pontchartrain. The National Hurricane informed that Lee’s flash-flood threat could be harsher as the rain moves into the rugged Appalachians from the flatter Gulf region.

The citizens and the authorities seemed to have wizened up and were not taking any chances. The aforementioned Hurricane Katrina had struck in 2005 and had killed 1,500 people while recording the worst financial loss by a natural disaster in the US. New Orleans had become poorer by $80 billion due to the hurricane With the horrific past still in mind, the mayor Mitch Landrieu did not seem to take any chance. He said that the stormy either may continue for days, even though there were some sunny sells. He told the people not to take the situation lightly as he quoted, “Do not go to sleep on this storm.” In Louisiana, a lot of evacuations have been done, especially in the coastal communities. A staggering number of 8000 homes went without electricity.

In Louisiana, there was a brief shutdown of more than 60 per cent of coastal oil production. New Orleans, did a reasonably good job in managing to hold the storm, the municipal authorities were able to save face as the flood defenses worked in containing the floods, with the pumping system in place to suck up the water and divert it into Lake Pontchartrain.
Street flooding was reported in many areas of Louisiana, especially in parts of New Orleans and other areas that lie below se-level. However, the system of levees, flood gates and pumps were able to contain the troubled waters and work its drainage system effectively. Though the storm does seem to have subsided, Lee’s remnants can still bring in some flash floods and tornadoes to Mississippi on Monday, to Alabama and Tennessee on Tuesday, according to a hurricane center in Miami. There have been no injuries or deaths in Louisiana though there are reports of water entering into the homes and businesses in low-lying areas People were also angry that the weekend literally was washed away. Labor Day concerts and other festivities were cancelled and the beaches were an empty sight.

If you are able to search for a company online, simply use a keyword phrase pertinent to the type of disaster/situation you are facing such as ‘Twin Cities Flood Fire Restoration’ or ‘Twin Cities mold clean-up’. You then should study the websites of a few companies appearing in your search results. Look for a firm that offers immediate assistance and which promises to arrive at your home shortly after being contacted. Remember that time is of the essence as many home emergencies can worsen if not addressed quickly. The best Twin Cities restoration companies understand how important your property is to you and they also fully know that a damaged home must be restored quickly so that you and your family can get your lives back to normal.

A reputable Twin Cities restoration company will also deal directly with your insurance company if you have coverage for the type of damage that has occurred. When looking at websites, look for a company which is available 24/7 and which offers detailed information regarding the type of equipment used to cleanup disasters. Check to see that the employees working at the company are fully trained and be sure the company you hire offers a guarantee.

If you do not have insurance for the type of problem you are experiencing you may wish to compare prices between a few of the top Twin Cities restoration companies. Also ask any company you are interested in using what types of treatments are utilized and whether or not it uses chemicals which are harmful to breathe. Avoid using any company that does not allow you to speak to a real person when you call as it is a sign of poor customer service.

The best Twin Cities restoration company is fully capable of taking care of your problem swiftly so that the integrity of your home and belongings are restored. The team of professionals who come to your aide will assess the situation, tell you what needs to be done, give you an estimate and will then set the wheels in motion regarding the actual cleanup so that the job is done thoroughly and with a high degree of professionalism.

The North Dakota National Guard is on the scene in Minot checking homes to be sure that those who were ordered to leave did seek dry ground. The Guard members are also providing traffic control and levee patrol and they are also ready to step into action in case any flood-related emergency arises. Minot has a population of 41,000 people and the flooding in the city is set to pass the 1881 historical flood levels, so says the National Weather Service.

One fourth of the city of Minot’s residents faced a 6pm evacuation order but the warning was extended by five hours Wednesday so that people had time to remove items from their homes which they wanted to save. City work crews sandbagged key buildings before leaving as they did not want to leave City Hall and the city’s water treatment plant vulnerable to floodwater. Minot is located just 60 miles south of the Canadian border. The Souris River is inching toward the top of the dikes that protect neighborhoods in northwest Minot and the river is also threatening to breach dikes in other places in Minot.

Many homeowners living on the banks of the Souris river are fearful that their homes will be ripped off their foundations by the rising flood waters. Minot is currently in the midst of a housing crisis so worried homeowners have no idea where they will go if their homes are washed away by the flooding.

The mid-section of the U.S. has been wet for months as snow pack melts and heavy spring rains have swollen rivers from the Mississippi to the Missouri. The Souris river’s headwaters are in Canada and the river loops down into North Dakota before doubling back across the border. This is the 3rd consecutive year North Dakota has faced flooding. The capital city of Bismark was threatened by the Missouri River earlier this spring as was the city of Pierre, which is the capital of South Dakota.