Although severe weather can cause water damage or fire damage at any time, certain months and seasons are more likely than others. The key to staying safe is preparing for severe weather. Review our severe weather awareness calendar to prepare for and prevent severe weather damage to your home or business.
Severe Weather Awareness Calendar
January
Expect some of the lowest temperatures of the year in your area. Traditionally cold-weather states will see moderate to severe snow. Look for lake effect snow in Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York.
If you haven’t already, take steps to winterize your property including insulating pipes and weatherproofing windows and doors. A polar vortex can bring extremely unseasonable low temperatures, even to traditionally warm-weather states.
January Severe Weather Calendar:
- Mild to Severe Snowfall in Cold-Weather Areas
- Mild to Moderate Rainfall in Warm-Weather Areas
- Seasonally Low Temperatures
- Polar Vortices and Extremely Low Temperatures
- Mild to Severe Potential for Ice Dams Along the Roof
- Mild to Severe Potential for Frozen and Burst Pipes
February
Snow and seasonally low temperatures will continue throughout February. Many areas will see the most snow and lowest temperatures of the year. However, snowfall and temperatures will vary seasonally and by location. Polar vortices are most likely during early to mid-February.
February is also Earthquake Awareness Month. Alaska, California, and Hawaii lead the country in earthquakes, but Wyoming, Idaho, and Utah have a fair number of quakes as well. Since they can happen almost anywhere at any time, you should create or review your earthquake safety plan.
February Severe Weather Calendar:
- Earthquake Awareness Month
- Extreme Cold Preparedness Month
- Mild to Severe Snowfall in Cold-Weather Areas
- Mild to Moderate Rainfall in Warm-Weather Areas
- Seasonally Low Temperatures
- Polar Vortices and Extremely Low Temperatures
- Mild to Severe Potential for Ice Dams Along the Roof
- Mild to Severe Potential for Frozen and Burst Pipes
March
Most of the country should begin to warm up throughout March. Some areas may continue to experience seasonally cold temperatures and snowfall. There is still a potential for extremely severe winter weather as well. Traditionally warmer states may see an increase in rainfall. Also, March is Flood Safety Month and Tsunami Safety Awareness Month.
Local safety events, days, and weeks vary by community. Regardless of where you live, take time to prepare for the severe weather season. First, do a complete visual inspection of your home or property. Then review your severe weather safety plans with your entire family. While tsunami are rare, those in California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska should still create or review their tsunami safety plan.
March Severe Weather Calendar:
- Spring Weather Safety
- Flood Safety Month
- Tsunami Safety Awareness Week
- Mild to Moderate Snowfall in Cold-Weather Areas
- Mild to Severe Rainfall in Warm-Weather Areas
- Mild to Moderate Potential for Groundwater Floods
- Mild to Moderate Potential for Sewage Backups
April
The majority of the country should see seasonably warmer temperatures. Rainfall will increase, but a few areas may still see snow. Floods are common throughout much of the country. You should also inspect your property for other issues that may result in water damage.
April is both Tornado Safety Awareness Month and the start of Wildfire Safety Season.
Residents of Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska should create or review their tornado safety plans. Those that live in arid climates or in areas prone to drought should take precautions against wildfires.
April Severe Weather Calendar:
- Wildfire Safety Season Kickoff
- Tornado Safety Awareness Month
- Mild to Severe Rainfall
- Moderate to Severe Thunderstorms
- Mild to Severe Tornados
- Mild to Severe Potential for Groundwater Floods
- Mild to Severe Potential for Sewage Backups
May
Spring weather has usually stabilized to seasonal normals, with mild to severe rainfall across the country. Thunderstorms and tornados continue to be the main severe weather events. Watch for groundwater flooding and sewage backups.
May is National Building Safety Month, which focuses on construction codes, building regulations, and preventing fire and water disasters. Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is May 4t, which is usually celebrated with educational events through the Southwest United States.
May Severe Weather Calendar:
- National Building Safety Month
- Wildfire Community Preparedness Day (May 4, 2019)
- National Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 25 – 31, 2019)
- Mild to Severe Rainfall
- Mild to Severe Thunderstorms
- Moderate to Severe Tornados
- Mild to Severe Hailstorms
- Mild to Severe Potential for Groundwater Floods
- Mild to Severe Potential for Sewage Backups
June
As temperatures begin to rise, so does the risk of severe storms. In addition to thunderstorms and tornados, the hurricane and monsoon seasons also begin during June. Create or review your hurricane preparedness plan if you live along the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico. If you live in southwestern states like New Mexico and Arizona, review your monsoon safety plans and take precautions to safeguard your home or business. Fireworks Safety Month runs through June until July 4th and the Summer Weather Saftey campaign also starts in June.
June Severe Weather Calendar:
- Summer Weather Safety
- National Fireworks Safety Month (June 1 – July 4, 2019)
- National Lightning Safety Awareness Week (June 23 – 29, 2019)
- Moderate to Severe Rainfall Across the Country
- Moderate to Severe Thunderstorms
- Moderate to Severe Tornados
- Mild to Moderate Hurricanes
- Mild to Moderate Monsoons
- Moderate to Severe Hailstorms
- Mild to Moderate Potential for Groundwater Floods
- Mild to Moderate Potential for Sewage Backups
July
While the risk of tornados begins to fall, the chance of thunderstorms and monsoons increase. Hurricane activity is usually low but can be unpredictable. National Fireworks Safety Month ends on July 4th, with many communities holding fireworks safety events in those final days.
July Severe Weather Calendar:
- National Fireworks Safety Month (June 1 – July 4, 2019)
- Mild to Moderate Rainfall
- Moderate to Severe Thunderstorms
- Moderate to Severe Monsoons
- Mild to Severe Tornados
- Mild to Moderate Hurricanes
- Mild to Severe Hailstorms
August
The weather across the country is typically moderate throughout the month of August. Thunderstorms, hurricanes, and monsoons continue to pose the greatest threat of severe weather. Peak hurricane season typically begins towards the end of the month. Residents in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina should review their hurricane preparation plan again.
August Severe Weather Calendar:
- Mild to Moderate Rainfall
- Moderate to Severe Monsoons
- Mild to Severe Thunderstorms
- Mild to Severe Hurricanes
September
September is the peak of hurricane season and the end of the monsoon season. Thunderstorm activity and rainfall usually pick up as areas begin transitioning into fall. Remember to start winterizing your home against fall rains and the upcoming winter.
September Severe Weather Calendar:
- Fall Weather Safety
- National Preparedness Month
- Mild to Moderate Rainfall
- Moderate to Severe Thunderstorms
- Mild to Severe Hurricanes
- Mild to Severe Monsoons
October
Traditionally cold-weather climates may begin to see snow, which warm-weather climates may see an increase in rain. Hurricane season usually draws to a close, but a few late-season storms are still possible. Fire Prevention Week runs October 6th through 12th with the National Home Fire Drill Day on October 13th. Take time to review your fire prevention plan and set aside time to do a fire drill. October 19th is the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill day. Review your earthquake preparedness guide and perform an earthquake drill.
October Severe Weather Calendar:
- Fire Prevention Week (October 6 – 12, 2019)
- Home Fire Drill Day (October 13, 2019)
- Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill (October 19, 2019)
- Mild to Moderate Hurricanes
- Mild to Moderate Snowfall in Cold-Weather Areas
- Mild to Moderate Rainfall in Warm-Weather Areas
November
Expect snowfall to increase in cold-weather climates, with rainfall more prevalent in warmer areas. If you haven’t already, winterize your home to prevent ice dams along the roof and frozen or burst pipes. Additionally, be aware of water and fire safety tips when preparing for Thanksgiving dinner.
November Severe Weather Calendar:
- Thanksgiving Safety Awareness
- Mild to Moderate Snowfall in Cold-Weather Areas
- Mild to Moderate Rainfall in Warm-Weather Areas
- Seasonally Low Temperatures
- Mild to Moderate Potential for Ice Dams Along the Roof
- Mild to Moderate Potential for Frozen and Burst Pipes
December
The Winter Weather Safety campaign kicks off in December, focusing on winterizing your property and avoiding cold weather damage. Many areas of the county will see mild to severe snowfall and polar vortices may bring sub-zero temperatures. Continue to practice fire safety to prevent residential and commercial fires. December is also Holiday Safety Month, so review our holiday decorations safety guide to prevent damage around the holidays.
December Severe Weather Calendar:
- Winter Weather Safety
- Holiday Safety Month
- Mild to Severe Snowfall in Cold-Weather Areas
- Mild to Moderate Rainfall in Warm-Weather Areas
- Seasonally Low Temperatures
- Polar Vortices and Extremely Low Temperatures
- Mild to Severe Potential for Ice Dams Along the Roof
- Mild to Severe Potential for Frozen and Burst Pipes
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