Peak Hurricane Season is Here: The Pennsylvanian's Definitive Guide to Preparing for Tropical Storms

Did you know tropical storms and the remnants of hurricanes can reach Pennsylvania, bringing heavy rain, flooding, and roof damage? It’s true, peak hurricane season in the Atlantic runs from June through November, with the most activity from mid-August to mid-October. While coastal areas bear the brunt of landfalling hurricanes, places far inland like Pennsylvania are not immune to the impacts. In fact, powerful tropical storm systems can travel north and soak central PA with torrential rainfall and high winds, even after they’ve weakened over land. Homeowners in communities like Mechanicsburg and Camp Hill, PA, may not worry about storm surge or 100+ mph winds, but tropical downpours and gusty remnants of hurricanes can still pack a punch.

Tropical Storms in PA? Yes, It Happens!

Pennsylvania might seem safely distant from the ocean, but history shows otherwise. Remnants of hurricanes often sweep through PA, bringing extreme rain and flooding. For example, when the remains of Hurricane Ida tracked over the Northeast in September 2021, eastern and south-central Pennsylvania received 5 to 10 inches of rain within hours, triggering widespread flash floods. Closer to home, the Harrisburg area has seen devastation from tropical storms such as the legendary Agnes in 1972 turned into a tropical rainstorm that inundated central PA, and more recently Ida’s rains caused road closures and water damage across the region. Heavy rain, high wind gusts, rising creek levels, even isolated tornadoes can happen inland from these storms.

The bottom line: Peak hurricane season (late summer into fall) is a time to stay alert, even here in Mechanicsburg and Camp Hill. Now is the perfect time to prepare your home and family for the possibility of tropical storm impacts. Taking a few simple precautions ahead of time can help minimize flooding and roof damage when the next storm’s remnants arrive. Below, we outline key steps you can take to storm-proof your Pennsylvania home.

How to Prepare Your Home for Peak Hurricane Season

Even if we don’t get full hurricanes in PA, we do get their leftovers, so we need to be ready. Here’s what you can do to prepare right now:

• Clear Gutters and Downspouts: Clogged gutters can spell disaster during heavy rain. Make sure to clean out leaves, sticks, and debris from your gutters and downspouts so water can flow freely. If rainwater can’t drain away, it will overflow and spill near your foundation, where it might seep into your basement or erode the structure. Properly directing roof runoff reduces the risk of interior leaks and foundation flooding.

• Inspect Your Roof and Attic for Weak Spots: Give your roof a thorough check-up before the storms hit. Look for any missing shingles, loose flashing, or signs of leaks inside your attic (like water stains or damp insulation). Pay extra attention around chimneys, skylights, and vent pipes. Seal any gaps you find in those areas, a little caulking or roof sealant now can prevent a lot of water from seeping in later. It’s crucial to have a strong, intact roof when facing days of heavy rain. If you’re unsure about your roof’s condition, consider hiring a professional for a pre-storm roof inspection to identify and fix weaknesses in the roof structure.

• Trim Trees Near Your Home: Do you have large trees or branches overhanging your roof or power lines? Now’s the time to trim them back. Strong wind gusts can snap dead or dangling branches, turning them into dangerous projectiles. By pruning trees and shrubbery around your house, you’ll reduce the chance of limbs crashing onto your roof or siding during a storm. This step can save you from major roof repairs (and a big mess) after a tropical storm. Plus, well-trimmed trees are generally healthier and less likely to uproot in high winds.

• Secure Outdoor Items That Could Blow Away: Take a walk around your yard and secure anything that isn’t nailed down. Patio furniture, grills, trash cans, lawn decorations, kid’s toys,  all these can get lifted by sudden wind gusts. Bring smaller items inside if a storm is on the way, and tie down or weigh down larger items that must stay outside. Something as simple as storing your lawn chairs in the garage can prevent them from becoming flying debris that damages your (or your neighbor’s) property. Don’t forget to retract and fasten any outdoor awnings, and close and lock shed doors as well.

• Have an Emergency Plan for Your Family: Preparation isn’t only about the house, it’s also about your loved ones. Sit down with your family and create a storm plan so everyone knows what to do when severe weather hits. Identify the safest spot in your home (an interior room or basement away from windows) to shelter during extreme wind or tornado warnings. Put together an emergency kit with essentials: flashlights, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food, necessary medications, and copies of important documents. It’s wise to have at least 3 days’ supply of water and food per person. Also, discuss an evacuation route and a meeting place in case you must leave in a hurry, for instance, if flooding forces you out, where will you reunite if family members get separated? Having this plan in place will ensure everyone stays calm and knows their role when a storm is bearing down.

  
  

Stay Safe and Storm-Ready in Mechanicsburg & Camp Hill, PA

Peak hurricane season can be nerve-wracking, but a little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your home and family safe. By clearing your gutters, fortifying your roof, trimming trees, securing loose items, and planning for emergencies, you’re significantly reducing your risk of serious damage when the next tropical storm rolls through Pennsylvania. Remember, even a “tropical rainstorm” can cause basement floods and roof leaks if we aren’t ready.

Stay vigilant when big storms down south turn northward, pay attention to weather alerts, and don’t assume “it can’t happen here.” If a major storm is in the forecast, take action early by double-checking that sump pump, charging your devices, and parking your car on higher ground if flooding is a concern.

And if the worst does happen, say a falling branch punctures your roof or your Camp Hill basement takes on water, know that help is available. As a local water damage restoration and roofing company, 1D Remedy is ready to assist Mechanicsburg and Camp Hill homeowners with storm-related emergencies. We have the unique expertise to both fix roof damage and address water infiltration, so you can recover faster. Don’t hesitate to call if you need an inspection or immediate help after a storm.

Hurricane season may be unavoidable, but with the right preparations, we can weather the storms safely here in Pennsylvania. Stay safe, stay prepared, and rest easy knowing you’ve done all you can to protect your home, no matter what Mother Nature sends our way this peak season!