The Stormiest Cities in the United States

If you notice the skies lighting up with fierce white and yellow streaks at night, you may live in one of the stormiest cities in the United States. Florida receives a lot of stormy weather, but many other areas of the country get many storms as well.

Protect Your Home

No matter where you live, you should strive to storm-proof your home to protect the interior from exposure to moisture and cold fronts. If you’re unsure how to get started, start by purchasing windows that will protect your home during the worst weather. Preparing to stay safe during extreme weather is essential, so leave no area of the home untouched as you do so.

Cities That See the Most Thunderstorms

Florida towns receive the brunt of bad weather conditions, but some cities see more storms than others. People often associate cities such as Seattle with storms. However, while Seattle does see quite a bit of rainfall, storms are pretty rare there. The same is true for the rest of the West Coast, as the Pacific Ocean keeps temperatures in check.

Overall, storms hit Gulf Coast cities most. Here are the stormiest cities in the United States:

3. Birmingham, AL

Coming in at number three, Birmingham, AL, sees about 59 days of storms per year. Since the state’s climate is considered subtropical humid, and given the area’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, the area is prone to receiving many storms. Typically, the most rain occurs in March, with an average rainfall of 4.84 inches that month.

2. New Orleans, LA

When you think of stormy weather, New Orleans probably doesn’t come to mind. However, it does receive rain close to 67 days out of the year. However, the real danger with stormy weather in this area is flooding. A lot of flooding occurs because the city is smack-dab in the middle of lake bodies and the Gulf of Mexico. However, it mainly rains in New Orleans between March and October.

1. Tampa, FL

Located closer to the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa, FL, is right in the front of storm-making territory, experiencing storms from the unstableness of sea and offshore breezes. When these factors collide, the air becomes liquified, resulting in stormy weather. It storms about 83 days out of the year in Tampa.

Why Does Florida Get a Lot of Thunderstorms?

Coincidentally, Florida receives the most storms daily, with Alabama and Louisiana tailing close behind. The main cause is the interaction of heat and moisture on still summer days. When forming, thunderstorms go through three stages:

• Moisture buildup
• Uncontrollable air
• Lifting the air to form clouds

As you prepare your home, it’s essential to learn about your city’s climate so that you’re better-equipped for stormy weather. As you learn the local climate, you’ll get a better idea of the types of weather to expect during the year.