Mississippi Storm Season: A Before, During and After Checklist for Your Home’s Exterior

Know What You Are Preparing For

Severe weather threats differ across the state. In North Mississippi, spring and late fall squall lines bring hail and damaging straight-line winds, and tornadoes are a real risk. Central Mississippi and the Jackson Metro see the same plus more frequent tropical rain bands. On the Gulf Coast, hurricane-force wind and wind-driven rain are the primary concerns. Wherever you live, the exterior has the same job: keep water out and stay attached to the house.

Most storm damage starts at an existing weak point rather than a healthy surface. A shingle that was already lifting, a gutter hanging by two screws, a window with dried-out caulk or a dead limb over the garage is where wind and water get their start. That is why preparation is mostly about finding and fixing small problems early. A few hours of looking, plus a modest repair budget, prevents most of the expensive calls we get after a big storm.

Build a simple storm kit for the house

• A heavy-duty tarp, a box of roofing nails or cap nails, and some 2x4 strips for weighting edges.
• Buckets, old towels and a wet/dry vacuum for interior leaks.
• A folder, physical or on your phone, with your insurance policy, agent’s number and recent exterior photos.
• Contact information for a local roofer you have already vetted, so you are not choosing under pressure.

Before the Storm: A Pre-Season Inspection

Roof

• From the ground or with binoculars, look for missing, curled or cracked shingles and lifted ridge caps.
• Check flashing around chimneys and walls, and the rubber boots around plumbing vents. Cracked boots are a top source of leaks.
• In the attic, look for daylight, stains or damp insulation.

Gutters and drainage

• Clear debris and confirm downspouts discharge several feet from the foundation.
• Tighten loose hangers. A full gutter is heavy, and loose ones peel off in wind.

Siding

• Look for cracked, loose or warped panels and gaps at corners and trim where wind-driven rain can enter.

Windows and doors

• Check caulk and weatherstripping, test locks, and make sure sliding doors seat firmly.

Yard

• Trim limbs over the roof and plan where patio furniture, grills and planters will go when a warning is issued.

If anything on the roof looks questionable, a professional pre-season roof inspection and roof repair visit before the season is far cheaper than an emergency call during it.

During the Storm: What to Do and What to Skip

• Do bring loose outdoor items inside or tie them down. They become projectiles.
• Do close interior doors, keep away from windows and shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor during tornado warnings.
• Do keep phones charged and a flashlight handy so you can check the attic or ceilings afterward.
• Do not go onto the roof or into the yard to fix anything while the storm is active.
• Do not rely on taping windows. It does not prevent breakage and can create larger shards.

After the Storm: The First Walk-Around

Once it is safe, do a slow lap around the house with your phone camera running.

1. Shingles, ridge caps or flashing in the yard.
2. Dents in gutters, downspouts, AC units and vehicles, which suggest hail size.
3. Cracked or missing siding, broken glass and torn screens.
4. Water stains on ceilings or around window frames inside.
5. Standing water near the foundation.

Go into the attic with a flashlight within a day or two, too. Wet insulation or a damp spot on the decking can show you a leak before it ever stains a ceiling. If you find one, put a container under it and move stored items away.

Be wary of anyone who shows up unannounced offering a “free roof” or asking you to sign a form on the spot. Out-of-area crews often follow big storms. A local, licensed contractor will still be around if something needs attention after the job.

Call a contractor sooner rather than later. After a widespread storm, schedules fill quickly, and early documentation helps any insurance claim. Our page on checking your roof for storm damage goes deeper on what to look for from the ground.

Upgrades That Make the Next Season Easier

When a roof, siding or windows are due for replacement anyway, choosing storm-resistant upgrades adds resilience for a modest premium:

• Impact-resistant shingles rated to resist hail better than standard products.
• Metal roofing, which, when properly installed, handles high winds well and can last 40 to 70 years. See our metal roofing page for the trade-offs.
• Sealed roof deck details and upgraded underlayment that keep water out even if shingles blow off.
• Fiber cement siding that resists impact and does not melt or warp.
• Impact or laminated-glass windows, especially in Central and South Mississippi. Our window replacement team can explain the options.
• Larger gutters and downspouts that keep up with heavy rain.

Common Questions