The following areas are particularly prone to damage from convective storms:

Roofs: At Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company, we have seen business owners experience a wide range of roof damage, from small but costly leaks to multi-million-dollar roof collapses or roofs tearing completely off the building.
Doors and Windows: Because convective storms often result in high winds and heavy rain, sideways rain can impact the seals around windows and doors leading to leaks.
Outdoor Space: High wind and storms can be strong enough to lift unsecured items and trees off the ground. For lumber and building materials businesses, the industry we at PLM specialize in, it is common to have inventory in the yard. If that inventory is not properly secured, it can whip into the sides of buildings, knock down nearby inventory or fly into neighboring structures.

While convective storms do not typically raise the same concern levels as hurricanes, they are more prevalent throughout the country and property owners should prepare accordingly. Fortunately, there are a number of precautions business owners can take to alleviate the impact of convective storms on their properties including:

Storm Preparations: Prior to the onset of convective weather, business owners should have a plan for executing storm preparations. Plans should cover tasks such as where to store any unsecured outdoor items to ensure wind does not carry them into any buildings or off the premises, and ensuring outdoor shelving or inventory is bolted down. Wind that is strong enough to cause roof tear offs will be able to lift any unsecured items off the ground, damaging buildings on the premises as well as neighboring buildings.
Pre- and Post-Weather Event Inspections: Before and after a weather event, business owners should inspect their roofing, windows and seals, doors and seals and drainage systems to ensure they are in working order. Even a small leak can cause significant damage to a building and should be promptly evaluated and repaired. Conducting inspections before and after storm activity can help identify problems and solutions before they turn into costly claims.
Adequate Insurance: One of the most common mistakes producers should help their insureds avoid is the belief that many weather-related risks are covered under a standard insurance policy. Flood insurance is the largest example, as many general policies do not cover weather-related flooding. Producers should take the time to evaluate business owners' policies at least annually to ensure their coverage reflects the risks in the area. For example, in areas where convective storm activity has become more prevalent in recent years, business owners may not have ever considered flood coverage. In 2026, that may be a necessary safeguard.

Though convective storms may not often hit national headlines, the threat to people and property should not be overlooked. Producers should stress to business owners the importance of a professional risk assessment. While pre- and post-storm inspections by business owners or employees can be a strong line of defense, those more familiar with a building could overlook a big problem. Whether it is an insurance professional completing an inspection, or a roof expert, for example, a fresh perspective from a third party could help identify areas in need of repair that could result in costly claims if left unaddressed.

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