Storms & Hurricanes: Timeline of Roof Damage and Recovery

Every year, powerful storms wreak havoc on homes and businesses across the country. Among the most vulnerable parts of any building is the roof, which bears the brunt of high winds, flying debris, and torrential rain. At RoofClaim, we understand the importance of acting fast after a storm to assess and repair damage before it gets worse. In this blog, we’ll walk you through a growing timeline of storms like Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, as well as past and future storms, to show how they have affected roofs in their paths. We will continually update this timeline to include more storms as they occur, and we’ll provide tips on what to do if your roof has been impacted by storm damage.

Timeline of Recent Hurricanes

Hurricane Imelda - September 2025

Date: September 27, 2025

Hurricane Imelda is tracking along the Western Atlantic, just offshore of the U.S. mainland. Hurricane Imelda has now intensified  into a category 1. While the storm’s center is not projected to  make landfall, it is already pushing hurricane force winds, heavy rainfall, and coastal flooding into parts of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic.

Coastal communities in Florida, the Carolinas, and the Outer Banks are seeing strong gusts , rough surf, and tornado watches. Bands of heavy rain are moving inland, creating flash flooding in low-lying neighborhoods, beach erosion, and scattered power outages across coastal countries.

Roof Impact

• Wind stress on roofing systems: Gusts along exposed coastal areas are lifting shingles, dislodging flashing, and straining older roofing materials, leaving homes vulnerable to leaks. 

• Wind- Driven rain: Sideways rain forces its way under shingles, tiles and around roof penetrations, causing active leaks even in homes farther inland. 

• Debris Impact: Flying branches and wind-skylights, gutters, and valleys, creating punctures and dents.
• Hidden Structural damage: Moisture is beginning to seep into roof decking and insulation.

Hurricane Humberto – September 2025

Date: September 27, 2025

Storm Overview: Hurricane Humberto which is 2025 Category 4 Tropical storm, with winds of around 145 mph. Although Humberto’s current track keeps its center away from direct landfall in the Bahamas or the U.S. East Coast, its large wind field is producing dangerous surf, swells, and rip currents for the Bahamas, Bermuda, and parts of the southeastern U.S. coast throughout early coming week(September 27 - October 2). Meteorologists continue to monitor the storm Humberto, as its proximity complicates travel and port operations and influences the development of nearby systems.

Roof Impact: Humberto’s extreme winds and wave action threaten coastal structures with airborne debris, potential storm roof damage. Residential areas near the water should prepare for wind-driven rain and take initial step which is roof inspection to secure roofs and property from the further damages.

Hurricane Milton – October 2024

Date: October 6, 2024

Storm Overview:
Hurricane Milton, a Category 4 hurricane, developed quickly and moved across the southeastern United States. It brought sustained winds of up to 130 mph, affecting regions from Florida to South Carolina. In some areas, the storm surge flooded entire neighborhoods, and roof damage was extensive due to flying debris and uprooted trees.

Roof Impact:
Milton caused significant roof damage, with reports of tiles and shingles being torn off, structural roof collapses, and water intrusion due to the prolonged rainfall. As the storm moved inland, many homeowners had to act fast to prevent interior damage by tarping roofs and scheduling emergency roof inspections.

Here is the map to see more details about Hurricane Milton's path and impact.

Hurricane Helene – September 2024

Date: September 26, 2024

Storm Overview:
Hurricane Helene was a Category 3 storm that made landfall on the Gulf Coast. With sustained winds of 120 mph and heavy rainfall, Helene left a trail of destruction across multiple states. Homes and businesses along the coast experienced significant damage, especially to roofs, with shingles being ripped off and structural issues due to water infiltration.

Roof Impact:
In the aftermath of Helene, homeowners reported widespread roof damage. Wind-driven rain caused leaks, while falling branches and debris punctured roofing materials. This storm highlighted the need for quick inspections and immediate roof repairs to prevent further water damage inside homes.

Click here to see more details about Hurricane Helene's path and impact.

What You Should Do After a Storm

In the wake of any storm, it’s important to act quickly to ensure your roof is secure and safe. If your area has been hit by a hurricane or severe storm, here are some immediate steps to take:

• Inspect for Visible Damage: Look for missing shingles, broken tiles, or visible damage to the structure of your roof.
• Check for Leaks: Look inside your attic or top floor for signs of water infiltration. Even small leaks can cause serious damage if not addressed.
• Schedule a Free Roof Inspection: At RoofClaim, we offer free roof inspections after major storms. Our team will assess the extent of the damage and recommend the next steps for repair.

If your roof has been damaged, it’s important to file an insurance claim as soon as possible. Our team can help you navigate the claims process and make it easier to get your repairs done quickly.

Why Quick Roof Inspections Matter

Even if your roof looks fine after a storm, there could be hidden damage that needs to be addressed. Water can seep into small cracks and lead to larger problems like mold growth, wood rot, and weakened structural integrity. A professional roof inspection ensures that you catch any issues before they get worse, saving you time and money in the long run.

Prepare for Future Storms

While no roof is completely immune to hurricane-force winds, there are steps you can take to protect your home:

• Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular inspections, clean your gutters, and ensure your roof is in good condition before hurricane season begins.
• Upgrade Your Roof: If you live in a storm-prone area, consider upgrading to impact-resistant shingles or metal roofing, which can withstand higher wind speeds.

Conclusion

Hurricanes like Helene and Milton serve as reminders of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared. At RoofClaim, we’re here to help you recover quickly by providing free inspections, fast roof repairs, and assistance with insurance claims. Don’t wait until it’s too late—get in touch with us after any storm for expert advice and support.

Is your roof damaged? Call us at 770-999-0095 or Request Your Free Roof Inspection Online today.