Missouri's severe weather season runs March through September — and for homeowners, being unprepared costs real money. Whether it's a hail storm that bruises your shingles or straight-line winds that lift a whole section, the difference between a smooth insurance claim and a denied one often comes down to preparation you do before the storm.
Missouri Storm Season by the Numbers
April–June
Peak months
10–20 (SW MO)
Avg hail events/yr
1 year from storm
Claim deadline
60–80+ mph
Wind avg in storms
Your Pre-Storm Season Checklist
1Roof Condition
- Schedule a professional inspection before April — the start of peak storm season
- Address any known minor damage before storms arrive (missing shingles, exposed flashing)
- Confirm pipe boots and flashing are sealed — these are the first places water enters
- Check ridge cap and hip cap for lifted or cracked sections
2Documentation
- Photograph your entire roof from the ground on all four sides
- Take close-up photos of any existing wear or minor damage
- Get a professional inspection report — this establishes pre-storm condition
- Store all photos and documents in dated cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud)
3Insurance Prep
- Pull out your declarations page and locate your wind/hail deductible (it may be a % not a flat amount)
- Note your insurance company's claims phone number in your contacts
- Understand your policy's "actual cash value" vs. "replacement cost value" terms
- Know your policy's storm damage claim deadline (1 year in Missouri)
4Gutters & Drainage
- Clean gutters before storm season — clogged gutters cause ice dams in winter and overflow in summer storms
- Inspect gutter fasteners and hangers for any that have pulled away from fascia
- Check downspout extensions are directing water away from foundation
- Trim tree branches within 6 feet of the roofline
Why Pre-Storm Documentation Is Critical
Insurance companies use "prior condition" to argue that damage existed before the storm — a tactic to reduce or deny payouts. If you have dated photos showing your roof was in good condition immediately before a storm hit, that argument falls apart.
SRA provides written inspection reports with timestamps that serve as professional documentation of pre-storm condition. Schedule a pre-season inspection →
Frequently Asked Questions
When is storm season in Missouri?
Missouri's peak severe weather season runs from March through September, with the highest frequency of damaging hail and wind events in April, May, and June. Southwest Missouri, including Springfield and the Ozarks, is particularly active.
How do I document my roof before a storm for insurance?
Take wide-angle and close-up photos from ground level on all sides. Photograph any existing minor damage. Store dated photos in cloud storage. Get a professional inspection report — this establishes your baseline.