Severe thunderstorms can be accompanied by lightning, strong winds, a tornado, hail, and a heavy downpour. The force of these storms can cause flooding, power outages, fires, electrocution, landslides and significant damage to infrastructures, such as buildings and streets.

Heavy rainfall during a severe thunderstorm can cause a significant accumulation of water in the streets. Residents can request an immediate response from the city when the situation is reported to 311.

A risk of flooding also exists for homes not protected by properly installed and maintained backwater valves or homes with plumbing systems that are in poor condition.

After a thunderstorm, residents can contact 311 to request an immediate response in the event of a tree branch that has fallen or is about to fall, or debris blocking a public road.