After a Des Moines Thunderstorm: Your Electrical Safety Checklist

A big thunderstorm rolls through Des Moines, and now you're left wondering what it took with it. Maybe the power went out. Maybe your lights flickered a few times. Maybe everything seems fine, but you're not sure if it's actually safe to go back to normal. That's the tricky part about storm damage. Some electrical problems are obvious. Others stay hidden until they damage an appliance or become a safety hazard.

At Integra Electrical, we've helped homeowners across Des Moines and the surrounding communities find electrical problems after severe storms. Some issues are easy to spot. Others take a closer look. Knowing what to check can help you catch problems early and avoid bigger repairs later.

Before the end of this article, you will know:

• What Should You Check Right After a Thunderstorm?
• What Electrical Problems Can Storms Cause?
• When Should You Call an Electrician After a Storm?

What Should You Check Right After a Thunderstorm?

If your home made it through the storm without any obvious damage, that's great. Even so, it's smart to do a quick walk-through before getting back to your normal routine. It only takes a few minutes and could help you catch a problem early.

Start by checking these areas:

• Look around your electrical panel. If you see water, hear buzzing, or smell something burning, stay away and call an electrician.
• Test your lights. If several lights are flickering or staying dim after the storm, there could be a larger electrical issue.
• Check your GFCI outlets. These are usually found in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outside. If one has tripped, press the reset button. If it won't reset, have it checked.
• Look outside. Fallen tree limbs can pull on your home's service line or damage outdoor electrical equipment. Never touch a downed power line. If you see one, report it to MidAmerican Energy or Alliant Energy right away.
• Pay attention to your appliances. If something won't turn on or is acting strangely after the storm, unplug it until you know it's safe.

If your power went out during the storm, wait until service has been restored before resetting breakers or plugging sensitive electronics back in. Power can come back with small surges that stress electronics.

If everything looks and works normally after your quick inspection, you're probably in good shape. The next step is knowing which electrical problems can still hide beneath the surface after a storm.

What Electrical Problems Can Storms Cause?

Not every electrical problem shows up the moment the rain stops. Some take days or even weeks before you notice something isn't right.

Here are a few of the most common problems we see after storms in the Des Moines area:

Power surges

Lightning doesn't have to strike your house to cause a surge. A nearby strike or power being restored after an outage can send extra voltage through your electrical system. That can damage TVs, computers, appliances, and smart home devices.

Water damage

Heavy rain can find its way into outdoor outlets, light fixtures, meter equipment, or even your electrical panel if water gets into the wrong place. Water and electricity are never a good mix. If you notice moisture around electrical equipment, don't use it until it's been inspected.

Damaged service equipment

Strong winds can pull on the service line that connects your home to the utility. You may also see damage to the weatherhead, meter base, or other outdoor electrical parts. If anything looks bent, loose, or damaged, don't try to fix it yourself.

Hidden wiring problems

Many older homes around Des Moines, especially those built in the 1950s through the 1970s, have electrical systems that have already seen decades of wear. A major storm can expose weak connections or aging equipment that was already close to failing.

If you notice breakers tripping more often, lights flickering after the storm, or outlets that suddenly stop working, don't assume the problem will go away on its own. Those are signs your electrical system should be checked before the issue gets worse.

When Should You Call an Electrician After a Storm?

Some storm problems are easy to spot. Others aren't. If something doesn't seem right after a thunderstorm, it's better to have it checked than hope it fixes itself.

You should call an electrician if you notice:

• A burning smell coming from an outlet, switch, or panel
• Breakers that keep tripping after the storm
• Lights that continue to flicker long after power is restored
• Outlets or switches that stopped working
• Water inside or around your electrical panel
• Damage to your home's service equipment

If a tree damaged the line going to your home or your service mast looks bent, your utility company may need to disconnect power before repairs can be made. In the Des Moines area, that's usually MidAmerican Energy or Alliant Energy. Once it's safe, an electrician can repair the damaged equipment and, if needed, help with the permit and inspection process required for the work.

The good news is that not every storm means you'll need electrical repairs. In many cases, a quick inspection gives you peace of mind that everything is safe.

If you're seeing warning signs or simply aren't sure after a severe storm, it's worth having a professional take a look. Catching a small problem early is almost always easier and less expensive than waiting until it causes bigger damage.

What's the Next Step After a Storm?

If your lights are flickering, breakers keep tripping, or you see damage around your electrical equipment, don't wait to see if it gets better. Electrical problems caused by storms rarely fix themselves.

The best next step is to schedule service with a licensed electrician. A professional inspection can identify hidden damage, make sure your home is safe, and help prevent a small issue from turning into a much bigger repair.

Not sure if your electrical system is storm-ready for the next round of Iowa weather? You may also want to read our guide on whole-home surge protectors to learn how they help protect your home during future thunderstorms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can lightning damage my home's electrical system without hitting my house?

Yes. A nearby lightning strike can cause a power surge that damages electronics, appliances, or parts of your electrical system.

Is it safe to reset a breaker after a thunderstorm?

Usually, yes. If the breaker trips again right away or won't reset, stop using that circuit and have it inspected.

Should I unplug electronics during a thunderstorm?

If you know a storm is coming and it's safe to do so, unplugging sensitive electronics can help protect them from power surges. A whole-home surge protector adds another layer of protection.

What should I do if I see a downed power line?

Stay far away from it and call your utility company immediately. In Central Iowa, that's usually MidAmerican Energy or Alliant Energy. Never touch or drive over a downed power line.