Missouri is a state that sees plenty of extreme weather. From dangerously hot summers to freezing winters, the weather poses a significant threat. Homeowners must stay abreast of the dangers so that they can protect their properties.
Pollution in St. Louis leads to stagnant air days and ozone violations. The city is seeing more days of stagnant air than ever, and mosquito season is growing longer because of it. In 2000, the state saw only
12 “danger days,” during which the heat index rose above 105 degrees Fahrenheit. By 2050, residents are expected to suffer through 63 danger days every summer.
Heat waves are even more dangerous in the city because of air pollution. More than 170,000 people in the state are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat. This is projected to lead to more severe,
widespread droughts.
With drier regions, especially on Forest Service land, the number of wildfires is increasing dramatically. Twenty percent of the population of Missouri is at an increased risk of wildfire. The number of days with high wildfire potential is expected to grow from 8 in 2000 to almost 25 in 2050.
At the same time, winter storms are getting worse. With precipitation changing from snow to rain, the potential for flooding is more likely. In December 2015, heavy downpours caused tremendous sewage leaks in St. Louis. Millions of gallons of sewage covered the area after 9 inches of rain pounded the city for three days and caused rivers to swell, flooding sewage treatment plants.
The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District spent $4.7 billion repairing the sewer system, a project that is projected to last for two decades. But city planners need to rethink flood plain development as heavy
downpours in Missouri increase, causing more inland flooding.
Extended periods of below-freezing temperatures also bring the potential for ice storms, which can lead to pipes bursting and loss of electricity for days. Using generators and candles as power sources during ice storms increases the threat to property.
The Missouri Property Insurance Placement Facility offers a FAIR Plan for homeowners that have trouble finding affordable insurance because they’re at a high risk of extreme weather and natural disasters in the state. However, this plan is intended to be a last resort for basic property insurance.
It doesn’t feature the same coverage that private plans provide. It’s important for residents to research all of their
options so that they can protect their homes and their budgets against damage or loss.