poloAugust2023

Polo

President, Lisa Stortzum LISA@polohoaboard.com

Vice President, Jonathan Brinson JON@polohoaboard.com

Treasurer, Jerry Springer JERRY@polohoaboard.com

Secretary Laura Vega LAURA@polohoaboard.com

Member-at-Large, Jason Martin JASON@polohoaboard.com

Community Manager, Jasmin Ilazovic jIlazovic@cmacommunities.com

To reach all the board members please email: BOARD@poloHOAboard.com

POLO

Architectural Control Committee Chair Patrick Burch ACC@polohoa.com

(An ACC form may be found on POLOHOA.com)

Club Relations, Ray Drummond CLUBRELATIONS@polohoa.com

Digital Media Manager, OPEN

Social Committee, Whitney Dylan Whitney@polohoaboard.com

Technology Committee, Denise Architetto TECHNOLOGY@polohoa.com

Welcoming Committee, Whitney Dylan WELCOME@polohoa.com

Zoning Committee, Lisa Stortzum ZONING@polohoa.com

Register

This

Facebook–The

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This is the

This

2022 HOA BOD

COMMITTEES

Social Circle Polo's

Calendar from the Club

Every Wednesday Wednesday Night Supper

1st and 3rd Thursdays Trivia

2nd and 4th Thursdays Prime Rib Night

Every Friday Friday Night Out

Polo HOA

Social Event

F3 ALPHA

Free Men's Workouts! F3 has recently launched a new workout location at Midway Park, which in close proximity to Polo, additionally there are a few other workout locations (Fowler Park, Sharon Springs & Halcyon) in the area. Here is the schedule for each location: Sbaron Springs Park (Cumming), on mondays at 5:30 am • Fowler Park (Cumming), on wednesdays at 5:30 am • Midway Park (Cumming), on fridays at 5:30 am • Halcyon (Alpharetta), on saturdays at 7:00 am F3 Alpha : www.f3alpha.com

POLO MEN'S BREAKFAST WEBSITE!

WWW.POLOMENSBREAKFAST.COM

Open to ALL men of the Polo subdivision, Vickery, and surrounding area. Club membership is NOT required.

Cost is $10 paid at the door. Great buffet breakfast!

GOAL: To build a sense of community among all men in the Polo and Vickery subdivisions and surrounding area through a quarterly breakfast where we get to know each other and share about activities in our community, civic organizations, churches, and the Polo Club.

INVITE FRIENDS! Invite a neighbor! If you are planning to attend please consider asking a neighbor to join you who has not attended before.

FOR INFORMATION: Heinz Wegener 770-886-8005 ext 222 | 404-213-7628 | heinzw@mindspring.com

POLO WOMEN'S BOOK CLUB

The Polo Women's Book Club includes women from the Polo Subdivision and surrounding area. We meet the fi rst Friday of each month at the Polo Clubhouse at 11:00 a.m. A new book is discussed each month. Sometimes we have guest speakers or plan a fun outing. To connect with us prior to the next luncheon and see the upcoming book, check out the Polo Book Club Facebook page or call Perrie Tucker at 678-642-3369, email perrietuck@mac.com. We encourage newcomers and friends!

MAGNIFICENT MOMS OF POLO FIELDS

You’re cordially invited to join our new Facebook Group, Magnificent Moms Of Polo Fields. We’ll be posting Neighborhood Play-Dates, Mom’s Night Outs, Parent Socials, Local Events, Sharing Stories, and much more. WANT IN?! Simply type in “Magnificent Moms Of Polo Fields” in your Facebook search bar, click on the Group, then click Join Group! Whitney Dylan | Social Committee Chair | whitney@polohoaboard.com

FORSYTH-CUMMING OPTIMIST AVENUE OF FLAGS

Show Your Patriotism!

Picture your street lined with flags for the patriotic holidays! ForsythCumming Optimist Club members will place a 3’ x 5' American Flag on a 10 ft. pole in front of every subscribers’ home or business! • Memorial Day, Flag Day, Labor Day through 9/11 Day of Remembrance, Veteran’s Day, President’s Day • Visit our website for all the details: www.fcoptimists.org. Proceeds help fund youth scholarships, and many other Club supported initiatives for Forsyth County Youth.

TRASH BIN NOTICE

The trash bins at Polo Outdoors are provided as a courtesy. They were put in place so residents have a place to put trash from gatherings at Polo Outdoors.

We have been seeing an increase in household trash being dumped in the trash bins. The trash bins are not in place for residents to dump their personal trash from the week. Please be respectful of your community and do not take advantage of our amenities at Polo Outdoors.

REFUSE AND STORAGE AREAS

Garbage and refuse must be placed in containers and shall be capped and maintained so that they are inaccessible by animals. The containers shall be concealed within buildings, concealed by a screening wall of material similar to and compatible with that of the home or concealed by landscaping to provide a permanent screen from view of the street, adjacent property and golf course. Garbage containers may be placed on street the night before scheduled pick-up by collection service.

February 18th

March 11th

March 14th - 16th

March 30th

April 12th

2023 GOLF CALENDAR

Polo Chili Scramble

Polo Men's Golf Association (PMGA) Opening Day

Spring Greens Aeration

Polo Ladies' Golf Association (PLGA) Opening Day

Polo Senior Men's Golfing Association (PSMGA)

Member/Member

May 5th - 7th

May 17th

June 1st - 3rd

June 15th - 17th

July 3rd

July 12th

July 21st-23rd

August 10th-11th

August 19th-20th

September 5th-7th

September 22nd-24th

September 27th

October 20th-22rd

November 18th

December 16th

PMGA Member/Member

PSMGA Member/Guest

Polo Men's Member/Guest

Polo Ladies' Invitational

Flag Day

PSMGA Member/Guest

Polo Cup

PLGA Member/Member

Junior Club Championships

Fall Greens Aeration

Polo Club Championships

PSMGA Member/Guest

PMGA Member/Member

Turkey Shoot

Santa Scramble

Golf Season

Are you looking for a way to combine your love of golf with a fun and supportive community? Look no further than the Polo Senior Men’s Golf Association (PSMGA) at the Polo Golf and Country Club.

As a member of the PSMGA, you’ll have access to a wide range of golfing events and friendship amongst fellow golfers; 50 years and up. It’s not just about the golf – the PSMGA is also focused on building relationships and fostering a sense of camaraderie among our members.

In addition to off ering golf access to three “play days” a week, the PSMGA also plans multiple one day tournaments throughout the year. Join now and participate in our

July Member/Guest tournament. You will also have the opportunity to participate in our final Member/Member Tournament, followed by an evening reception and dinner with spouses/guest.

If you have any questions or need additional information, contact:

Bill Gregory, President – PSMGA 2023 bklmsg@gmail.com

Play Well !

The PSMGA Board

PLEASE READ

ACC REQUESTS

The Polo ACC is proud to now allow our homeowner's to submit their ACC Requests electronically through the Community Website.

You will need to log into your Polo Homeowner's Association Website Account and click on the Hyperlink as shown below.

Paper forms are no longer accepted.

Front Porch Verified

Tired of seeing so many DIFFERENT VENDORS driving through our neighborhood?

How do you know which vendor is TRUSTED? Which is INSURED?

Is there a place to find out which vendors OUR NEIGHBORS PREFER? We

LOOKING FOR A SATURDAY GOLF GROUP?

The Renegades are looking for guys who enjoy golf and wish to meet new friends. Our friendly, Saturday morning games have plenty of fun along with great exercise and camaraderie. If this fits your game plan, contact the Golf Shop or Alan Thompson 678-488-1659. We would love to have you join the Renegades .

Golf Reminders

BE SAFE! FRIENDLY REMINDERS FROM POLO HOA

Please remember that when walking or jogging through the neighborhood you should be facing (walking into) traffic. This allows you to see oncoming vehicles and allows you to get your pets out of the way as well. If you are on a bicycle (or moving vehicle) you should be going in the same direction as the traffic.

GOLF CARTS

General Federal Law for Golf Carts: Under current NHTSA interpretations and regulations, so long as golf cars and other similar vehicles are incapable of exceeding 20 miles per hour, they are subject to only state and local requirements regarding safety equipment. However, if these vehicles are originally manufactured so that they can go faster than 20 miles per hour, they are treated as motor vehicles under Federal law. The standard requires low-speed vehicles to be equipped with headlamps, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, tail lamps, reflex reflectors, parking brakes, rearview mirrors, windshields, seat belts, and vehicle identification numbers.

Only those who have a valid driver’s license are allowed to drive a golf cart ALONE. If, however, the driver is at least 12 years of age and accompanied by a licensed adult age 18 or older, they may operate the golf cart. EXCEPTION: If the driver is 15 and holds a permit, he/she may operate the golf cart alone. Golf carts may only operate on streets with posted speed limits of 35 MPH and under. This does not prohibit golf carts or lowspeed motor vehicles from crossing any road or street at properly marked crossings.

REQUIRED GOLF CART EQUIPMENT

All golf carts must have braking systems, a reverse warning device, tail lamps, a horn and hip restraints and must weigh less than 1,300 lbs and not top speeds of 20mph.

Golf carts that are operated between sunrise and sunset must be equipped with headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a windshield. Golf carts that do not meet these additional standards shall only be operated during the hours between sunrise and sunset.

ADDITIONAL GOLF CART RELATED INFORMATION

NOTICE!

GEORGIA

GOLF

CART

& LOW SPEED VEHICLE LAWS

Guidelines for Golf Carts and PTVs (Personal Transportation Vehicles)

Golf carts may be operated on sidewalks only if the driver yields the right-ofway to all pedestrians, bicycle riders or others not using a golf cart.

The golf course is private property and can be very dangerous for those engaging in nongolfing activities. For everyone's safety, NO unauthorized use is allowed including walking, jogging, fishing, pets, bikes, skateboards and personal golf carts. Only club sta , and golfers who have checkedin with the Golf Shop, are allowed on the golf course. Thank you for your understanding.

THISAFFECTSYOU!

DIRECTORY UPDATE

In an effort to have a correct directory we ask all residents create an account at www.PoloHOA.com This will enable you to:

B Vote online

B Receive Eblast of community events and notices. Please update your contact information at www.PoloHOA.com under "Resources."

To create an account visit the website and click “Register” in the top right corner. If you have any issues please email technology@polohoa.com

POLO LADIES GOLF ASSOCIATION

Leagues & Tournament info!

League play Thursday mornings • Non-competitive golf Tuesdays

The PLGA is a friendly, competitive group of women who enjoy playing 18 holes of golf. Our league play is on Thursday mornings, but we also have a non-competitive golf day on Tuesdays. We have a number of tournaments throughout the year that provide a challenge with friendly competition. Just a few examples of these are: Member/ Member, Member/Guest, Net Tournaments and Queen of Clubs.

If you are interested in joining our group please contact: Jeanne Young | 770-855-4383 | Jyoung47golf@gmail.com

ATTENTION DRIVERS!!

Please remember to use parking lots at the tennis courts and pool. Do not park on the street. This will help traffic around the courts and the safety of all.

NOTES

Polo Golf & Country Club 2018

Polo HOA website: www.PoloHOA.com

2023 Tennis Calendar of Events

NOTICE!!

We now require that residents submit their listing each month by the 15th. If you don't submit each month it will not be included.

SUBMIT YOUR AD TO: JASMIN ILAZOVIC AT JILAZOVIC@CMACOMMUNITIES.COM. YOUR NAME AND YOUR ADDRESS MUST BE IN THE SUBJECT LINE.

Please verify your ad meets the following requirements:

• HOA Dues Compliant: All residents that are up to date on their HOA dues will be eligible to publish.

• Only Polo Residents and Direct Family Living in Polo, submitting for personal business are eligible.

• Ad must be submitted as an email, no attachments accepted

• Ad is not over 50 total word/number maximum (phone numbers = 1 word)

Polo Listing Disclaimer

The Polo Home Owners Association reserves the right to reject, alter, or refuse any advertising published under the “Free Resident Business Listing” (editorial section of the monthly newsletter) in its sole discretion or disapprove any advertising in accordance with the interest of the Polo residents. We reserve the right to revise this Publishing Policy regularly to uphold the quality and integrity of both Polo HOA Newsletter and the Polo HOA website in its entirety.

REALTOR® , MAC TAYLOR, KELLERWILLIAMS REALTY COMMUNITY PARTNERS

404-271-9551 or mactaylor@kw.com

Call or email me for a no cost, no obligation comparable market analysis when you are ready to sell your home. Also tell your family and friends to contact me for help getting the highest price in the shortest time using advanced technology.

DESIGNS BY SUSAN

Susan Eckles 770 410 0334

www.designsbysusan-ga.com

4825 Atlanta Hwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004

Since 1987 we have been a locally owned and operated Custom Picture Frame Store. Our professionals handle your old photos and cherished art work with care as we provide structure, beauty, and preservation.

REALTOR, DIANE CURRIE, HOME SMART REALTY

Phone: 770-827-1460

Email: dianecurrie8@gmail.com

23-year active Polo resident. Full-time REALTOR with appraisal background.Member of National Association of Realtors. Homes in Polo are in demand Considering a larger home or downsizing? Let me help with a free market analysis. Professional photographer w/drone pictures included with your listing in all major websites. I have Buyers wanting to move into Polo in Spring/Summer of 2023. Referrals of friends & family are greatly appreciated.

ALLSTATE INSURANCE

AGENT

– RYAN J. DITTMAR

Email: ryanjdittmar@allstate.com

Office: 770-242-6355

Since 1999 I’ve been helping my clients protect what’s most important to them. I enjoy building relationships, getting to know families, and truly understanding their individual needs. I recognize that in today’s world a “One Size Fits All” approach doesn’t always work. If you’re concerned that your house might not have enough coverage or if your liability from car accident could wipe out your bank account, give us a call. We’ll be happy to review your AUTO, HOME, BUSINESS & LIFE INSURANCE needs. Our goal is to provide the protection you need with the exceptional service you deserve!

REALTOR, TONI ROBERTS - COMPASS

Phone: 678-467-3674 Email:Toni.Roberts@compass.com

Want to sell, but need to make some updates to your home and don’t know where to start?  Get fronted the cost of home improvement services with no interest - ever!  COMPASS Concierge

is the hassle-free way to sell your home faster and for a higher price with services like staging, flooring, painting and more.  Contact me, your neighbor, Polo resident and full time Realtor with The All Points Team at Compass to learn more.

HANDYMAN JEFF JANOS

404-434-7532

I am able to remove/install high ceiling (2nd story) lighting/fans, remove/install plumbing fixtures, door hardware, TV wall mounting, furniture assembly, camera installation, low voltage accent lighting. Small general projects. Garage door replacement. MINOR deck/ fence repair, drywall, trim repair/painting.

CENTURY 21 RESULTS

Alisa Veletanlic, Beyond Real Estate Team, 678-525-3400, Office: 770-889-6090

As a Polo resident, I know the true value of our community and would love to earn your business!

We take pride in what we do. Our biggest goal is to communicate with our clients at every step so you always know what is going on! We care about your experience with us and therefore we will respect your needs and put them above everything else!

STRONG SUDS PREMIUM PRESSURE WASHING

Kai Hayes (678-910-5747)

We are a father son team proudly serving Polo and surrounding areas with 70+ satisfied polo residents. We began the business four years ago on a mission to strive for completely satisfied customers by offering thorough attention to detail, quality work, and competitive pricing.

BOVENZI TILE

Email: bovenzitile@gmail.com

Phone: 770-315-7850

Are you thinking of renovating your beautiful Polo home? With over 30 years in the tile industry, Bovenzi Tile’s reputation supersedes our competitors. With attention to detail and exceptional customer service, let us help you create a spa-like oasis with a new bathroom remodel. Or are you looking to reinvent the heart of the home. The kitchen is were the family gathers, entertains friends and creates memories.  We walk you through each stage of the process and make sure your questions are never left unanswered  We provide the experience needed for a great process and cutting edge product knowledge. Customer referrals are our biggest compliment.  Check us out at bovenzitile.com , or simply give us a call and we would be happy to speak with you. Let us help you rediscover your home.

THE REAL ESTATE CORNER

BY LISA MALIN LOVINS

MID-YEAR GOALS AND REAL ESTATE STATS

Welcome back to The Real Estate Corner. As a resident of Polo and an active Realtor I am so honored to bring you monthly articles to help you to stay informed on fluctuating market stats and to answer any questions you may have. It is truly my pleasure and passion to assist you.

Well hello August, where kids are already going back to school or going off to college, the hot weather seems relentless, fall scents, colors and candies are filling the shelves and for some, it’s just another great day for a round of golf or awesome activity outside. Is it me or does the year seem like it is flying by?

No matter what, we are just past the midyear point of 2023. It’s an opportune time to reflect on our aspirations, personal growth and investment goals. What action plan do you need to continue or reevaluate to keep you on track for the rest of the year? How do your life goals intertwine with real estate? If they don’t yet, then now is the time to start.

L everaging real estate for financial growth means selecting a property that not only meets one’s immediate needs but also offers long-term investment potential. Let’s start right here at home first. Evaluating your current space to match and meet your needs can be as simple as a few enhancements or improvements. Think of energy efficiency options such as spray foam insulation, new windows, or tankless water heaters. When it comes to adding the most value to your home, great examples are improving your outdoor living space, finishing/updating the basement, or just giving a more up to date look of kitchens and bathrooms. Perhaps some

smaller-scale renovations would be as simple as new lighting, a fresh coat of paint and new hardware.

I f home improvements are not the goal and will not turn your house into your dream home, what will?

Here are some very important questions: What would your next home look like and where would it be? Do you need more space, less space, office space, one level, basement, backyard, close to work or family, more remote, etc? What would it take for you to move? When I ask this question, the overwhelming response is getting the best price and finding somewhere to go with limited inventory and fluctuating interest rates. Your list of must haves is your motivation to move no matter what the market is.

L et’s talk about real estate stats. In our area, we have 1.3 months worth of inventory. A balanced market is 6 months and we are not even close. With the interest rates where they are now, it has caused home prices to stabilize some. As interest rates go down, home prices will rise. Sales may be down 22% year over year but that is not due to a crashing market, more so, to lack of good inventory. Failed listings have increased 15% year over year due to incorrect pricing and condition. Home sale prices year over year are slightly up despite the dip towards the end of last year with the major spike in interest rates. There is the balancing act of true value and when the right time is to pull the trigger. As a Realtor, I interpret the market based on facts and data, not feelings and emotions or what the media is saying. Pricing correctly the first time plays a significant role with days on market, potential appraisal issues and ultimately the bottom line

return on your investment. Data shows that the average price point of $700-800k will go under contract in 7 days or less. If not, there needs to be a significant price decrease of 9% of asking price and will now close on average 72 days. When you are choosing a Realtor, this should be important knowledge for them to share with you.

Now diving deeper in our neighborhood. As I write this article, we currently have only three (3) active listings on the market, five (5) pending sales that will close in the next 30 days and eighteen (18) homes that have closed in the past six (6) months. Out of those closed sales, the homes that were priced right and in good condition went under contract on average in six (6) days (most in a weekend) selling from 97% of the asking price to well above asking at 107% sales to list price ratio. Here is a little something that you as a consumer cannot see: over half of the listings that closed have closing costs contributions from the sellers. These closing costs are primarily for repairs and maintenance which ultimately affects the seller’s bottom line.

W hat steps can you take today to start growing your wealth through real estate? Think in terms of upgrading or renovating your current home to increase its market value or even putting a down payment on a vacation home or investment property. Regardless of current market conditions, real estate is the one investment that consistently maintains or increases in value.

A s your neighbor and Realtor, I am happy to help answer any questions and connect you with resources to make your real estate goals a reality. I always look forward to your comments and questions lisamalin@kw.com.

What Catches Your Eye in a Summer Garden?

Life moves at the speed of light! But one thing that I have found which slows it down to a nice pace from time to time is gardening. Granted, I host a radio show about the very subject, but it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Taking the time to observe nature’s beauty really gives one a different perspective on things. Maybe whomever said to “stop and smell the roses” really knew what they were preaching!

I saw a meme recently with three male sportscasters all gasping in disbelief, apparently at some sports thing, and the words read “People over 50 watching their bird feeders”! I thought, ‘that’s me too!!’ A bird feeder, bird bath, or hummingbird feeder are simple additions to a popular gathering space outdoors that can add to your relaxation value. Investing in a bird identification book or an app is a great source of conversation for the family. Who knew I could impress my 30 something-year-old friends by identifying birds?!

And don’t forget a few potted flowering plants, both large and small, in your outdoor space. Pollinators like bees and butterflies, and even hummingbirds, will be by to check them out. Everyone loves summer color, so choose annual flowers that can tolerate the heat. Good choices are geraniums, sunpatiens, petunias, Gerber daisies, and purslane. To ensure these plants will thrive well into the fall, make sure to routinely deadhead them. Simply pinch off the expired blooms with your fingers or a pair of scissors, and you’ll be rewarded with continuous blooms.

As for the yard… who on this earth has ever seen a hydrangea and thought to themselves, “what a plain plant.” NO ONE ever! We love our hydrangeas here in the South, and right now is the best showing of three popular types. Mopheads are the globe-shaped blue, sometimes pink flowered ones, that start blooming in late spring. Then there are Panicle hydrangeas, with cone shaped flower heads in bloom now. These flowers last into the fall. Thirdly, Oakleaf hydrangeas do well in wooded spots, and right now, their blooms are changing color. Their leaves are a beautiful display of autumn color in the coming months! Even better news, none of these has to be pruned. What a great staple to add to your landscape.

One of the best parts of my job as a radio host is being able to recommend plants to people. Requests are all very different, but I accept the challenge because it allows me to research and discover new plants! I recently attended Southeast Green, an industry conference and trade show in Atlanta for folks in the landscape and nursery industries, and there, many nurserymen and women displayed their newest varieties of plants. Science is amazing, as growers can hybridize plants to get the best characteristics of each, be it size, disease resistance or even cold hardiness. Right now, many folks seem to be in favor of dwarf varieties.

Offerings of dwarf shrubs are plentiful from growers, so there are many to choose from. They’ve become trendy and desired. If for full sun, consider Kaleidoscope or Confetti abelia. I love the colorful foliage of these, plus their small, white flowers. There are many planted along the walls of Oakland Cemetery. Then there’s Pugster Blue butterfly bush, Diamond Spire gardenia, and loropetalum- Purple Daydream or Dwarf Crimson Fire. Purple Pixie dwarf loropetalum has a weeping form, which is neat. Soft Touch hollies offer soft foliage and resist common pests and diseases.

And what about ornamental grasses? Pink muhly stays a bit more compact, and carex is nice, but prefers partial shade.

Photography by Southern Living Plant Collection

Ashley Frasca is host of the radio show Green and Growing, heard on 95.5 WSB Radio every Saturday from 6-9:00 a.m. For gardening tips, information, and advice, follow her Facebook page: Facebook.com/ greenandgrowingwsb

ARE YOU SUFFERING from an abundance of mosquitoes in your yard this wet, humid summer?

You know skeeters can breed in any sized pool of standing water in your yard. In a bucket or pail, in an old tire used for a tire swing or a sandbox, in your gutters, in your yard itself. Anywhere you have standing water, even the smallest of drops, you have a skeeter breeding ground.

And guess what we’ve had an abundance of lately. Right. Water.

Therefore the first step is to keep standing water out of your yard.

To help aid in getting rid of them permanently you will have to enlist the help of a pest control company. They can do a monthly spray (the spray is only effective for about 30 days) during peak skeeter season which will help keep down the population.

You want to make sure that the skeeter folks use a spray that won’t harm the little pollinators in your yard, the bees, the butterflies etc.

(It is also good to go with a company that offers monthly service. Frees you and your checkbook up a little, although a good skeeter company is worth their weight in bat poo...)

The spray will help keep the skeeter population down, but you may not ever be totally skeeter free.

What should you use if you are trying to enjoy your deck or patio?

Do mosquito candles work? Ehhhh. Bug zappers? Not really. Smoke? Doubt it.

The best thing for keeping skeeters away from you on the patio or deck is a good old-fashioned oscillating fan.

That’s right – a plain old oscillating house fan is probably your best bet. Skeeters are notoriously weak fliers so the breeze of the fan will help blow them away from you.

Extra info.

You never feel the mosquito biting you. You don’t feel them until after they have already had their fill of your blood, which is another reason why they are such a pain in the rear. Or arm. Or leg. Or neck…

One more thing.

Know what keeps mosquito population down?

Bats.

Look into building a bat house and maybe attracting some of those up-side-down sleeping, mosquito eating, guano pooping creatures. Might be just what you are looking for.

Summer Pop Up Storms Can Bring Some of the Worst Weather of the Year

Afternoon “pop up” thunderstorms are common this time of year, courtesy of our area’s warm and humid conditions.

But sometimes, these pop up storms can be strong enough to produce wind damage -including downed trees and powerlines. Some of the worst weather of the year can occur in the late spring and summer months as these storms produce torrential downpours as well as frequent lightning, and winds strong enough to topple trees.

But what makes a storm strong enough to be considered “severe”?

SEVERE STORM CRITERIA

A “bad storm” can be rather intense to drive through, and the thunder can be rather loud, but a thunderstorm is considered “severe” if it produces any of the following:

Ƚ Wind gusts 58 mph or greater (Why 58 mph? Because the traditional wind speed unit is knots, and 50 knots converts to 58 mph.)

Ƚ Hail that is 1 inch in diameter or greater (the size of a U.S. quarter)

Ƚ Tornado(es)

What are the main impacts from severe thunderstorms?

Lightning: While lightning is not a criterion for classifying a storm as severe, a “lightning jump” or large increase of lightning strikes in a short amount of time can signify a rapidly strengthening thunderstorm. These thunderstorms contain strong updrafts, or upward moving winds, that push water droplets and ice crystals higher in the atmosphere. Along the way, friction between the rain drops and ice crystals produce different static charges in the cloud, and lightning discharges the static electrical build up within the storm cloud. The more lightning strikes within a storm, the stronger the updrafts and more than likely the stronger the winds associated with the storm.

Wind Damage: High winds are the main impacts from severe thunderstorms. Wind gusts as high as 58 mph or greater have the potential to knock down and uproot trees, down power lines, and cause structural damage to homes and buildings.

Often, in the late spring and summer, damaging winds within a thunderstorm are due to downbursts, which are rapidly-moving downward columns of raincooled air.

Connect with me!

Facebook: Christina Edwards WSB

Twitter: @ChristinaWSBwx