Atlanta's severe weather season brings real risks to stored vehicles. Hail, high winds, flooding, and debris can cause thousands in damage to unprotected vehicles. While you can't control the weather, you can choose appropriate storage and take steps to minimize storm damage risk.

Peak period: March through May (spring severe weather season)

Secondary period: September through November (fall transition storms)

Year-round: Isolated thunderstorms can occur any month

Hail: 2-4 significant hail events per year in the Metro area. Hail can range from pea-sized (minor) to golf ball-sized or larger (severe).

Straight-line winds: Thunderstorms often produce 50-70+ mph winds, capable of blowing debris and toppling trees.

Tornadoes: Rare but possible. EF0-EF2 tornadoes occur in the Metro every few years.

Flooding: Flash flooding during heavy rain events. Affects low-lying areas and areas with poor drainage.

Protection level: None against storm damage

Risks:

• Full hail exposure
• Direct debris impact
• Flooding if drainage is poor
• No protection from any storm element

Mitigation:

• Comprehensive insurance
• Car cover (provides minimal cushioning, not real protection)
• Choose facility with excellent drainage
• Avoid spaces under/near trees

Protection level: Good against most storm threats

What it protects against:

• Hail (complete protection)
• Moderate debris (roof catches most falling objects)
• Direct rain

What it doesn't protect against:

• Flooding
• Extreme winds (debris can blow in from sides)
• Tornado-level events

Best covered storage features:

• Solid, well-maintained roof structure
• Partial side enclosure (better debris protection)
• Elevated or well-drained location

Protection level: Excellent against most storm threats

What it protects against:

• Hail (complete)
• Debris (complete)
• Rain (complete)
• Most wind events

What it doesn't protect against:

• Flooding (if building is in flood zone)
• Building collapse (extreme events)

Same protection as indoor, plus additional building envelope protection.

If you're in outdoor storage and storm season is approaching, consider:

• Moving to covered or indoor storage for the season
• Understanding the cost-benefit (one hail event can cost more than months of upgraded storage)

Comprehensive coverage: Should cover storm damage including hail

Deductible: Know what you'll pay out of pocket

Coverage limits: Appropriate for your vehicle's value

Claim process: Understand what documentation you'll need

Drainage:

• Has the facility flooded before?
• How does water flow during heavy rain?
• Is your specific space in a low area?

Trees:

• Are there large trees that could fall or drop branches?
• Can you request a space away from trees?

Structure condition:

• For covered/indoor: Is the structure well-maintained?
• Are there loose panels, damaged roofing, or other vulnerabilities?

If you have flexibility:

• Consider moving vehicle to more protected storage
• For outdoor storage, ensure car cover is secured
• Check that nothing is loose on or around your vehicle
• Verify battery maintainer is unplugged (surge protection)

Document:

• Take photos of vehicle condition
• Note mileage and any existing damage
• Have insurance info accessible

If you can't move the vehicle:

• Ensure it's locked and secured
• Accept that outdoor vehicles are at risk
• Have insurance documentation ready

Before entering the facility:

• Check for downed power lines
• Watch for flooding or unstable structures
• Take photos of any visible damage to facility

Exterior:

• Walk around checking all panels for dents
• Inspect roof, hood, trunk lid
• Check glass for cracks
• Look for debris damage
• Photograph everything

Underneath:

• Look for flood evidence (water lines, debris caught)
• Check for visible damage

Interior (if flooding suspected):

• Check carpets for moisture
• Look for water lines on interior surfaces
• Smell for mold/mildew

1. Document thoroughly — Photos, video, written notes
2. Contact insurance — Report promptly
3. Don't drive until assessing whether it's safe
4. Get professional assessment if damage is significant
5. Contact facility — They may have documentation/footage

If your storage facility is flooded:

• Wait for water to recede
• Don't try to retrieve your vehicle from standing water
• Water damage can be hidden and severe

Even a few inches of standing water can:

• Destroy electronics and wiring
• Ruin interior materials
• Cause mold that never fully resolves
• Total a vehicle insurance-wise

• Ask if the facility has flooded before
• Visit after heavy rain to see drainage
• Choose spaces in elevated areas if possible
• Avoid facilities in known flood zones

Oxford RV Storage offers covered storage that provides protection against hail—the most common storm damage threat in the Atlanta Metro. The facility's location and layout affect drainage; visit to assess specific space options.

For maximum storm protection, covered storage eliminates the most significant weather risks. For outdoor storage users, understanding the risks and maintaining appropriate insurance is essential.