Roof Leaking During a Storm? What to Do

Roof leaking during a storm? Here's what to do.

Published October 13, 2026 · John Beal, Owner, John Beal Roofing

First, stay off that roof. Put a bucket under the drip and move your stuff out of the way. Take photos for your insurance. Then call. We answer 24/7, even at 2 a.m.

It always seems to happen at the worst time. Middle of the night, thunder rolling, and then you hear it: a drip somewhere it shouldn't be. Water on the floor, a stain spreading across the ceiling. It's stressful, but there's a simple order to handle it, and none of it involves a ladder.

First, stay off that roof

We can't say this strongly enough. Don't go up there during a storm. Wet shingles are slick, wind can knock you off balance, and lightning makes a roof the last place you want to be. Even after the rain lets up, a roof at night is no place to be poking around. Whatever is causing the leak can wait for someone with the right gear. You can't.

Put a bucket under the drip

Catch the water. Buckets, pots, trash cans, whatever you have. Throw a towel in the bottom to stop the splashing. Lay towels around to soak up what misses. If the water is running along the ceiling and dripping in more than one spot, cover each one.

If you see a section of ceiling sagging or bulging with water, keep everyone away from it. Water-logged drywall can give way without warning.

Move your stuff out of the way

Get furniture, electronics, rugs, papers and anything else valuable out of the path of the water. If you can't move something big, cover it with a plastic sheet or trash bags. A few minutes of moving things can save a lot of what's in the room.

Take photos for your insurance

Once things are under control, grab your phone. Photograph the drip, the stain on the ceiling, water on the floor, and anything that got wet. Write down the time and date of the storm. If this turns into an insurance claim, those photos help. Storm damage is usually covered, but every policy is different, and documentation makes it easier.

Then call

Call a roofer who actually answers when it's storming. The goal tonight is to stop more water from getting in, usually by tarping or temporarily covering the damaged area as soon as it's safe. Then, once the weather clears, a proper inspection tells you whether it's a repair or something bigger.

We answer 24/7, even at 2 a.m.

That's not a slogan for us. It's how a family-run roofer that's been in the Midwest since 1947 takes care of people. Storms don't keep business hours, and neither do we. Call 1-800-JOHN-BEAL, and a real person will pick up.

What John says in the video

Transcript: Roof leaking in the middle of a St. Louis storm? Here's what you do. First, stay off that roof. Put a bucket under the drip and move your stuff out of the way. Take photos for your insurance. Then call me. We answer 24/7, even at 2 a.m. 1-800-JOHN-BEAL.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if my roof is leaking during a storm?

Stay off the roof, catch the water with buckets and towels, move furniture and valuables out of the way, take photos, and call a roofer who answers around the clock.

Should I go on the roof to stop a leak in the rain?

No. A wet roof in a storm is dangerous, especially with wind and lightning. Wait for a roofer with the right equipment.

What if my ceiling is bulging with water?

Keep people and pets away from it and put a bucket underneath. A bulging ceiling can come down without warning. Tell the roofer when you call.

Why take photos of a roof leak?

Photos of the water, the stains and any damaged belongings help with an insurance claim and help your roofer understand what happened.

Does John Beal Roofing answer at night?

Yes. We answer 24/7, even at 2 a.m. Call 1-800-JOHN-BEAL.