A thunderstorm rarely comes as a surprise, but it often arrives faster than expected. Especially on the balcony and in the garden, there are many things lying around that suddenly become a problem during heavy rain, gusts of wind, or hail: light chairs, cushions, parasols, empty pots, watering cans, toys, or tools.
The best time to tidy up is not when the wind is already picking up, but before. This short check helps to make your balcony, terrace, and garden weather-resistant in just a few minutes.
1. Secure everything that is light
Light furniture, small tables, seat cushions, sun sails, toys, and decorations should be brought inside or at least placed against a wall protected from the wind when a thunderstorm warning is issued. Parasols are particularly tricky: they act like a sail and should be closed, secured, or put away entirely.
- Fold up folding chairs and place them against the house wall.
- Bring cushions and blankets inside.
- Close the parasol and remove it from its holder.
- Secure empty flower pots, small lanterns, and decorations.
- Put watering cans, shovels, and small tools into a box.
2. Move plants away from the railing
Balcony boxes and pots on the railing are particularly at risk in windy conditions. If possible, place them on the floor or move them closer to the house wall before an announced thunderstorm. Tall potted plants are less likely to tip over if they are not standing freely on the edge.
If you are already struggling with the summer heat, you can combine this with watering:Saving balcony plants in the heat: watering correctly and saving water.
3. Clear drains and gutters
Heavy rain quickly becomes unpleasant if water cannot drain away. On balconies, drains should be clear. In the garden, it is worth checking gutters, light wells, cellar entrances, and areas where leaves or soil could cause water to back up.
The important thing is not a perfect deep clean shortly before the thunderstorm. Often, it is enough to: remove leaves, push soil aside, and not place small pots directly over the drain.
4. Protect cars, bicycles, and delicate items
In the event of a hail warning, cars, bicycles, children's scooters, and delicate garden furniture should be kept under cover if possible. If that is not possible, covers or a location closer to the house will help. Plants with soft leaves can be temporarily moved to a more protected area.
For older tips on the topic, this also fitsHail Protection for Cars and Plants.
5. Check windows, awnings, and electricity
Before leaving: close windows, retract awnings, check balcony or garden lighting, and remove extension cords from the rain area. Electrical appliances, fairy lights, or power strips should not be left out in heavy rain.
Those keeping an eye on electricity costs can consciously switch things back after the thunderstorm. This fits hereSaving electricity in 2026: Which devices are really secretly driving up costs.
6. Bring children and pets inside in time
When dark clouds, strong gusts, or thunder approach, children and pets should no longer play outside. This applies especially to gardens with trees, metal equipment, trampolines, pools, or larger parasols. Trampolines should be secured in the event of a thunderstorm warning because they can develop enormous force in the wind.
The 5-minute checklist
- Secure parasol, awning, and sun sail.
- Bring in cushions, blankets, toys, and decorations.
- Move plants away from the railing.
- Briefly check drains, gutters, and cellar entrances.
- Close windows and disconnect electricity in the outdoor area.
My conclusion: A good thunderstorm check is not complicated. It just needs to happen early enough. Anyone who sorts out their balcony or garden at the first warning won't be standing in the rain later trying to catch flying cushions.
Caution
- Avoid mosquitoes and tiger mosquitoes on the balcony
- Avoiding wasps at the dining table
- The perfect summer evening with friends
Sources and further information
- GeoSphere Austria/ZAMG: Current weather warnings
- State of Lower Austria: Severe weather
- oesterreich.gv.at: Disaster cases
Article image: AI-generated symbolic image.
