What to Do If Your Lights Are Flickering After a Storm in St. Louis

If your lights are flickering after a storm, here’s what to do right away: turn off the light at the switch, tighten any loose bulbs, then locate your main breaker and reset the proper circuit. If flickering continues, look for water or loose wires. If you see burn marks, hear buzzing, or feel unsafe, stop and call a licensed electrician.

 

Check the Light Bulbs and Fixtures

 

• Turn off power: flip the light switch off to prevent shock.
• Remove and inspect bulbs: twist each bulb counterclockwise until loose, pull it out, and look for a dark spot or melted filament inside. These are signs the bulb is failing.
• Reseat and tighten: insert the bulb back into the socket and twist clockwise until snug. A loose bulb can flicker when connection is poor.
• Test the fixture: turn the switch on. If flickering stops, the bulb or fixture connection was the cause.

 

Inspect the Circuit Breaker Panel

 

• Locate your panel: usually in a basement, garage, or utility closet. The metal door hides a row of switches—that’s your breaker panel.
• Identify the tripped breaker: a breaker that has moved to the middle or “off” position is tripped. This happens when a circuit overloads or there’s a short.
• Reset the breaker: firmly push it to “off” and then back to “on.” You may hear a click. This restores power to that circuit.
• Check lights again: if flickering stops, the breaker reset cleared a transient fault. If not, there’s a deeper issue.

 

Look for Moisture or Water Damage

 

• Storms can allow rain or humidity into walls, attic spaces, or around outdoor fixtures.
• Check near fixtures and outlets: look for dampness, water stains, or dripping. Even a small leak can corrode connections inside a light fitting.
• Dry out the area: if you safely can, use a dry cloth or a gentle fan to remove moisture. Never stick metal tools or your fingers into live sockets.
• Consider a moisture meter: this tool shows you if there’s hidden dampness in walls or ceilings that needs repair.

 

Watch for Loose or Damaged Wiring

 

• Turn off power at the breaker before touching any wiring.
• Remove switch or fixture cover: use a screwdriver to open the box. Exposed wires will be wrapped in plastic insulation and connected under screws or wire nuts.
• Look for loose wires: if a wire has pulled away from its screw or the nut is cracked, it can cause flicker when the circuit completes and breaks quickly.
• Tighten connections: wrap copper wire clockwise around the screw, then tighten firmly. For wire nuts, twist them until they feel secure and no bare wire is visible.
• Inspect insulation: cut away worn or melted plastic with scissors (while power is off) and re-strip the wire with a wire stripper to ensure a clean connection.

 

Assess Outside Wiring and Service Drop

 

• Storm winds can shake the overhead line that connects your home to the utility pole. This is called the service drop.
• Look for swaying or frayed wires near your roofline. Do not climb ladders or touch these wires.
• Homeowners in St. Louis and Nashville know that heavy wind and rain can jostle service lines and cause loose connections at the masthead.
• If you suspect an issue here, keep everyone away and contact your utility company or a licensed electrician to inspect it safely.

 

When to Contact a Licensed Electrician

 

• Burn marks or charring on outlets, fixtures, or breakers.
• Persistent flicker after bulbs and breakers are checked.
• Sparks, buzzing, or popping sounds from walls or the panel.
• Any sign of water inside electrical boxes or panels.
• If you feel unsure, a licensed electrician has the training and tools to find hidden faults and make repairs safely.

 

Preventing Future Flickers

 

• Schedule annual inspections: an electrician can tighten all connections and spot wear before it becomes a problem.
• Install surge protection: a whole-house surge protector at the breaker panel shields your system from power spikes during storms.
• Use weatherproof covers: outdoor outlets and light fixtures should have sealed covers to keep moisture out.
• Replace old wiring: if your home has wiring over 30 years old, consider upgrading to modern cable that handles today’s loads safely.

 

Why Prompt Action Matters

 

• Flickering lights often signal loose connections that can overheat and start a fire.
• Unresolved wiring faults may damage appliances or electronics over time.
• Taking quick steps protects your family, home, and wallet from costly repairs later.

 

With these steps you can confidently troubleshoot flickering lights after any storm. Always put safety first: if you’re unsure at any point, reach out to a licensed electrician for expert help.