With the devastating strength and power these hurricanes were bringing, the last thing on anyone’s mind was these hurricanes throwing additional blows to areas that seemed outside of their “cone.” However, those of us that went through Hurricanes Harvey and Irma (and even those watching from areas outside those directly affected) recall all the news … Continue Reading
The first El Niño storm hit Southern California this week. Heavy rain and strong winds have caused flooding, mudslides, power outages and property damage. In Los Angeles, there was even a report of a "gustnado."… Continue Reading
In the wake of the horrific damages suffered by folks in Garland and all around the Dallas/Fort Worth area, we have been asked whether the Texas “total loss” rule applies to losses other than fire losses.… Continue Reading
Hurricane Jeanne hit South Florida on September 25 and 26, 2004. A recent Florida case before the Fourth District Court of Appeal involved two insureds who suffered damages to their condominiums during Hurricane Jeanne.1 The insureds held condominium policies with State Farm that contained a Hurricane Coverage Endorsement limiting coverage for damage to the dwelling … Continue Reading
I recently blogged about predictions for a lighter storm season this year in the southern United States. It is a good thing I closed by saying “don’t get too excited about this prediction.” On the heels of that blog tornadoes hit the Moore, Oklahoma area again on the evening of March 25, 2015. Governor Mary … Continue Reading
As Steve Jakubowski, President of Impact Forecasting, recently noted, “Historically, May is the beginning of peak tornado season in the United States.”1 Since that means tornado season remains in full swing at this point, this installment of my Oklahoma Coverage Series will address whether Oklahoma policyholders have enough coverage.… Continue Reading
On May 25, 2013, I wrote about how to help after devastating tornadoes swept through Oklahoma. Now, one year later, I felt it was important to again post to help the victims of the tornadoes that ravaged many states in the South last week. So often we find ourselves complaining about bad traffic, a waiter … Continue Reading
From April to June, 2013, the state of Oklahoma was slammed with continuous severe weather, including multiple hails storms and horrific tornadoes. Roofs were destroyed, cars totaled, and many people had to relocate. After the storm, these policyholders contacted their insurance companies for help.… Continue Reading
In our line of work, natural disaster is often at the forefront. We work hard to restore the tangible (e.g., property) lives of policyholders to a pre-loss condition through the very instrument purchased to accomplish same – insurance. But what about helping to restore the lives (tangible and intangible) of policyholders before insurance benefits are … Continue Reading
On Monday night, I was speechless and stunned as I learned about the devastation in Oklahoma. Days later, I still can’t find the words to express my feelings, but what I can do is share information and try to help. Two organizations I was proud to support this week are WIND Network and United Policyholders. Both … Continue Reading
Granbury, Texas, a town west of the Dallas/Fort Worth area was devastated when tornadoes and hail storms ripped through the town taking six lives and injuring 100 others. Grapefruit sized hail pummeled roofs, damaged homes, and destroyed barns. More than 60 homes were destroyed, and 600 sustained damage. The most powerful tornadoes touched down in … Continue Reading
(*Chip Merlin’s Note–Rocco Calaci has been a noted meteorology expert witness in the Katrina Legal Wars. Click here to read his previous guest blogs) Tropical Storm / Hurricane / Tropical Storm Isaac is gone, but it generated numerous tornadoes along the East Coast; from Florida to the Carolinas, in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. In my … Continue Reading
Recent tornado claims from the midwest and southern states are estimated to be over one billion dollars in damages. Generally, when people think of California, they think of earthquakes, wildfires and mudslides. However, over the last year, we have experienced unprecedented damage from rainfall and high winds. Southern California has experienced unusual prolonged wind gusts … Continue Reading
I saw the most beautiful and most tragic sights from the air yesterday. The space shuttle was clearly visible, like a flying yellow fire torch, above the clouds in the bright morning blue sky. As it came through the cloud cover, Endeavor was an inspiring sight.… Continue Reading
The recent tornadoes in Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee caused an unprecedented swath of destruction, and left hundreds of people dead or injured. The tornados completely demolished thousands of homes and damaged thousands of others. In the city of Tuscaloosa alone, there are reports of 200-mph winds which swept homes off their foundations.… Continue Reading
The recent rash of tornado catastrophes across the country has left a path of obvious destruction. This is an example of the obvious damage: … Continue Reading
The Associated Press reported that more than 60 tornados ripped through the South last Saturday. The violent weather started last Thursday in Oklahoma and took lives in Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Virginia. The storms are being called one of the largest single-system tornado outbreaks in United States history, and there were confirmed tornadoes … Continue Reading
As reported in Wind® Regional Symposium in Atlanta May 10, 2011, the Windstorm Insurance Network® is sponsoring a Regional Symposium in Georgia regarding windstorm claims, Given the recent tornados and severe windstorm destruction, this conference is extraordinarily timely for adjusters who are addressing these issues.… Continue Reading
Severe rain and flooding swept through Tennessee last May, causing catastrophic damage which made the headlines around the globe. Lives were lost, people were separated, drinking water was rationed and the homes and businesses many residents were severely damaged. A house is surrounded by floodwater Tuesday, May 4, 2010, in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)… Continue Reading
Winter and early spring storms often bring violent tornadoes into the south. A recent article highlighted how even insurance company adjusters know that many damages from tornadoes are often overlooked.… Continue Reading
Most policyholders do not know where to find experts familiar with issues of windstorm damage. Many cannot afford to do so. Today, I am making available a client's meteorologist report to help demonstrate that many areas in Galveston, Bolivar and Houston sustained tornado type wind events.… Continue Reading
