Insured Damage for Southern Ontario Windstorm Estimated at US$73.4M

A windstorm that hit parts of southern Ontario on March 8, 2017 has caused almost C$100 million (US$73.4 million) in insured damage, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), which quoted a report from Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc. (CatIQ).

A low pressure system brought damaging winds to southern Ontario, said IBC, noting that the strongest gusts were felt in Hamilton, ON with wind speeds nearing 115 kilometers per hour (72 miles per hour). Other parts of the region received wind gusts in the range of 70-105 km/hr (44-65 mph).

The strong winds damaged roofs and caused trees and branches to fall on houses, roads and power lines, causing approximately 68,000 residents to lose power, IBC added. A 23-year-old man died as a result of this storm.

“Windstorms can be a devastating force of nature. They can cause significant damage in a very short amount of time,” said Kim Donaldson, vice president, Ontario, IBC. “It is important that consumers take precautions and secure their property in an effort to minimize potential damage. Consumers should also understand their insurance policies and know what’s covered before storms like these, or other catastrophes strike.”

Source: Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC)

Topics USA Catastrophe Natural Disasters Windstorm