Tornado Damage and Loss

Tornadoes leave a path of destruction in their wake, and can arrive with little or no warning. A tornado can completely annihilate a house or an office building in less than a second. Even those buildings that are not in the tornado’s direct path can suffer damage from the lightning and hail that accompany it. When this scale of property loss occurs, the insurance adjustment process can become long and complicated.

Since tornado damage is largely unpredictable, everyone should be aware that it could happen to them.  All homeowners, renters, and business owners should make sure that they have coverage for tornado damage in their insurance policies. Knowing that you have comprehensive insurance coverage can help calm the chaos of a tornado’s aftermath.  

 

Tornado Damage Facts:

  • In the United States, there is an average of 910 tornadoes per year.
  • Tornadoes cause an average of 80 deaths and over 1,500 injuries annually.
  • Tornadoes occur most frequently between 3 and 8 pm.
  • A weak tornado has maximum wind speeds of 110 mph and lasts up to ten minutes.
  • The average tornado measures around 250 feet in width and travels approximately one mile.

» Tornado Damage Preparation

There are areas of the country that are more prone to tornadoes than others. If you live in one of these areas, you should make sure that you are prepared.

» Tornado Damage Priorities

Recovering from Tornado Damage is a gradual process. Safety is a priority, as are mental and physical health. Assistance is available.

» Major Tornadoes

In the last decade there have been three official F5 category tornadoes recorded in North America.