Tornado Damage

A WINDSTORM LOSS CAUSED BY A TORNADO CAN BE EXTREMELY DEVASTATING

A Windstorm Loss caused by a Tornado can be extremely devastating at any Level EF1-EF3, as Winds are concentrated and quickly exceed Structural Damage Capacity, even at the Lowest Levels, F-0, they can represent CATAGORY 1 or 2 Hurricane Intensities, (See Fujita Tornado Damage Scale Below), in direct correlation results in both level of impact and devastation.

Tornado’s represent a significant Peril facing U.S. “States”, some states are more prone to activity in the Central Plains know commonly as Tornado Alley, however with that said Tornados continue to spawn throughout the Country, and have been recorded in every State and County, at some time or another, with varying degrees of intensity, per the Scale. Primarily, they are caused by specific Weather Variations, whereas we have extreme Temperature Variations, as well as certain Wind Flows, resulting in Development of a Tornado. Seasonal Tornado events can be track though March-June as a Peak, as well as a Secondary Season being September- November, both driven by huge swings in the countries varying temperatures, i.e. spring to summer, and fall to winter, resulting in heavy thunderstorm activity, and conditions which support Development.

Tornadoes is the result of warm moist air meeting cooler, dry air, and creating instability in the atmosphere. When the wind changes direction and increases in speed and height, it creates an invisible horizontal spinning effect in the lower atmosphere. Inside this updrift, rising air tilts the spinning air from horizontal to vertical, forming tornadoes that can be miles wide.

The majority of “Tornado Damages” are covered under the Peril of Windstorm. Generally those risks within Tier 1 and Tier 2 Wind Zones, most insurers will position a Percentage Windstorm or Named Storm Deductible (Note: Check Your Percent, 1% to 2% are Average, but some 5% and upwards to 10%). If you have a Named Storm Deductible, is subject to Hurricanes only, as they do not name Tornado’s.

We should also note that most insurance coverage forms exclude “Wind Driven Rain”, even if caused by a Tornado or other Wind Loss. They only cover Water which enters through a Structural Opening caused initially by Windstorm to the Roof or Exterior of the Building, i.e. any Wind Drive Rain and/or resulting Damage, i.e. Water blown through Doors, Windows, Soffits, Vents, etc. is specifically excluded from Coverage.

Tornados represent Loss Averages in the U.S. of over 5B annually (1990 – 2014).

PLC and our Global Team of Loss Experts stand ready to assist You, Our Client, ensuring Your Maximum and Expedited Claim Recovery!!!