Texas Named the Nation’s 2016 Most Severe Weather State

It has not been the Lone Star State’s year weather-wise. Mother Nature seems to have it in for Texas, for some strange reason. There are a lot of great #1 spots to win from Super Bowl champs to employee of the month. Texas won an altogether different #1 this year, though: Texas named the nation’s 2016 most severe weather state.

It has not been the Lone Star State’s year weather-wise. Mother Nature seems to have it in for Texas, for some strange reason. There are a lot of great #1 spots to win from Super Bowl champs to employee of the month. Texas won an altogether different #1 this year, though: Texas named the nation’s 2016 most severe weather state.

According to Accuweather, Texas “has been suffering from record-setting rains since the beginning of May.” In fact, Texas got roughly six times the average amount of rain in May. Then there are the thunderstorms, hailstorms, tornadoes and floods. Not to mention that hurricane season officially started on June 1.

Even before hurricane season, the state has been hit with such severe weather that:

• Bridges were washed away by flash floods;
• Homes were damaged by floodwaters, often requiring evacuations, occasionally from residents’ rooftops;
• Widespread power outages became common;
• Hailstorms caused unimaginable amounts of property damage. Three in particular in San Antonio broke the record with the highest insured losses in the state’s history: $1.9 billion; one did $600 million in damages in one day;
• The governor declared a state of natural disaster in 31 counties in June, due to floods.

Hail damage was so bad in the Lone Star State by mid-April 2016 that insured losses equaled the nine-year average for damage caused by hail in the entire country.

Insurance owner Ed Cantu said, “Texas weather is always a big factor. While the studies don’t always break down claims into categories such residences, autos, and rental property it all gets affected by these disasters.” Sadly, despite governmental and weather agency efforts, many people were unprepared for these disasters.

Mr. Cantu added, “The reality, that [after a disaster] is the worst time to be proactive, and at the same time, the worst time to think about insurance.”

It’s true that insurance can be costly. However, not having insurance that covers these disasters can be, well, disastrous to a family’s financial health. Insurance is not always the easiest thing to figure out, either. Flood insurance is a big one in this category, as many found out in the Baton Rouge, Louisiana floods: “Floods are not covered under homeowner insurance policies unless it’s from storm waters.” You actually have to buy special flood coverage (even though it seems illogical; after all, where exactly do all the floodwaters come from if not from storms?).

Apparently, it’s not that stupid a question, according to Mr. Cantu. “Believe it or not, a lot of folks don’t understand the difference between storm waters and flood waters.  Understanding basic coverage is key. Remember if you don’t understand your insurance policy and need clarity, go to your agent or insurance company. Insurance policies aren’t easy to read.”

In dealing with floods, there isn’t much help without the affected area being declared a federal disaster area. Even then, the government help is often given as loans.

Here are some recommendations for homeowners:

• Prepare for natural disasters. Start with your roof as it’s your “first line of defense against wind and hail;”
• Reinforce windows and doors;
• Tell your insurer when you’ve made preparedness upgrades. Often, this will get you a discounted premium;
• Go over your insurance policies and make sure you have the necessary coverage at the right levels.

We cannot control Mother Nature, but we can make sure we’re as ready as possible for whatever she may throw at us.

Sources:

Texas most severe weather state in the country

State of disaster declared in Texas due to severe weather conditions