as High as $400 Million

Author: CCG Dev March 13, 2014

According to the Ohio Insurance Institute, preliminary estimates of insurance companies losses from the May 20-26 storms range from $322 to $400 million, making this the third costliest natural disaster to hit Ohio in recent times, behind the April 3-4, 1974 Xenia tornado super-outbreak and the September 14, 2008 Hurricane Ike windstorm.

The same system responsible for the intense May 22 EF-5 tornado in Joplin, Mo., caused extensive damage as it moved through Ohio. Hard-hit areas included southwestern and northern parts of the state. At least nine tornadoes were confirmed in Ohio from May 23-26, including five EF-1 tornadoes with maximum winds between 90-105 mph. Widespread rain, hail and damaging winds were reported throughout the state.

OII also says the number of Ohio claims filed to date from the May storms is estimated at 68,000-77,000.