Ontario: Tornado Country?

Jun
2010

Early estimates peg the damage at $15 million. Astonishingly, only minor injuries were reported; 50 families were forced from their homes.

But the recent tornado damage to Midland has Ontarians wondering if changing weather patterns will result in more wind damage in this province, this summer.

Ontario statistically sees about 15 confirmed tornados touch down each year, only one of which has F2 strength. (On the Fujita, or F-scale – used to rate tornado intensity based on damage inflicted to structures and vegetation – an F2 tornado packs winds of 180-240 km/h.)

However, August 20,2009 was the largest single-day tornado outbreak ever in Ontario: 11 tornados touched down in the province in that single day, 3 of which were at least F2 in intensity.

And in Midland, Environment Canada has confirmed the damage was caused by 2 tornados, the first of which was an F2. This brings to 4, the total number in the province so far in 2010.

Question: is the early activity this year – and the intense activity last August – an indication of what to expect?

From our perspective, we are seeing insurers in Ontario pay out more property damage claims due to wind and water than any other cause, including fire.

Almost all property and vehicle insurance policies cover damage by wind, tornados and hurricanes, including trees, poles and other debris crashing into the insured object during a windstorm.

Review your policy with your broker – be ready for whatever this summer’s weather brings!