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Winter storms affected the U.S., potentially causing insured losses in the tens of mn

Winter storms affected the U.S., potentially causing insured losses in the tens of mn

Winter storms from Jan. 9-11 affected the southern U.S., potentially causing insured losses in the tens of mn, Aon reported. Seven US states declared emergencies: Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky and Arkansas (іуу Global Natural Catastrophe Overview: Economic & Insured Losses for 2024 FY).

Snow, sleet, and ice impacted major cities, including Dallas, Atlanta, Nashville, and Raleigh. The storm, driven by a low-pressure system from the Gulf of Mexico, led to motor vehicle accidents, power outages, and transportation disruptions.

Schools across Texas and the Carolinas closed due to hazardous conditions. Oklahoma alone saw 500 vehicle crashes. Power outages exceeded 110,000 customers, mostly in Georgia and Texas. Thousands of flights faced cancellations or delays.

Despite winter weather typically causing significant issues in the region, this storm primarily disrupted services and transportation, Aon noted.

More than a foot of snow fell in parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Little Rock and Memphis recorded over seven inches, while Dallas, Nashville, and Atlanta saw up to four inches. Raleigh and Columbia experienced measurable sleet and freezing rain.

Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic states saw minimal effects.

Separately, State Farm processed over 2,700 claims from Texas to the Carolinas after severe storms with high winds and tornadoes from Dec. 26-29. Aon estimates industry losses from that event could reach hundreds of mn, citing “significant tornado damage” in multiple towns.

More than 2,300 flights have been cancelled, with nearly 9,000 delays also reported owing to the extreme weather caused by the polar vortex of icy cold air that usually circles the North Pole.

Around 190,000 people had no power early on Tuesday across states in the storm’s path, according to Poweroutage.us. Snow and sleet is forecast to continue through the day in much of the north-eastern US, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).