June windstorm results in $30 million in insured damage
RED DEER – The wicked windstorm that blew through Red Deer and central Alberta on June 20 caused more than $30 million in insured damage, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada.
IBC says the estimate was calculated by the Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc. (CatIQ), which delivers detailed analytical and meteorological information on Canadian natural and man-made catastrophes.
Strong winds were the primary cause of property damage, toppling trees onto buildings and cars. Thousands of properties in Red Deer were left without power, some for as long as three days. The strong winds also tore off roof shingles and vinyl siding, caused flying debris and blew over a tractor-trailer on the QE II Highway.
“Severe storms have been happening more often and with greater intensity across Alberta,” said Bill Adams, Vice-President, Western, IBC. “It is important that Canadians understand their insurance policies and what’s covered. It’s also essential to have an emergency preparedness plan and know what to do when bad weather strikes.”