Ravaging hailstorm in Edmonton racked up $90 million in insured damages, Alberta, Canada

Hailstones the size of grapefruits and golf balls hammered the Edmonton area of Alberta Province, Canada in early August 2019, resulting in an estimated $90 million in insured damages.

Intense rains and thunderstorms triggered the hailstorms on August 2, 2019, which caused massive damages on crops, infrastructures, vehicles, properties, and commercial areas throughout Edmonton and nearby areas.

The hail that hit Spruce Grove measured between 80 mm to 120 mm (3.1 inches to 4.7 inches) in diameter, while the ones that pounded Edmonton ranged between 47 mm to 70 mm (1.9 inches to 2.8 inches) in diameter, as confirmed by Environment Canada.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) reported that the storm produced significant damages, with more than half of it affecting automobiles insurance coverage estimated $46.9 million. Furthermore, commercial property insured damages cost around $3.4 million while property insured damages are about $39.5 million.

IBC Vice President Celyeste Power stated in a release that "severe weather is causing headaches for homeowners and is costing insurers, governments, and Albertans significantly." Power added that the insurance company is working with authorities to discuss damage costs that keep increasing due to climate changes. Moreover, the government will also address solutions such as improving establishments and infrastructure to withstand calamities such as floods, fires, and harsh weather conditions.

"Last year, insured damage from severe weather across Canada reached $2-billion, the fourth-highest amount of annual losses on record. Unlike the 2013 Calgary floods or the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire, no single event caused the high amount paid out for 2018’s losses," Power remarked.

Featured image credit: Candice Reihl