Calgary hailstorm declared worst in Canadian history and the country’s fourth costliest natural disaster

The destructive hailstorm that hit Calgary on June 13, 2020, has officially been declared the fourth costliest natural disaster in the history of Canada, with insured damages hitting almost 1.2 billion dollars.

Last month, a massive weather system moved through Alberta, bringing severe thunderstorms to much of the province. Calgary was particularly affected by flooding, tornado, and hail around 54 to 61 mm (2.1 to 2.4 inches) in diameter.

The storm smashed windows of numerous houses and vehicles, with locals calling the place a disaster.

According to Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc. (CatIQ), this is the costliest hailstorm in Canadian history. 

In terms of all natural disasters, it is exceeded only by the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire that left 4 billion dollars of damage, the 1998 ice storm in Eastern Canada with 2.3 billion dollars' worth of damage, and the 2013 Alberta flooding with 1.7 billion dollars.

Most of the insured damage from the June hailstorm involved personal properties, with a smaller portion of damage to commercial properties. The destruction caused by hail and wind is usually covered by insurance.

Aside from the 1.2 billion dollars, the Alberta government announced financial aid for residents who faced overland flooding in the aftermath of the storm, as this type of insurance is not typically available in areas vulnerable to flood.

Featured image credit: Calgary Herald/YouTube