Property Damage Claims Escalate in Texas after Hermine

The Insurance Council of Texas reports an increasing number of property damage claims from Tropical Storm Hermine, which, according to spokesman Mark Hanna, are continuing “to mount with insured losses near $75 million and could reach $100 million.”

On September 7-8, Central Texas received torrential rainfall as a consequence of the tropical storm, with areas in northern Travis and Williamson County tallying accumulations of more than 15 inches.

Cedar Park, near Jarrell, received the heaviest rainfall, with twelve inch reports extending outward and north toward Salado. On average, the Austin metropolitan area received at minimum 6 inches.

As Hermine moved northward, tornadoes struck Dallas and Seagoville, with attendant flood and wind damage. Statewide, insured losses may well be in excess of $50 million.

One tornado touched down at Dallas Love Field where a building was toppled while at least two others touched down 15 to 20 miles north of the city. Damage extended over the border into Oklahoma with downed power lines and damage to homes on U.S. 69.

In the wake of the storm, Texas Governor Rick Perry declared 40 counties in the state as disaster areas to speed the delivery of state and federal assistance to both families and communities.