Damages from most recent Alberta storms total more than $200 million: IBC

Damages from the two most recent serious storms in Alberta have amounted to more than approximately $200 million, new data from Insurance Bureau of Canada suggests.

The larger of the two storms was on Aug. 12, when a severe thunderstorm and hail hit the region around Calgary. There were reports of hail as large as five to six centimetres in diameter. The storm also brought heavy rain and ensuing flooding.

The smaller event occurred earlier in the summer on July 26, when a fast-moving hail storm damaged cars and homes from Cardston in southwest Alberta north to Nanton.

The damage figures are a preliminary estimate reported by Property Claim Services Canada. It reports that thousands of claims have been filed for damage to homes, cars and businesses.

IBC had estimated that damage from a wind and rain storm in and around Edmonton in early July totaled $100 million in insured damages. A wind and rain storm in November 2011 caused an additional $200 million in insured damages.

IBC is encouraging Alberta residents who need answers to insurance questions to contact its consumer information centre.