Tornadoes in Ohio and US

Ohio, positioned geographically on the eastern edge of what has come to be known as “tornado alley,” is no stranger to tornadoes. In fact, Ohio experiences an average of 16 tornadoes each year, not to mention the hundreds of severe thunderstorms. Ohio’s peak tornado season runs from April through July, with most tornadoes occurring between 2 and 10 p.m. Even though June has been the month with the most tornado occurrences, many of the state’s major tornado outbreaks have taken place in April and May. However, history has proven that tornadoes can occur during any month of the year at any time of the day or night.

In 2001, there were 8 confirmed tornadoes in Ohio resulting in one injury and no deaths. A violent tornado hit in Ohio in 2000, reaching an F4 intensity on the Fujita tornado scale. This tornado ripped through Xenia on September 20. This tornado damaged over 300 homes and businesses, and was responsible for one death and nearly 100 injuries.

Insurance coverage for tornado damage

Tornado losses to a home are covered by the windstorm peril under the homeowners insurance policy. Protection from windstorm or hail damage for cars is covered under the “other than collision” (comprehensive) portion of the automobile insurance policy.

Source: National Weather Service

Source: National Weather Service

The West Coast experiences 80% of US earthquakes. (Insurance Day, 11/20/01)

Sources: WeatherData, KRT, reprinted from Kansas City Star, 4/10/98

Source: Insurance Information Institute, Fact Book 2002