Contact
For Immediate Release
Mark Hanna
(512) 326-7616
August 4, 2004
Amarillo Storm Losses Total $175 Million
The storm that struck the western portion of Amarillo on June 21 caused $175
million in insured losses making it the sixth costliest wind and hailstorm in Texas history.
“The Amarillo storm was so destructive because of the size and shape of the hail
that tore through homes and businesses,” said Mark Hanna, a spokesman for the
Insurance Council of Texas. “The hailstorm was followed by heavy winds and rain that
made a catastrophic situation worse.”
Texas insurance companies received approximately 32,000 claims from the storm
with each claim averaging more than $5,000.
Hail as large as grapefruit was reported, while many residents said the hail was
discus-shaped penetrating the roofs of homes and commercial buildings. Hundreds of
new cars and trucks exposed on the lots of car dealerships were also damaged.
Insurance agents said the storm’s high winds had hailstones blowing in sideways
knocking out the windows of vehicles and residences. In addition to replacing new roofs
and vehicle repairs, other insured losses included the cleanup of glass breakage and
damaged floors and carpets.
The Property Claim Services of the Insurance Service Office (ISO) verified
Amarillo’s total damage cost.
With any catastrophic storm a number of people come in from outside the city to
assist residents with repairs. Hanna recommended Amarillo residents ask building
contractors for references and verify them. Insist on an itemized contract in writing and
pay only as work is completed. For assistance, residents should contact the Better
Business Bureau, local police or Chamber of Commerce.
The Insurance Council of Texas keeps track of the state’s costliest and deadliest
storms in the state. The costliest hailstorm in the country struck the Dallas/Fort Worth
area on May 5, 1995 causing $1.1 billion in damages.
The Insurance Council of Texas is the largest insurance trade association in the
state consisting of more than 500 property and casualty insurers writing business in Texas.
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