Hurricane Milton Tornado Damage
Florida’s Unexpected Catastrophe
When Hurricane Milton slammed into Florida earlier this week, those outside the hurricane’s path expected heavy rainfall and minimal flooding. However, many Florida residents faced an entirely different danger: tornadoes. In just under 25 minutes, three tornadoes ripped through St. Lucie County, claiming lives and leaving a trail of destruction. CNN reported, “At least nine tornadoes tore through communities over 100 miles inland.” The tornadoes Hurricane Milton produced were particularly intense and “supercharged” compared to typical hurricane-spawned tornadoes.
The devastation from these tornadoes was unprecedented. Port St. Lucie Mayor Shannon Martin noted, ‘There’s no way we could have predicted this type of activity because this is just not precedented.” These tornadoes left homes destroyed and entire neighborhoods leveled. St. Lucie Sheriff Keith Pearson described the devastation bluntly: “Everything in the tornado’s path is gone.”
Tornadoes and Hurricane Coverage: What’s Included?
If your property was damaged by tornadoes during Hurricane Milton, your insurance policy should typically cover the wind damage caused by the tornado. However, many insurance carriers have started to sneak in wind exclusions in policies—limiting the amount of coverage you can get.
We want to stress the importance of documenting all damage before cleanup begins. It’s important you paint a full picture of the loss with proper documentation—hopefully setting your insurance claim up for success. For those with flood insurance, it’s also important to note that your flood policy may have deadlines and requirements different from those of your primary insurance policy.
Key Steps to Take After Hurricane Milton Tornadoes
If you’ve experienced damage, documenting everything is the first step towards recovery!
- Photograph and video all damage before you begin cleanup or repairs.
- File an insurance claim once you’ve gathered your evidence. Don’t rush to accept the first settlement offer, especially if the full extent of the damage isn’t immediately visible.
- Keep a detailed log of all interactions with your insurance carrier and any contractors you plan to work with throughout the recovery process.
- Contact FEMA if you need additional assistance. Even if you have insurance, FEMA may cover gaps in your claim. To learn more about how FEMA may be able to help you, read our full blog: Navigating FEMA Assistance Post Hurricanes Helene and Milton
Our team is ready to help you in any way we can! Navigating the claims process can feel like a full-time job—often taking several hours a week to stay on top of the process. Premier Claims is here to take the added burden off your plate. For immediate assistance, contact our team today!
Insurance Carriers Delays and Fair Treatment
Unfortunately, it’s common for insurance carriers to delay or minimize payouts after a disaster. You can push for a professional assessment if you feel you aren’t getting a fair settlement. This is where working with a public adjuster, like those at Premier Claims, could come in handy. A public adjuster works on behalf of the policyholder—not the insurance carrier.
Rebuilding and Moving Forward
As recovery continues across Florida, remember rebuilding will take time. Potential relief options are available through your insurance policy and FEMA, the Small Business Administration (SBA), and local nonprofit organizations like the Red Cross. Temporary housing options may be available for those who have been displaced. Airbnb is one of many organizations working to help those who were impacted. Even in the face of disaster, Floridians are coming together, with local, state, and federal resources stepping in to provide relief.
The tornadoes that accompanied Hurricane Milton serve as a reminder of nature’s unpredictability. While we can prepare for hurricanes, unexpected disasters—like the deadly tornadoes that ravaged Florida—highlight the importance of adequate insurance coverage for the least expected.. As residents begin to rebuild, it’s critical to remain vigilant in documenting damage, advocating for fair treatment from insurance carriers, and seeking additional assistance when needed. Our team is here to review your insurance policy and identify potential gaps in your coverage to prepare for future losses. Reach out today for a free policy review.