The strong winds generated by Hurricane Larry led to $25 million in insured damage in Newfoundland and Labrador, said the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC).
IBC cited its insurance damage data from preliminary estimates by CatIQ.
Hurricane Larry was the first hurricane to make landfall in NL since 2010, the bureau said. For its debut in the province, Larry reached Category 3 strength at its peak, bringing sustained winds near 100 km/h for several hours. The storm caused significant damage around the St. John’s area, knocking down trees and power lines, while also damaging structures. Damage to power lines was so significant that roughly 60,000 residents were without power during the hurricane’s passage.
"As we've seen in the past, a hurricane can cause extensive damage regardless of its category. Our thoughts are with those whose lives were disrupted and whose homes were damaged,” said IBC Atlantic vice president Amanda Dean.
Dean added that with Hurricane Larry fresh in everyone’s minds, it is a good opportunity for homeowners to review ways to make their properties more resilient to similar severe weather events, and to check their insurance policies to understand what is covered.
IBC once again offered reminders that damage by wind and rain is typically covered by home, commercial property and comprehensive auto insurance policies.
