Severe storm losses in Southeast could reach hundreds of millions: Aon

Severe weather that hit the Southeast Dec. 26-29, including more than 80 tornadoes that caused widespread damage from Texas to the Carolinas, could result in hundreds of millions of dollars in total economic and insured losses, Aon PLC said in a report Friday.

Four people died and at least 25 more were injured in the severe convective storm outbreak across nine states. More than 600,000 customers lost power in the multiday event.

Heavy rainfall, wind gusts exceeding 70 miles per hour, hail up to 2.75 inches in diameter and tornadoes hit dozens of communities.

Multiple Houston suburbs saw significant tornado damage, including Alvin, Katy, Porter Heights and Splendora. More than 300 buildings were damaged in Montgomery County, and dozens sustained damage in Brazoria and Chambers counties.

As of Wednesday, National Weather Service damage surveys confirmed at least 81 tornadoes between Dec. 26 and 29. The Houston metro area recorded at least six tornadoes, including two EF-3 twisters across Chambers and Montgomery counties.

In central Mississippi, hundreds of structures were damaged across at least 23 counties, including nearly 300 homes. Other damage included flipped vehicles and downed trees and power lines.

Similar impacts on property and infrastructure were widely reported in nearby states, Aon said.