The Insurance Board of Canada says this past summer was expensive for insurance companies in Ontario.
Severe storms and flash flooding caused more than $350-million in insured losses, including $140-million in southwestern Ontario.
It designated four events as "catastrophes."
The most expensive was in southwestern Ontario between August 23 and August 25, when more than 200 mm of rain fell on some communities, including Harrow, Amherstburg, and Kingsville.
The storms also spawned three tornadoes in the region. The Northern Tornadoes Project confirmed an EF1 twister near Cottam, a second in Tecumseh, and an EF-0 in West Windsor.
Insurance companies paid out $110-milllion when the remnants of Hurricane Hilary swept through.
A month earlier, thunderstorms on July 20 and July 21 produced strong wind gusts and spawned two tornadoes near South Buxton and Petrolia. A microburst in Sarnia brought down trees and powerlines.
Another line of supercell thunderstorms a week later toppled trees in Windsor and caused tennis ball-sized hail and flash flooding in Ottawa.
Each of those catastrophes caused $30-million in damage.
"Flooding and severe storms can be costly, stressful, and difficult for people who have been affected," said Interim Vice-President for Ontario. "As rebuilding and recovery continue, those who have been impacted can continue to work with their insurance representative. Residents who want to check that they have the coverage they need should contact their insurance representative to ensure they have the right coverage to protect their property or business."
The Insurance Bureau of Canada says the frequency of flooding and severe storms in Ontario and across Canada is increasing year after year.
