10,000 U.S. Storms Turn Severe Each Year -- Mercury Insurance Urges Pre-Storm Action
MWN-AI** Summary
Each year, approximately 10,000 severe storms emerge from the 100,000 thunderstorms that sweep across the United States, according to Mercury Insurance. With peak tornado and hail seasons fast approaching, especially across Texas and Oklahoma, the insurance provider is urging families to take proactive steps to mitigate potential damage before the onslaught of severe weather.
The prime months for tornado activity span from April to June, with Texas leading the nation in tornado occurrences, reporting 162 twisters in 2025. The risks of severe storms are not limited to the Plains; states like Georgia, Illinois, and regions in the Northeast also face heightened tornado activity. For instance, a single tornado near Houston recently caused extensive damage to over 100 homes, underscoring the urgency for preparation.
Mercury Insurance's Head of Climate and Catastrophe Science, Steve Bennett, emphasized that severe weather can inflict substantial damage within moments. Effective preparation strategies can include securing loose outdoor items, reinforcing garage doors, and inspecting roofing materials. Bennett also highlights the importance of having the right insurance coverage to manage risks effectively, especially for vehicles that are at higher risk during spring storms.
California faces different weather challenges, primarily from atmospheric rivers leading to flooding, particularly during the winter months. Homeowners are advised to clear gutters, avoid parking in flood-prone areas, and consider separate flood insurance due to the limitations of standard homeowners policies.
Ultimately, Mercury Insurance stresses that resilience begins long before severe weather strikes. With proper preparation and awareness, homeowners can reduce the severity of claims and recovery times, thus ensuring a more secure environment ahead of severe storm seasons. For resources and coverage insights, individuals are encouraged to visit Mercury's website.
MWN-AI** Analysis
As the peak season for severe storms approaches, with approximately 10,000 turning severe annually, proactive measures become essential for homeowners and drivers. Mercury Insurance has highlighted crucial steps to minimize risks from hail, tornadoes, and destructive winds, particularly in states like Texas and Oklahoma, which are at the forefront of storm activity.
Investing in home protection is not just about repairs; it’s a strategic financial decision. Enhanced preventive measures, such as reinforcing garage doors, trimming trees, and securing outdoor property, can significantly mitigate damage from storms, thereby reducing potential claim amounts and maximizing your investment in property.
Given the increase in severe weather claims due to expanding development in high-risk areas, ensuring your insurance coverage is adequate is vital. Review your homeowners' and auto policies to understand exclusions, particularly regarding natural disasters. For residents in flood-prone areas, such as California, obtaining separate flood insurance is advised, as standard policies may not cover extensive water damage.
Additionally, with vehicles facing heightened risk during rapidly changing weather conditions, maintaining comprehensive coverage is prudent. Taking proactive steps, like parking in covered areas and staying informed on weather forecasts, can not only protect your vehicle but also minimize your financial exposure.
Furthermore, consider the long-term impact of rising material and labor costs on recovery times post-storm. By acting now, you may prevent secondary damage from water intrusion and other related issues, leading to quicker recovery and lower overall claim severity.
In summary, the approach to storm preparation should be seen through a financial lens—minimizing risk not only safeguards your assets but also enhances resilience, ensuring a steadier pathway to recovery. Being proactive significantly reduces the likelihood of severe disruptions in the wake of a storm, thus maintaining financial stability.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
PR Newswire
With 5,000 hail events and peak tornado months ahead, families urged to act now
LOS ANGELES, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The United States experiences roughly 100,000 thunderstorms each year — and about 10% escalate into severe storms capable of producing damaging hail, tornadoes and destructive wind. As peak tornado and hail season approaches, Mercury Insurance (NYSE/NYSE Texas: MCY) is urging homeowners and drivers to take preventive steps before the most volatile weather arrives.
Spring is peak season for severe thunderstorms, especially in Texas and Oklahoma, where tornado activity ramps up from April through June.
Texas led the nation in preliminary tornado reports in 2025 with 162 twisters, followed closely by Illinois with nearly 150 — a clear reminder of how frequently severe storms threaten homes and vehicles.
Damage can escalate quickly. A single tornado near Houston in November 2025 damaged more than 100 homes.
Risk isn't limited to the Plains. Georgia typically peaks from March through May, Illinois from April through June, and in the Northeast, New York and New Jersey see their highest tornado activity from June through August — extending the severe weather season well beyond spring.
"Severe weather can create significant damage in a matter of minutes, which is why preparation ahead of the season matters," said Steve Bennett, Head of Climate and Catastrophe Science at Mercury Insurance. "Reducing that risk often comes down to a few practical steps taken early — protecting vulnerable property, paying attention to forecasts, and understanding coverage before severe weather arrives."
Regional Risk: Where Severe Weather Hits Hardest
Texas & Central Plains: Hail Alley
Large hail can damage roofs, siding, solar panels and vehicles in minutes. Texas consistently leads the country in hail-related insurance claims.
Prepare by:
- Parking vehicles under cover when severe weather is forecast
- Inspecting roofing materials and sealing vulnerable areas
- Trimming trees and securing loose outdoor property
Midwest & Southeast: Tornadoes and Destructive Winds
High-wind events and tornadoes can cause structural roof failure, downed power lines and widespread debris damage.
Prepare by:
- Reinforcing garage doors
- Securing patio furniture and outdoor equipment when severe weather is forecast
- Reviewing wind coverage limits in homeowners policies
California: Atmospheric Rivers and Flood Risk
California's severe weather looks different from the tornado and hail threats common in Texas and the Plains. Much of the state's weather-related property risk is tied to atmospheric rivers during the cooler months, when heavy rain can drive flooding, runoff and debris flows — especially in and below wildfire burn scars. On average, about 75% of California's annual precipitation falls from November through March.
Prepare by:
- Clearing gutters and storm drains
- Moving vehicles to higher ground during flood watches
- Evaluating separate flood insurance coverage, as standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage
Vehicles at Elevated Risk During Spring Storms
- Hail, falling debris and flash flooding are leading drivers of spring auto claims. Comprehensive coverage typically protects against these perils.
- "Vehicles are often exposed during fast-moving storm systems," Bennett said. "Covered parking, paying attention to weather alerts and understanding your coverage can significantly reduce both disruption and out-of-pocket costs."
Why Acting Before the Storm Matters
Severe storm losses have steadily increased due to expanding development in high-risk areas and rising material and labor costs. Proactive maintenance and risk awareness can help:
- Reduce claim severity
- Prevent secondary water intrusion damage
- Shorten recovery timelines
"Insurance helps families recover," Bennett added. "But resilience begins before the first weather warning."
For storm preparation resources and coverage guidance, visit the Mercury Blog.
About Mercury Insurance
Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier predominantly offering personal auto, homeowners, renters and commercial insurance through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in Florida. Mercury writes other lines of insurance in various states, including commercial, business owners and business auto, landlord, home-sharing, ride-hailing and mechanical protection insurance.
Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value for their insurance dollar by pairing ultra-competitive rates with excellent customer service, through more than 4,200 employees and a network of more than 6,340 independent agents in 11 states. Mercury has earned an "A" rating from A.M. Best, as well as "Best Auto Insurance Company" designations from Forbes and Insure.com. For more information visit www.MercuryInsurance.com or follow the company on X, Instagram or Facebook.
Media interested in receiving updates from Mercury can learn more at the Mercury Newsroom.
SOURCE Mercury Insurance
FAQ**
How does Mercury General Corporation MCY plan to expand its proactive storm preparation resources to help homeowners mitigate risks associated with the 10,000 severe storms that occur annually in the U.S.?
Given the frequency of severe storms, how is Mercury General Corporation MCY addressing the rising costs of material and labor for homeowners in high-risk areas impacted by storms?
What specific strategies is Mercury General Corporation MCY employing to educate customers about the importance of understanding their coverage prior to experiencing severe storms?
In light of the increased frequency of hail and tornado events, how does Mercury General Corporation MCY plan to enhance its claims processes and support for customers affected by these severe weather incidents?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Mercury General Corporation (NYSE: MCY).
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