Losses Estimated at $25 Million in North Texas Storm

A fast moving storm that slammed into the Dallas/Fort Worth area on the night of April 13 spawned tornadoes and large hail and caused an estimated $25 million in insured losses. Two people, including an Irving police officer, lost their lives in storm-related accidents, the Insurance Council of Texas reported.

Tornadoes were confirmed in Haltom City, northeast of Fort Worth, Benbrook, southwest of Fort Worth and Rockwall County, east of Dallas. Golf ball to baseball size hail was reported on a line from North Richland Hills to the Hurst area.

“A number of businesses in Haltom City sustained several million dollars in damage, but it was the hailstorms in the area that caused the most damage,” said Mark Hanna, a spokesman for the Insurance Council of Texas. “Thousands of homes and automobiles pelted by the hail stones have been the bulk of the reported claims into insurance companies and agencies.”

An estimated 5,500 automobiles and 3,500 homes/businesses were reported damaged from the storm. Roofs were blown off, air conditioning units crumpled and wind blown debris including trees was smashed into automobiles, homes and businesses.

Hanna said at least one insurance agent may have to be handle his own claims. The home of Bill Antle, who owns Antle Insurance Agency in North Richland Hills, was hit by baseball size hail. Antle’s car and truck were also heavily damaged with windows broken.

Several businesses including a church, grocery store, recreational vehicle center and a trailer facility received heavy damage.

Both insurance companies and agencies brought in additional personnel over the weekend to handle the claims.

Source: Insurance Council of Texas