April 15, 2025
Tornado season brings annual anxiety for homeowners, insurers and emergency response teams across the Midwest and Southeastern U.S. and beyond. Each year, the same critical questions arise: Will we be hit? How badly? Can we recover? And most importantly, what can we do better?
In the face of uncertainty, insurers, meteorologists and scientists are refining predictions, improving response strategies, and leveraging technology to streamline claims and recovery efforts. Advancements in forecasting, damage assessment and claims processing are making a real impact.
With the 2025 tornado season now underway, it’s vital to review forecasts, learn from past disasters, and adopt effective preparation measures.
The forecast for 2025
Like the weather itself, tornado patterns have highs and lows. The 2024 tornado season was among the worst on record, with 1,855 tornadoes reported, including over 500 in May alone. We’ve already seen devastating storms hit the Midwest and South in 2025, with estimated damages in the hundreds of millions and more than 40 lives lost.
Overall, fewer tornadoes are expected this year, with an anticipated range of 1,300–1,450. Still, this estimate exceeds the historical average of 1,225, which underscores the ongoing risks communities face in tornado-prone areas. AccuWeather 2025 projections indicate expected tornado counts of 200–300 in April and 250–350 in May.
BankRate 2024 data highlights states with the highest insurance costs for residential tornado damage (based on $300,000 in dwelling coverage): Illinois, Alabama, Colorado, Texas, Mississippi and Nebraska.
Toward smarter solutions for tornado losses and recovery
The rise in tornado-associated losses has motivated the insurance industry to explore more effective and targeted solutions. We strive to move beyond simply issuing a check weeks after an incident. We’re aiming to reduce the time between acknowledging a claim and providing meaningful assistance, such as temporary housing, pet accommodations or meeting other immediate needs.
There’s a growing recognition that managing catastrophe claims requires strategically allocating resources. Some claims may involve minor damage, like a missing shingle, while others result from tornadoes leveling entire neighborhoods. One way to manage this wide range of claims efficiently and thoughtfully is by leveraging advanced technology and digital tools to streamline processes and quickly get adjusters the information they need.
For instance, satellite-based measuring and dimensioning tools now provide adjusters with detailed property data — roof, window and gutter measurements — before they even visit a site. Additionally, intuitive intake tools replace outdated methods like faxes and emails, ensuring claim information reaches adjusters, housing specialists and other key resources immediately and seamlessly.
Carriers are also making strategic updates to underwriting practices. Peril-based deductibles, particularly for wind and hail damage, are becoming more common in high-risk areas. These tailored deductibles more closely align coverage with specific environmental risks.
Roof age is another critical factor in underwriting decisions. Insurers implement guidelines promoting preventive maintenance, often emphasizing partial replacement options. These measures help balance policy sustainability while encouraging property owners (both commercial and residential) to maintain resiliency against severe weather events.
Lessons from past catastrophes
Changes like these didn’t happen in a vacuum. They were informed by lessons learned and best practices perfected from past catastrophes. For example, the devastation caused by hurricanes like Helene and Milton in 2024 and the widespread destruction from California wildfires underscored the need for immediate documentation.
Another significant challenge has been assessing damage in areas that are difficult to access following a disaster. This has driven insurers to embrace drone technology, which has proven invaluable. Drones are being used to capture high-resolution images of damaged properties in real time, allowing insurers to determine the extent of loss quickly and accurately. In wildfire-affected regions of California, drones have helped adjusters and claims managers assess burned structures without waiting for emergency crews to clear hazardous debris. After hurricanes, drone surveys can map out flood damage and identify properties in need of immediate assistance, improving response times and minimizing disputes over coverage eligibility.
Promising technologies in disaster response and recovery
Digital tools are also reshaping how insurers communicate with policyholders. The adoption of artificial intelligence and advanced AI-powered technologies is revolutionizing disaster response by improving damage assessment and expediting claims processing. Innovations like our proprietary smart.ly platform simplify claim submissions, helping affected homeowners secure support quickly and efficiently. These advancements reflect the industry’s focus on leveraging technology to streamline operations and enhance outcomes.
Other new tools are also reshaping recovery efforts. LIDAR (light detection and ranging) technology allows adjusters to perform detailed structural assessments with smartphones. At the same time, AI-driven image analysis automates the identification of structural vulnerabilities, reducing dependence on manual inspections. Meanwhile, next-generation disaster modeling and predictive analytics equip insurers and emergency responders with better tools to forecast hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires. By anticipating these events more accurately, resources can be strategically deployed in high-risk areas, enabling swift and effective responses.
However, it’s important to remember that technology may not be the only solution. In a disaster, access to laptops, cellphones and the internet may be down or intermittent. Deploying a remote call center staffed by experienced claims professionals may be the ideal solution and is often preferred by customers who prefer real-time human interaction during a crisis.
Making the right moves
Heightened awareness of recent catastrophes has inspired insurers and emergency management organizations to emphasize preparedness. Though tornado season is now in full swing, there’s still time to review current practices, ensure they are effectively implemented, and initiate a process to analyze and enhance future performance.
Insurers and claims professionals should work to:
- Improve customer communication strategies: Provide multiple avenues for claims intake, including phone, email and online portals.
- Expand digital claim processing capabilities: Implement AI-driven tools to accelerate damage assessments and reduce manual processing times.
- Enhance catastrophe response plans: Prepare for dual-event scenarios by establishing contingency plans and securing additional adjusters in high-risk areas.
- Emphasize empathy and emotional intelligence: Claims adjusters are often the first point of contact for distressed homeowners — providing caring that counts is the right thing to do following a catastrophe and can significantly improve customer satisfaction.
Further, educating policyholders is critical in preparing for the remainder of tornado season. Key recommendations for homeowners and business owners include:
- Document property conditions before storm season: Take photos and videos of buildings and belongings to streamline future claims.
- Review your insurance policies: Understand new deductible structures and verify whether your coverage includes additional living expenses (ALE) in case of displacement.
- Develop an emergency response plan: Identify shelter locations, secure important documents, and create a communication plan for family members.
- Utilize available technology: Register for claims portals and familiarize yourself with digital intake processes to expedite submissions that may be needed.
Regard vers l’avenir
While hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires remain unpredictable, today’s insurance industry is better equipped to mitigate their impact. The integration of next-generation technology, enhanced policy structures and improved claims processes are making a tangible difference in how insurers respond to severe weather events.
To continue to meet market needs, the focus must remain on preparation, adaptability and leveraging technology to drive efficient and effective disaster response. By learning from past experiences and embracing innovative solutions, insurers can ensure faster, more seamless recovery efforts — ultimately reducing financial losses and improving outcomes for carriers and their policyholders.
> Learn more — explore our catastrophe response solutions, and refer to our CAT resource center for the latest on storm season
