Wildfires, heat and hail made for damaging 2011 in Texas
Officials in Texas say that the combination of multiple weather events which hit the state last year made 2011 one of the costliest years ever for Texas homeowners insurance companies.
The Insurance Council of Texas says the cities of El Paso, Bastrop, Abilene and Robstown each suffered record-setting disasters which caused widespread damage.
In April, the worst hailstorm in Abilene history struck the city, forcing the replacement of thousands of area roofs. Also in April, a series of wildfires broke out in various parts of the state. The group says six of the 10 largest wildfire events in the state's history took place during that month. Conditions have not yet changed.
"Unfortunately the drought in Texas continues and so do the wildfires," said Mark Hanna, a spokesman for the Insurance Council of Texas. "2011 was by far the costliest year for wildfires in Texas and an above average year for damaging storms. We can only hope that much needed rainfall is on its way and the destructive storms are kept to a minimum."
The costliest wildfire ever in the state occurred last fall. The Bastrop fire destroyed 1,600 homes and caused insured losses of $325 million.
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- Total costs from Minneapolis tornado reach $80 million May 21, 2012
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- Recovery continues for Michigan tornado victims May 17, 2012
