We have had winter storms named Snowmageddon and Blizzardzilla, and in the first week of 2025, two-thirds of the country was hit by Blair, a polar vortex. Over three days, winter storm Blair (an unofficial name created by The Weather Channel) spread heavy snowfall, sleet and freezing temperatures from the Pacific Northwest to New York and as far south as Texas and Georgia. While homeowners insurance typically covers damage caused by blizzards and other winter hazards, it doesn't cover everything. Explore the most costly winter storms in U.S. history to better understand the potential damage and mitigate related risks.
In the coming weeks, we will understand the financial and emotional toll of January 2025's polar vortex, but we only have to look back to around the same time as last year to get a good idea. On January 14, 2024, an arctic blast caused an estimated $1.9 billion in damage and 41 fatalities. The winter storm lasted four days and hovered over Central and Southern states. However, this wasn't the most expensive winter storm to wreak havoc in the U.S. -- it's not even close.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, the following are the five most expensive winter storms in U.S. history, adjusted for inflation to 2023 dollars.
The Great Texas Freeze in February 2021 introduced the term polar vortex and caused every county in Texas to be placed under a winter storm warning. The freezing temperatures lasted more than eight days, forcing over 10 million Texas residents to go without electricity and causing pipes to burst and a chain of other damaging events from car accidents to bare shelves at grocery stores. The end result was winter storm damage impacting 26 states and costing more than $17.4 billion.
The winter storm of December 2022 covered the Central and Eastern regions of the U.S. but may have hit Buffalo, New York, the hardest. Hurricane winds and snow squalls caused massive structural damage to buildings and infrastructure and 47 residents died. Across the country, more than a million customers were without power, and losses totaled more than $7.9 billion.
In mid-March 1993, the "Storm of the Century" swept across the U.S., impacting nearly half the nation's population. With wind speeds equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane, the storm caused an estimated $4.4 billion in damage. The storm was notable not only for its size and cost but also for its intensity, resulting in tornadoes, heavy snowfall, extreme cold and coastal flooding. Despite the severity of the storm, the National Weather Service's accurate forecasting and the public's heed to warnings played a critical role in lessening the storm's impact.
The winter storm of February 2015 significantly impacted the Northeast, particularly Boston, which recorded its highest-ever monthly snowfall. The storm wreaked havoc on transportation systems, leading to road closures and flight cancellations. The South was also affected, with regions like Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia experiencing their most substantial snowfall in more than 10 years.
The December 1983 storm and cold wave caused the chilliest Christmas on record in Northeast Ohio and Northwest Pennsylvania. The storm resulted in snow drifts towering between 10 to 15 feet due to 6 to 20 inches of fresh snow. The freezing temperatures lasted for several days, affecting the entire continental United States, except for the Southwestern deserts.
According to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, climate change is causing extreme winter weather to occur in warmer climates, where homeowners might not be prepared. There are four main types of winter storms: blizzards, ice storms, lake-effect storms and snow squalls, all of which can create a blizzard of problems for homeowners, from minor inconveniences to severe structural damage. Here's a breakdown of the most common types of winter storm damage:
Given these potential issues, it's crucial for homeowners to prepare for winter weather by inspecting and maintaining their homes -- even in areas where winter storms don't traditionally occur. This includes ensuring that your property is properly insulated, your gutters are clean and you have a contingency plan in place for potential power outages.
Most standard homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for winter storm damage. However, some insurance companies have started to limit or exclude certain types of extreme weather coverage from policies to mitigate losses. While these changes usually pertain to wildfires, winter storms can cause high winds, which can also be excluded or have a separate percentage-based windstorm deductible.
Below are common insurance coverage types included in standard policies that offer financial protection against most winter storm damage:
Keep in mind that most policies have insurance exclusions that limit or do not cover specific types of damage caused by weather. Also, insurance carriers can deny a claim if the home shows signs of neglect or has been left vacant. In some cases, you can add coverage by purchasing an endorsement, or you may need to buy a separate policy.
Some types of winter damage typically excluded from home insurance are:
Several strategies can enhance disaster resilience during winter storms. These preventative steps can range from how your home is designed to simply keeping up with lawn maintenance. Here are a few strategies to consider.