If this summer seemed unusually wet and stormy in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, you weren’t imagining it.
From torrential rain and flooding to hail, tornadoes and galeforce winds, the Prairies went through a seemingly relentless series of severe weather events that started early. The first major storm hit in mid-May and according to initial estimates from Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc. (CatIQ), nine more major weather events across the three provinces ended up resulting in more than $1.8 billion in insured damage.
For Alberta homeowners, the numbers are another reminder that severe weather is no longer something that happens every once in a while. It is becoming an increasingly important consideration when it comes to protecting your property and reviewing your home insurance coverage.
A summer dominated by rain and flooding
Hail, wind and wildfires are what Prairies dwellers are used to dealing with in the summer months. This year, however, flooding and heavy rainfall accounted for much of the damage.
Edmonton was particularly hard hit. Alberta’s capital city experienced record rainfall in June and July, with several major rainfall events causing flooded basements, streets, and public spaces.
Here is a look at the 10 weather events contributing to the $1.8-billion total loss in insured damages:
- May 14: Strong winds and dust storms across southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba resulted in more than $40 million in insured losses.
- May 31 to June 2: More than $80 million in insured damage was eventually reported in the Edmonton area after extended rainfall and flooding.
- June 9 to 10: Severe storms brought tornadoes, hail, damaging winds, torrential rain, and flash flooding to Saskatchewan and Manitoba, resulting in more than $900 million in insured losses.
- June 20 to 21: Another prolonged rainfall event caused extensive flooding in central Alberta, with more than $160 million in insured losses reported.
- June 26 to 30: A slow-moving storm system produced widespread flooding across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, resulting in more than $160 million in insured damage.
- July 4 to 6: Severe thunderstorms from Alberta to Manitoba and into Northern Ontario produced hail, heavy rain, and damaging winds, and caused more than $270 million in insured losses.
- July 10 to 11: More severe weather brought rain, hail, and even tornadoes to Alberta and Saskatchewan, with more than $140 million in insured losses.
- July 18: Severe storms in central Alberta produced two EF2-rated tornadoes, heavy rain and additional flooding in Edmonton. Insured losses exceeded $40 million.
- August 11: Severe thunderstorms brought very large hailstones and significant rainfall to southern Alberta and resulted in nearly $70 million in insured losses.
- August 23: Large hail caused extensive damage in central Alberta, particularly around Springbrook south of Red Deer, resulting in nearly $40 million in insured losses.
As insurers are continuing to process claims and assess the full extent of the damage, these numbers are considered estimates and may change.
What does this mean for Alberta homeowners?
For homeowners, severe weather can create a long list of potential problems. Hail can damage shingles, siding, windows, and other exterior features, including a vehicle parked outside. High winds can damage roofs, fences, and detached structures. Heavy rainfall overwhelms drainage systems and contributes to basement flooding and sewer backups.
A consistent warning we at Lane’s are adamant homeowners understand is that not all types of water damage are treated the same way under different home insurance policies.
For example, coverage for sewer backup, overland flooding and groundwater can depend on the specific endorsements included in your policy. That’s why it is important to understand what your policy actually covers before a storm occurs.
At Lane’s Insurance, we encourage Alberta homeowners to review their coverage regularly rather than waiting until after a major weather event to discover a gap. We can help.
Don’t forget about your vehicle
Severe weather doesn’t just affect homes.
Hail can cause significant damage to vehicles, including dents to body panels, cracked or broken glass, and other exterior damage. Wind and falling debris can also damage vehicles during severe storms.
Your auto insurance coverage depends on the policy you carry. Comprehensive coverage, for example, provides protection against a range of risks that aren’t related to a collision, including certain types of weather-related damage.
If your vehicle is damaged in a major storm, contact your insurance provider or broker as soon as possible to discuss the claims process and what documentation may be required.
The cost of severe weather continues to rise
The $1.8 billion in Prairie summer losses align with a broader national trend.
According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), insured losses from extreme weather in Canada have averaged more than $3.7 billion annually over the past decade, compared with $1.4 billion annually in the previous decade and $883 million in the decade before that. The IBC reports that annual losses have increased by roughly 320% since the late 1990s and early 2000s, even after accounting for inflation.
Canada’s most expensive year on record was 2024, when insured losses from extreme weather exceeded $9 billion.
Preparing your property before the next storm
You cannot prevent a major storm from happening, but there are steps you can take to reduce the potential damage.
- Keep your gutters and downspouts clear so rainwater easily drains away from your home.
- Check your roof regularly for damaged or missing shingles.
- Make sure your sump pump is working properly and has a backup power source where appropriate.
- Consider a backwater valve if recommended for your property.
- Keep valuable belongings off basement floors where possible.
- Secure outdoor furniture, planters and other loose items before major storms.
- Maintain your siding, windows, doors and other exterior components.
- Review your home insurance coverage and endorsements with your broker.
- Make sure you understand the types of water damage covered by your policy.
Resilience matters
The IBS continues to call for greater investment in measures that can help communities survive a severe weather incident. These include better flood protection, resilient infrastructure, stronger building standards, improved land-use planning and incentives encouraging property owners to invest in mitigation measures.
Those larger infrastructure and planning decisions are important, but there are also things you can do as a homeowner or business owner.
The first step is knowing what risks you face and making sure your home insurance coverage reflects those risks.
Talk to your Alberta insurance broker
At Lane’s Insurance, we can help you review your coverage, explain the endorsements available to you, and identify any potential gaps. Severe weather may be unpredictable, but being properly insured doesn’t have to be. Contact us at our Calgary, Banff, Edmonton and greater Alberta offices to see how we can improve your coverage and your rates with one easy phone call.
