The powerful storms that rolled through Georgia on June 13 caused an estimated $50 million in insured losses, the state insurance commissioner said Monday.
“That figure may rise when all claims are settled,” Ralph Hudgens, insurance commissioner, said in an emailed statement. “My staff will continue to make every effort to work with consumers and help them through this difficult time.”
Two tornadoes brought winds of up to 110 mph to Cherokee, Cobb and Fulton counties tearing down power lines, uprooting trees and damaging buildings in their wake, the National Weather Service said June 14. Thousands in the metro area were temporarily without electricity while crews worked to repair downed power lines.
Fallen trees and debris led to dozens of road closures and structure damage, officials said.
The first tornado, with peak winds of 105 mph, first touched down at 7 p.m. four miles west-northwest of Canton, the weather service said. The tornado, with maximum width of 75 yards, lifted about 25 minutes later about 5 miles south-southeast of Canton.
The second tornado made landfall near the Cherokee County line along Woodhaven Drive around 7:30 p.m., and made its way southeast through Cobb County, wreaking havoc near Bishop Lake Road and Wendwood Drive before jumping the Chattahoochee River near Abernathy Road and Riverside Drive in Sandy Springs, meteorologists said.
Hudgens said policyholders who need help with claims caused by the weather can call his office for assistance at 1-800-656-2298, or in the Metro area at 404-656-2070. Phone lines are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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