Editorial guides
Tornadoes & Severe Storms guides
Source-backed Tornadoes & Severe Storms guidance for US homeowners — insurance, prep, and how to read a hazard page.
Tornadoes, hail and straight-line winds are usually covered by a standard homeowners policy, unlike flood or earthquake. The open questions are your wind and hail deductible, whether your roof is paid at replacement cost or depreciated value, and where your family goes when a warning is issued. Tornadoes aren't only a Plains problem. Hurricane Milton produced 45 known tornadoes in Florida in 2024, three of them rated EF-3 (NHC Milton report).
Start with the safest place in your house, by home type. Then compare safe rooms and storm shelters. After a storm, use the hail damage guide to document roof damage before you file a claim.
