Climate change has created additional risks. According to a 2022 report cited by The Hill, approximately one in ten U.S. homes sustains some damage from natural disasters each year—and that number is widely expected to rise. Somewhat counterintuitively, climate change may impact the severity of winter storms in the United States, most notably in the Southeast. In this article, our New Orleans storm damage attorney explains how climate change is affecting the severity of winter storms and the impact that it may have on insurance coverage.
Climate Change is Altering Weather Patterns
You will hear climate change referred to as global warming. The planet is getting warmer each year.
However, climate change is generally considered to be a better term because the overall warming trend is affecting our planet’s weather patterns in very complex ways. Rising temperatures have a significant and well-documented impact on atmospheric circulation, ocean currents, and the hydrological cycle. The changes in global temperatures can contribute to:
- Shifts in precipitation.
- Increased frequency of heatwaves.
- More intense storms.
- Changed rainfall distribution.
- More severe winter weather.
The last point is, of course, somewhat counterintuitive. You would not necessarily associate climate change with snow, ice, and more severe winter storms. However, that is absolutely a risk that the top climate scientists—including those at the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)—want people to be prepared to address.
Why Climate Change Could Cause More Winter Storms in the Southeastern United States
According to research from the National Centers for Environmental Information, “the frequency of extreme snowstorms in the eastern two-thirds of the contiguous United States has increased over the past century.” One effect of climate change is that the eastern part of the U.S.—especially the Southeast—is expected to experience a higher rate of severe winter weather. This is despite the fact that winters are also expected to be a few degrees warmer on average overall.
What is going on? While it is a very complicated topic, one key factor is the disruption of the polar jet stream, a powerful air current that influences weather across North America. As Arctic regions warm faster than other parts of the globe, the temperature gradient between the polar region and mid-latitudes decreases. Beyond that, warmer ocean temperatures can contribute additional moisture to the atmosphere. That means that there is more “fuel” for significant snowfall. The warmer sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico can further enhance evaporation and humidity and contribute to even heavier precipitation during winter weather events.
While there is a considerable amount of inherent uncertainty with future climate trends, the Southeastern United States is expected to see somewhat warmer winters than the historical average over the next few decades. However, counterintuitively, there may also be an increase in extreme cold snaps caused. Further, there is very likely to be more winter precipitation than the historical average. That means more snow and more ice.
Insurance Companies and Climate Change: Know the Climate-Related Insurance Risk
Climate change has significant implications for the insurance industry—and, as a direct consequence, it has significant implications for you as a homeowner or a business owner. Climate change is driving an uptick in extreme weather events, including hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and even severe winter storms. Because of these heightened risks, insurance companies are increasingly recalculating coverage. A direct result of that is rising premiums for homeowners. Indeed, the Brookings Institute notes that “average homeowners insurance premiums have increased by more than 30% between 2020 and 2023.” Climate risk is a significant factor. The trend is especially evident in regions prone to severe weather—including the Gulf Coast of the United States.
Unique Challenge for Southeast U.S. Homeowners: Frozen Pipe Risk
Compared to communities in New England, the Upper Midwest, and the Rocky Mountains, homeowners in the Southeastern United States experience far milder winters. As a consequence, their homes often lack the insulation and construction methods needed to protect against subfreezing temperatures. Indeed, problems with frozen pipes tend to be an issue in milder regions.
As climate patterns shift, short but intense cold snaps are becoming more frequent, placing pipes at higher risk of freezing. Here is the issue: Frozen pipes expand—and that creates pressure that can lead to a rupture, flooding, and the need for very costly repairs. A frozen pipe risk may go unnoticed until serious damage actually happens.
To help prevent frozen pipes, it is crucial that homeowners insulate exposed plumbing in attics, crawl spaces, or garages. It is also a best practice to keep the thermostat at a consistent temperature—even when away—and to allow faucets to drip during extreme cold spells to maintain water flow. You may also want to provide a little extra protection to keep cabinet doors open to let warm air circulate around indoor pipes. By fortifying your home with these measures, you reduce the risk of pipe bursts during severe cold snaps.
You Need the Proper Winter Storm Insurance
For homeowners in New Orleans, across Louisiana, and elsewhere in the Gulf Coast region, the primary insurance-related risk from climate change comes from tropical storms and hurricanes.
That is a considerable threat. At the same time, unexpected winter storms can strike the Southeastern United States with far more frequency than many homeowners realize. Rising temperatures do not always guarantee mild winters. Remember, the research paints a more complicated picture: The changing climate can cause more erratic weather patterns, including occasional bursts of Arctic air. These cold snaps can bring ice, sleet, and snow, all capable of damaging roofs, siding, and even plumbing systems if pipes freeze or burst.
Given the rising winter storm risks, it is essential for homeowners to review their insurance policy and ensure it includes adequate coverage.
You should always use your standard homeowner’s policy as the baseline. Make sure you understand exactly what it does and does not cover. You do not want to face any surprises after a major storm, including a winter storm. Notably, a standard-issue homeowners insurance policy does not always fully cover all weather-related hazards. With that in mind, it is important to consider coverage as it may be needed for the most comprehensive financial protection.
How Insurance Claim HQ Can Help With a Storm Damage Claim
Storm damage claims are complicated. Whether you are dealing with winter storm damage or any other type of storm damage, it is crucial that you take a proactive approach to protect your property and protect your right to recover full and fair benefits through an insurance claim. At Insurance Claim HQ, we have the professional expertise needed to hold the big property insurance companies accountable. Our record of case results shows what we can do for homeowners and business owners in the Gulf Coast region and throughout the Southeastern United States. Your initial consultation for winter storm damage is free, confidential, and carries no additional obligations.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Storm Damage Lawyer Today
At Insurance Claim HQ, our New Orleans storm damage attorneys are skilled, experienced, and compassionate advocates for property owners. We are committed to putting the best interests of our clients first. If you have any specific questions or concerns about a winter storm damage claim, our team is here as a resource. Contact our law firm today for a free, no-commitment case evaluation. We represent homeowners in the full range of storm damage claims.
