Homeowners across large swathes of the US have been urged to prepare for a major winter storm expected to bring snow, ice and dangerously cold temperatures from Texas to the Northeast.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a powerful winter system will sweep across the country from Friday through Monday, delivering heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain across the Southern Plains, Mid-South and into the East Coast.
Forecasters have warned of treacherous travel, prolonged power outages and extensive tree damage, particularly in regions less accustomed to sustained winter weather.
The scale and duration of the storm immediately raise red flags among insurers and claims adjusters. Ryan Connolly (pictured below), regional practice group leader for personal insurance at Burns & Wilcox, said widespread snow and ice events can rival other catastrophic weather events in terms of risk.
“Widespread snow and ice storms can be similar to other CAT events due to the extent of damage related to ice and snow,” Connolly said. “The strain that significant winter weather can have on state and local resources can pose challenges in areas where infrastructure is not as robust when it comes to dealing with ice and snow.”
Meteorologists said the storm is driven by a low-pressure system pulling moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, colliding with Arctic air plunging south from Canada. Wind chills could drop below minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of the Northern Plains, while areas as far south as Texas and the Carolinas may experience sub-zero wind chills.
Winter storm watches and emergency declarations now span more than a dozen states, with nearly half the US population under some form of weather alert.
While homeowners often focus on roof damage or power outages, claims data show some of the costliest losses are frequently underestimated.
Connolly noted that burst water pipes are a leading source of claims during prolonged freezes, particularly in regions unaccustomed to extreme cold. Ice damming caused by heavy snowfall and sustained freezing can also lead to significant interior water damage.
“Fires caused by alternative or supplemental heating sources are another commonly overlooked exposure,” he said. “Additionally, damage from falling trees or branches weighed down by ice or snow is commonly underestimated.”
From a claims-handling perspective, winter storms pose unique challenges. “These events generate a high volume of claims that can strain insurer adjusting resources,” noted Connelly.
“The severity and complexity of winter storm losses further complicate claims handling. Unlike hurricanes or wildfires, winter storms often impact broader geographic areas and involve multiple perils, such as water damage, ice accumulation, and falling debris, which can lead to coverage disputes and settlement challenges.”
Government agencies are bracing for similar impacts. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has pre-positioned supplies, generators and search-and-rescue teams across several states and activated its national and regional response centres.
Media reports said officials in Texas, Georgia, North Carolina and other states are urging residents to avoid travel and prepare for potential power outages lasting several days.
As forecasters warn that impacts could linger well into next week due to lingering cold air, experts said preparation is crucial. Homeowners can take proactive steps now that can significantly reduce damage and future claims.
Connolly recommended ensuring heating systems are properly maintained, keeping indoor temperatures consistently warm, and allowing faucets to drip to prevent pipes from freezing.
Disconnecting outdoor hoses, insulating exterior spigots and clearing gutters to reduce ice dam formation are also key preventative measures, he said.
