The largest insurer of homes and vehicles in Iowa and Nebraska has made “staffing adjustments” to help customers in both states affected by Tuesday’s storms. Ann Avery is a spokesperson for State Farm. “It’s the kind of damage that is consistent with a wind and hail storm…we’ve all seen some pretty dramatic photos,” Avery says.

The heaviest damage in Iowa is over the southwest corner of the state. In some cases, homes and cars were battered by fallen trees that were uprooted by 80 to 90 mile per hour winds. Large hail and flooding also caused damage. The total number of insurance claims are adding up quickly. Avery says safety should be the top priority when surveying storm damage. She encourages homeowners to avoid downed power lines and when it’s safe to do so, make temporary repairs to prevent further damage to a home or vehicle.

“We do encourage people to save their receipts for any purchases they incur in the process of doing that,” Avery says. As for permanent repairs, Avery says it’s important to take time to choose a reputable contractor.  “Ask for references, ask about certificates of insurance, maybe consider contacting your local Better Business Bureau,” Avery suggests. “Just take care to choose someone who will help you recover appropriately.”

In the eastern Nebraska town of Blair, which is part of the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area, thousands of vehicles at a car dealership were badly damaged by baseball-sized hail. The courthouse in Blair sustained at least $1.2 million in damage from heavy rain after the hail shattered windows and skylights.

(Radio Iowa)