Wind events that shaped South Dakota claims
On May 12, 2022, a derecho swept across eastern South Dakota with gusts reported near or above 100 mph in places, and a tornado struck Castlewood in Hamlin County. On September 10, 2019, three tornadoes touched down inside Sioux Falls in a single night. The 1998 Spencer tornado remains one of the most destructive in state history. Between those headline events, thunderstorm downbursts damage roofs and outbuildings almost every summer.
Where wind estimates go wrong
- Creased and lifted shingles. A shingle that was lifted and creased has lost its seal and its strength, even if it lies flat now. These are easy to miss from the ground.
- Siding and soffit. Wind pulls panels loose, cracks vinyl and pushes rain behind it. Estimates often count only the pieces on the lawn.
- Trees on structures. Removal, haul-off and crane costs are frequently undervalued, and policy sub-limits for debris removal need to be read carefully.
- Outbuildings. Pole barns, garages and machine sheds can rack out of square. Bent framing may require far more than new panels.
- Interior water. Rain driven through a wind opening may be covered when the opening was caused by a covered peril. That causation question is often where the argument starts.
Our approach to wind, tornado and derecho damage appraisal
We document the direction and pattern of damage, test shingle seals by hand, measure racked framing, and price debris removal and temporary protection realistically. When damage crosses into structural territory, we work with an engineer’s findings so the valuation rests on more than appearance.
Frequently asked questions
Is a derecho treated differently from a tornado on my policy?
Usually not. Most property policies cover windstorm as a peril regardless of the weather label, though deductibles and exclusions vary.
My shingles look fine from the street. Could they still be damaged?
Yes. Wind can break the seal strip and crease shingles without removing them. A close inspection is the only way to tell.
Who pays to remove a fallen tree?
Policies often pay to remove a tree that hit a covered structure, usually with a sub-limit. Trees that fell without hitting anything are often treated differently.