Snowmelt, Floods and Worrying Winter Weather

You are familiar with this story: The first snow marks the beginning of the holiday season, making everything look like it’s part of a movie. But, as an insurance agent, you know the hidden dangers of winter weather.

There are many types of winter flood events you can prepare your clients for, such as snowmelt, atmospheric rivers and flash flooding. Knowing what’s coming can help you prepare them for whatever the weather brings.

Snowmelt

Snowmelt is runoff that results from snow thawing rapidly because of warmer weather. This is a natural cycle, but with the frozen ground unable to absorb the water quickly, it leads to flooding in nearby properties, like your clients’ homes and businesses. 

Atmospheric Rivers

An atmospheric river is a band of warm tropical air that carries as much water as a river. They’re the most common between December and February across the Western U.S. Atmospheric rivers have been known to cause up to $1 billion in damage yearly.

Flash Flooding

While it’s not strictly seasonal, flash flooding is always unexpected. Flash floods can be caused by a number of events, such as ice dams, but most often happen with extremely heavy rainfall. They can happen anywhere and without notice.

Your clients may not realize that standard homeowners, renters and condo insurance don’t typically cover flood damage. Remind your clients that their flood risk doesn’t freeze during winter and guide them as they look for the right flood insurance coverage for them.