SPECIAL REPORT: First Flood
Just like traffic, higher gasoline prices and high housing costs, Californians have come to expect certain things living in the Golden State. Most recently, it has been the rainy season, which many insurance agents and claims adjusters know like clockwork.
Despite the rain’s familiarity, the first major winter storm that hit the Golden State in December seemed to have a heavier-than-usual punch. Torrential rains caused much flooding, leaving many streets undrivable and homes and businesses damaged or destroyed.
In Napa Valley, the Napa River crested at nearly 30 feet, above 5 feet over flood stage on December 31, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Napa residents said they hadn’t seen flooding that bad since 1986, when the overflowing river caused three deaths, 26 injuries and the evacuation of 5,000 residents. The National Weather Service said it has been several years since California had seen such widespread flooding. California dealt with significant flooding during an El Nino year in 1998.
The storm takes it toll
Mother Nature began wreaking havoc with a series of rainstorms on Dec. 19 that culminated on the New Year’s holiday weekend. As skies began to clear in Northern California on Jan. 2, Southern California residents continued to see soggy conditions and potential for flooding. In that part of the state, authorities were concerned that flooding and mudslides would occur in areas burned by last year’s wildfires. When the rain and flooding stopped a few days later, the damage was done.
In Northern California near Guerneville, residents attempted to salvage what they could, as some trailer parks and farms were submerged following several days of heavy rain. Flooding and mudslides hampered efforts. The California National Guard was deployed to help residents navigate the areas.
According to reports in the San Francisco Chronicle in the weekend immediately following the storm, 750 Napa homes and businesses reported damage by floods, with property loss estimated at $50 million. In San Anselmo, 180 homes and businesses suffered approximately $40 million in damages. At least five levees – one in Novato and four in the delta – flooded. Nearly half a million of Pacific Gas and Electric Co.’s customers lost power at some point. And State Farm logged 1,500 claims.
By January 14, the city of Napa estimated the damage from the storm to total $100 million, $45 million of which affected roads, parks and the water system.
All told, the rains caused three deaths. Two lives were lost due to falling trees. A Highway Patrol lieutenant was killed while trying to help a driver whose car had spun out.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared states of emergency in 34 counties. Residents in those counties can apply for state emergency relief, although the governor has not yet asked President George W. Bush to declare the areas a federal disaster.
Combined, the 34 counties have more than $290 million in damages according to Eric Lamoureaux, spokesman for the Office of Emergency Services.
Darker and brighter days
Officials predict that the overall danger due to winter storms will be less this year due to a smaller amount of snow in the Sierra Nevada that is expected to melt. Yet with more than a month left in the rainy season, policyholders are reminded to be prepared – both physically and with their insurance policies – in the event of more storms.
Tully Lehman, spokesman for the Insurance Information Network of California (IINC) said California policyholders need to ask themselves, “Am I properly protected financially?” According to Lehman, “Keeping your homeowner insurance updated is crucial for the road to recovery should you suffer a loss from a catastrophe. Catastrophes can’t be predicted, so it is best to take the time yearly to work with your insurer and go over your insurance policy.”
While official numbers from the holiday storm were still being tallied, Lehman noted that, “During the rainy season, typical claims would include: strong winds which blow roofing off of one’s roof and leads to water damage inside the home; a tree falling and damaging the home; or a car which is in a parking lot which floods .”