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Tornado and Severe Weather Resource Center

Discover how Marsh McLennan Agency can help you and your organization before, during, and after tornadoes and severe storms.

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Preparing your business and your family for tornadoes and severe weather threats

Damage from severe thunderstorms is increasing across the nation. Even in areas where these storms are not likely, there has been a heightened awareness of the need to prepare and protect what is most valued.

Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris.

A tornado can:

  • Happen anytime and anywhere.
  • Bring intense winds, over 200 miles per hour.
  • Look like funnels.

Source: ready.gov
 

CAT Resource Center

Visit our partner Guy Carpenter's Insights Library. This resource center offers live and post-event updates, seasonal outlooks, and periodic insights on natural catastrophes.

Insights Library

Important resources

When severe weather hits, MMA is here to help you navigate the uncertain next steps.

Torrent Technologies, Inc.’s 2025 State of Flood report delivers a powerful call to action in response to rising flood risks across the United States. As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of flooding, the report highlights an urgent need to close the significant gap in flood insurance that leaves many communities vulnerable.

Download the report today.  

Protecting your business

It is important to get familiar with the signs of a tornado to be able to properly prepare your business in advance of an approaching storm. To start:

  • Know your area’s tornado risk: In the U.S., the Plains, the Midwest and the Southeast are at greater risk for tornadoes. If you have business properties in these areas, it is important to spend time preparing them for the potential of damage.
  • Know the signs of a tornado: This includes a rotating funnel-shaped cloud, an approaching cloud of debris, or a loud roar, similar to a freight train. It is wise to ensure your employees are also familiar with these signs. Think about preparing training to ensure understanding and the safety of employees.

Types of risks:

  • Physical damage to property: Tornadoes can inflict severe damage on business properties, including buildings, equipment, and inventory. High winds and flying debris can cause structural damage and costly repairs, leading to prolonged downtime. Businesses should evaluate their critical asset exposure and identify assets that are most at risk. 
    • Can your business withstand high winds and debris? 
    • Is the structure of your building reinforced? 
    • Do you have impact-resistant windows or shutters? 
    • Is your roof up to local wind load codes?
  • Business interruption: The effects of a tornado often extend beyond physical damage, causing significant interruptions. Power outages, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted supply chains can hinder operations and affect revenue. Developing a solid business continuity plan with alternative strategies and communication protocols is essential. Consider how a tornado would affect your ability to operate:
    • Could you continue to work remotely?
    • Would suppliers or customers be affected?
    • Do you rely on a single facility?
  • Employee safety: Ensuring employee safety is critical during a tornado. Businesses must establish clear protocols, including safety plans and access to emergency resources. Prioritizing training creates a culture of safety and preparedness.

As a tornado approaches, businesses must take proactive steps to ensure employee safety, protect assets, and keep operations running.

Key actions to consider:

  • Monitor weather updates: Stay informed about the storm’s path and intensity by regularly checking reliable weather sources and local authorities. Use weather apps, alerts, and news broadcasts for real-time updates
  • Activate emergency plans: Review and implement your business continuity and emergency response plans. Ensure all employees understand the protocols and their specific roles. Conduct briefings to clarify evacuation routes, communication methods, and safety practices.
  • Secure physical assets: Protect your assets from damage by boarding up windows and doors, moving equipment and valuable items away from windows, and removing outdoor items like signs and furniture.
  • Communicate with employees: Establish clear communication channels to keep employees informed about the situation, operational changes, and safety instructions. Encourage them to report any warning signs, emergencies, or issues.
  • Prepare for business interruptions: Anticipate potential disruptions and develop a plan.

Once the tornado has passed, businesses must take immediate actions to ensure safety, assess damage, and begin recovery. Here are some key steps:

  • Safety assessments: Conduct thorough safety assessments to ensure the environment is safe for employees and visitors.
  • Assessing damage: Documenting damage is essential for filing insurance claims and facilitating recovery.
  • Begin recovery: Start recovery efforts promptly to minimize disruptions. Assess the impact, explore temporary relocation options if needed, and communicate with stakeholders.

If you experience a property loss, MMA is here to guide you every step of the way. Review these essential steps to prepare for and navigate the insurance claims process. You don’t have to go it alone.

Handling a property loss

Losses can significantly impact your bottom line. Our partners at Marsh can help identify income exposures, maximize your coverage, and support you in recovering losses. Learn more about forensic accounting today. 

Protecting your home and valuables

In the U.S. an estimated 1,200 tornadoes hit annually leaving a wake of destruction behind, from tossed over cars to leveled homes. Access our professional insights, resources, and guidance on tornadoes and severe weather utilizing our resources below. 

Tornadoes can cause serious damage to your home and assets. Learn how tornadoes form, where they may occur, as well as national trends, and how to best prepare your home to be resilient.

Check out our Tornado 101 blog to learn more. 

Learn what you can do as a homeowner to prepare your home in the event of a tornado, derecho, and other severe convective storms.

We cover where to go when a storm escalates, how to prepare for power surges and outages, what upgrades can best prepare your home for severe weather, and what steps to take when a severe storm is approaching.

Check out these exclusive insights curated by our Risk Advisory Leader on how to mitigate your risks as a homeowner when severe weather hits.

A strong roof is a key factor in making your home more resilient. Learn more about what steps to take with your roof.

If you should ever suffer a covered loss, a dedicated claims analyst will be available to file a claim with your insurer on your behalf and provide support and guidance throughout the entire claims settlement process.

File a personal lines claim. 

In the event your home or valuables are impacted by a tornado or severe weather, use our claims guide as a tool to prepare your materials, navigate the claims process, and gain further clarity on the actions you may need to take.

Active Storm Tracker 

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Active Storm Tracker

Jason's 2025 Prediction

"Severe thunderstorms in the U.S. were responsible for almost half of all insured losses in 2024 due to population growth, inflation, and the changing landscape of storm activity. So far in 2025, reports of wind damage are the second highest since 2011. Large events like hurricanes and wildfires tend to grab the most attention, but we must not underestimate the daily risk from thunderstorm damage."

Jason Brewer
Vice President & Lead Meteorologist

Brad's 2025 Thoughts

"Tornadoes are becoming a more widespread problem as the convective storm corridor expands beyond the Midwest. Homeowners east of the Rocky Mountains are at risk of severe weather events and should prepare by upgrading their roofs to be wind and hail resistant, and improving their windows, doors, and garage doors to be wind and impact resistant."

Brad Sawyer
SVP, Risk Advisory Leader