Dr. Justin Glisan shares insight on severe weather trends and the insurance industry

The III Holiday Happy Hour wasn’t only a good time, but an educational one! Iowa State Climatologist Dr. Justin Glisan gave an excellent presentation on why Iowa’s storms have been increasing in severity in recent years and discussed what this trend means for the property and casualty insurance industry.

Read our key takeaways from Dr. Glisan below!

1. Iowa’s storms are caused by climate change. The science doesn’t lie – over the past 30 years, the Earth’s climate has warmed. This warming has affected precipitation, wind patterns, and more. We’re seeing the consequences in real-time, like the severe storms that devastated northeast Iowa in May.

2. The biggest weather concern is flooding. Iowa remembers the flood in 2008 that swallowed the state for almost an entire month. Floods can destroy infrastructure, delay emergency services, and cost people their lives. While Iowa’s flat topography is excellent for agriculture, it creates a great risk for terrible flooding.

3. Insurance companies can help prevent potential damage. Severe storms can’t be prevented, but insurers can prevent the damage they cause. Investing in infrastructure that’s made to weather any storm could save insurance companies from having to pay for costly claims. This change will be more expensive in the short-term, but it’s more affordable than having to spend millions every year on repairs.

The past few years have been marked by turbulent weather like we’ve never seen before, and no one knows that more than our members in the property and casualty industry. With insights from professionals like Dr. Glisan, insurers can better prepare for the future, ensuring their clients are protected from potential destruction and losses.

Thank you, Dr. Justin Glisan, Iowa State Climatologist, for speaking at the Iowa Insurance Institute Holiday Happy Hour!