U.S.
10,000 U.S. Storms Turn Severe Each Year -- Mercury Insurance Urges Pre-Storm Action
The United States experiences roughly 100,000 thunderstorms each year — and about 10% escalate into severe storms capable of producing damaging hail, tornadoes and destructive wind. As peak tornado and hail season approaches, Mercury Insurance (NYSE/NYSE Texas: MCY) is urging homeowners and drivers to take preventive steps before the most volatile weather arrives.
About this update from Mercury General Corporation
[{"type":"text","content":" With 5,000 hail events and peak tornado months ahead, families urged to act now","length":79,"tagName":"p","attribs":{}},{"type":"text","content":"LOS ANGELES, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The United States experiences roughly 100,000 thunderstorms each year — and about 10% escalate into severe storms capable of producing damaging hail, tornadoes and destructive wind. As peak tornado and hail season approaches, Mercury Insurance (NYSE/NYSE Texas: MCY) is urging homeowners and drivers to take preventive steps before the most volatile weather arrives.","length":409,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"Spring is peak season for severe thunderstorms, especially in Texas and Oklahoma, where tornado activity ramps up from April through June.","length":138,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"Texas led the nation in preliminary tornado reports in 2025 with 162 twisters, followed closely by Illinois with nearly 150 — a clear reminder of how frequently severe storms threaten homes and vehicles.","length":203,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"Damage can escalate quickly. A single tornado near Houston in November 2025 damaged more than 100 homes.","length":104,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"Risk isn't limited to the Plains. Georgia typically peaks from March through May, Illinois from April through June, and in the Northeast, New York and New Jersey see their highest tornado activity from June through August — extending the severe weather season well beyond spring.","length":283,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":""Severe weather can create significant damage in a matter of minutes, which is why preparation ahead of the season matters," said Steve Bennett, Head of Climate and Catastrophe Science at Mercury Insurance. "Reducing that risk often comes down to a few practical steps taken early — protecting vulnerable property, paying attention to forecasts, and understanding coverage before severe weather arrives."","length":424,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"Regional Risk: Where Severe Weather Hits Hardest","length":48,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"Texas & Central Plains: Hail Alley","length":38,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"Large hail can damage roofs, siding, solar panels and vehicles in minutes. Texas consistently leads the country in hail-rela...