The "Groundhog Day Blizzard of 2011" that brought white-out conditions to Northwest Ohio and
high winds, ice and snow accumulations to the southern and central portions of the state caused at least
$23 million in insured losses, according to the Ohio Insurance Institute.
Estimates reported show that over 9,000 claims have been filed to-date across the state. Losses are
expected to rise over the next few months as additional property damage is detected.
This major winter storm packed a punch from New Mexico to Maine, with snowfall of over 20 inches reported
in many regions of the country. At one point, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Climatic Data Center reported that the storm stretched over 2,000 miles. Twenty-two states
including Ohio had snowfall accumulations greater than five inches.
The Ohio EMA reported four weather-related fatalities. Power outages statewide peaked at over 273,000
during the overnight hours on February 1. Total snow level county emergencies peaked at 14 at Level 1,
16 at Level 2 and five counties at Level 3.
According to Property Claim Services, the early February storm reached catastrophe levels affecting 10
states: Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts,