MPI hail storm claims reach $2.5 million

Damage to vehicles as a result of hail storms last week in Manitoba has reached $2.5 million, the province’s public insurer reports.Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) has received about 1,400 claims to date, for a value of $2.5 million, says MPI spokesman Brian Smiley. Late last week an emergency hail claim center was opened in Altona, and its operations were extended into this week, he says. “It just goes to show how far ranging the storm has been.” He adds that the hail center will reopen on August 9. Generally vehicle damage claims from hail range from $2,500 to $3,000.Manitoba Crop Insurance Corporation (MCIC) has received 310 claims and expects claims to reach the $2 million mark, says Allan Steinke, manager of special projects for MCIC.The storm hit the Altona and Gretna regions of Manitoba on Sunday and Monday of last week, bringing hail as large as baseballs, according to reports. Tornadoes, high winds and severe rain were also reported.