Nasty hail storm in southern Manitoba may cost MPI as much as $20 million

Athunderstorm thatswept through southern Manitoba last week, dropping hailthe size of golf balls and softballs, could cost Manitoba Public Insurance as much as$20 million.

On Tuesday, MPI sharedits hefty estimateafter more than 2,000 hail claims were filed.

Spokesperson BrianSmiley anticipates they'llhear from many more vehicle owners.

"We expect that number to rise significantly as the days go on."

The conservative low end of theestimate is the Crown corporation will fork overat least $10 million as a result of the June 14 storm.

Nearly 100 km/h winds and huge hail hammeredsouthern Manitoba last week, knocking out power to thousands, downing trees and damaging property. A tornado was spotted in the southwestern corner of the province near Waskada, 280 kilometres southwest of Winnipeg.

Raw: Hail pounds Pelican Lake Campground

6 years ago

Duration 0:27

Massive chunks of hail poured down on the Pelican Lake Campground in Ninette, Man.

In response to the chaotic storm, MPI is establishing dedicated hail centres in Winkler and Ninette beginning tomorrow. Customers are encouraged to make an appointment before going in.

The hardest hit areas from the storm were inMorden, Winkler, Ninette and Manitou, Smiley said.

Manitoba Public Insurance has dealt with other costly hail storms in its history.

The publicly owned insurer paid out $53 million followinga 1996 hail storm in Winnipeg and $50 million aftera 2007 storm pulverized the Dauphin area.