Massive hailstorm in Calgary causes record $2.8 billion in insured damages

In July 2024, the city of Calgary, Alberta, experienced a massive hailstorm that caused unprecedented destruction and became one of the costliest natural disasters in Canadian history. The storm, lasting several hours, produced baseball‑size hail, torrential rain, and powerful winds, damaging thousands of homes, vehicles, and businesses across the metropolitan area. The total insured damages were estimated at $2.8 billion, setting a new Canadian record for storm-related claims. Emergency services were deployed citywide to respond to flooded streets, broken windows, and collapsed roofs, while insurance companies faced an unprecedented volume of claims. Authorities declared a state of emergency in several neighborhoods, prioritizing safety and relief efforts for affected residents. The storm’s aftermath prompted discussions about climate change, urban planning, and disaster preparedness, with experts noting that rising temperatures may increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events in Canada. Municipal, provincial, and federal governments coordinated aid, including temporary housing and financial support, to help residents recover. The Calgary hailstorm of 2024 stands as a wake-up call for enhanced infrastructure resilience and disaster risk management across Canadian cities.