May storms cause $322M in damage in Ohio

COLUMBUS (AP) — The Ohio Insurance Institute says storms in late May caused damage estimated at $322 million or more around the state.

The industry group for property and casualty insurers estimates 68,000 or more insurance claims have been filed because of the storms.

The damage total ranks the stormy weather third on the list of the most costly natural disasters in Ohio in recent history, behind a 1974 tornado outbreak and a 2008 windstorm from Hurricane Ike.

At least nine tornadoes hit the state from May 23-26, and widespread rain, hail and high winds did more damage. It was part of the storm system that spawned a deadly tornado in Joplin, Mo.

Ohio Insurance Institute President Dan Kelso says it’s the fifth major storm outbreak to hit Ohio this year.