Owensboro is continuing to assess and recover from what officials described as one of the most intense hailstorms in the city’s history. The storm struck on March 15 and left widespread damage across structures, vehicles, and public property.
The hailstorm, which hit in the early morning hours, brought hail ranging in size from peas to larger than golf balls. The storm path moved directly over the heart of Owensboro, with the city’s Safety and Loss Prevention Manager Brent Kelley calling it a “historical event” during Tuesday’s City Commission meeting.
“We experienced significant damage throughout the city,” Kelley said. “Roughly 87% of our 220 insured structures took some form of hail damage, and we’re still identifying new damage even today.”
Three separate insurance claims have been filed: a property claim covering buildings and structures, an auto/vehicle claim, and an inland marine claim covering outdoor items like park benches, signage, decorative lights, and trailers.
Kelley outlined that the city’s insurer, Kentucky League of Cities (KLC), is working with multiple reinsurers, including Lloyd’s of London, as well as adjusters and contractors to determine the full scope of the damage. One contractor, Maven Contracting, is inspecting all damaged city buildings and sending roofing samples for analysis to determine whether full roof replacements are needed.
According to estimates provided during the presentation:
- About 220 structures sustained damages, with costs ranging from $250 to $750,000 per site.
- Approximately 165 vehicles were affected, with repairs estimated between $600 and $22,000 per vehicle.
- Roughly 110 of the affected vehicles were emergency response units, including many Owensboro Police Department cruisers.
Kelley said Public Works crews began immediate repairs, replacing broken windows, headlights, taillights, and mirrors. A local vendor, Auto Glass Shoppe, replaced windshields, and the city also brought in paintless dent repair specialists from across Kentucky.
City parks were not spared either, with Moreland Park appearing to take the brunt of the storm’s force, according to Kelley. He added that he was “shocked” by how well most playground equipment withstood the hail.
In response to a question from Commissioner Bob Glenn, Kelley said no vehicles were totaled but acknowledged that some trailers would likely be written off. He also confirmed that the storm’s impact is expected to increase insurance rates for all of Daviess County, regardless of individual claims.
“They’re comparing this to the 2021 tornado that hit Mayfield and Dawson Springs,” Kelley said. “They’re actually saying this hailstorm was more significant in terms of damage inside city limits.”
City Manager Nate Pagan commended Kelley and his team for their coordination and persistence throughout the recovery effort.
“So again, just want to acknowledge your efforts,” Pagan said at the end of Kelley’s presentation. “Brent, I know it’s been unplanned, but certainly a great effort by Public Works and everyone who’s been involved. So, I just want to acknowledge the diligent efforts that have gone into this once-in-a-lifetime, hopefully, initiative.”
Kelley noted that 22 official estimates have already been submitted by contractors, but the insurance claims could remain open for 36 to 42 months as assessments, negotiations, and repairs continue.
“I just want to make sure the city gets back the best it can,” Kelley said. “I work with an amazing team, and I’m just the one who had the opportunity to present this to you tonight.”
