While the mainstream press is focused on property damage, insurance-industry players know that Business Interruption and Contingent Business Interruption claims from commercial clients are going to account for a hefty percentage of the claims resulting from Sandy.

"The impact on the supply chain is going to be dramatic," FM Global Vice President of Research, Dr. Louis Gritzo tells NU. "Given the amount of commerce and transportation that occurs in Sandy's corridor, and the location of five major ports in its path, this event is going to ripple across the entire U.S. econonmy."

Gritzo points out that the most vulnerable businesses are those that have been most successful in practicing lean, "just-in-time" manufacturing processes. Those companies that don't have much inventory to draw on could face a "long and painful" recovery as new materials could be hard to come by.

The companies best situated for a speedy recovery: Those that have a flood-emergency response plan and have made sure that their suppliers have one as well; and those that have a plan for dealing with extended power outages. "Keeping the water out and the power on are the top priorities for getting a property back in business," Gritzo says.

For FM Global's clients, Gritzo notes that the company employs 1,800 engineers--who can accompany claims adjusters and consult on ways to minimize losses and get back to full speed as soon as possible.