The tornadoes that spiraled through Georgia last week during the storms on Wednesday and Thursday represented the worst outbreak of twisters since May 2008, according to preliminary assessments by the National Weather Service. The twisters packed a punch, killing one and injuring 22. Some residents saw winds of more than 160 miles per hour.

But just how costly will these events prove for insurers? John W. Oxendine, Georgia's insurance commissioner, spoke to the likely insured losses after surveying damages and speaking with residents in Jasper, Putnam, and Hancock counties, three of the 13 counties in the state affected by the recent twisters.

"I believe claims will easily reach $25 million," he said. "Actual losses are much higher when you consider things like infrastructure damage and uninsured losses."

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that State Farm alone expects to see as many as 750 claims from homeowners and businesses, and as many as 1,000 claims for damaged vehicles.

On Feb. 20, Gov. Sonny Perdue declared a state of emergency in four counties affected by tornadoes and thunderstorms. As a result, the state is dispatching assistance to Hancock, Jasper, Thomas, and Warren counties to deal with fallen trees and clear debris from houses, Perdue said in a release.

The severe storms that spread across the state unleashed tornadoes ranging in strength from EF-0 at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Ga. to an EF-4 with winds as fast as 166 miles per hour in Wilkes County.

Sources: www.ajc.com, www.macon.com

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