Report: Millions of Homes Exposed to Winter Weather Risks

January 23, 2025

More than 31 million housing units in the U.S. will experience more than 30 days of winter temperatures below 32ºF this year, and 10.3 million of those will experience more than 50 days of below-freezing temperatures this winter, according to a new analysis of cold-weather threats.

Guidewire HazardHub released an analysis of winter weather risk data, which shows how damaging winter storms in the U.S. can be. According to data from the Insurance Information Institute, in 2023 winter storms resulted in roughly $3.4 billion in insured losses. In 2022, nearly $6 billion in losses were recorded from winter storms, according to I.I.I.

The most perilous winter weather risks based on the potential for claims loss, extent of damage, and frequency, are frozen pipes, accumulated snow and ice, and ice dams.

Other major winter weather risks to homes and businesses include power outages from fallen trees and damaged lines, high winds that cause structural damage, flooding from rapid snowmelt overwhelming drainage systems, and house fires due to unsafe heating practices, according to Guidewire.

The states with the lowest average annual temperature are:

  1. Alaska: 2.6°F
  2. North Dakota: 12.2°F
  3. Minnesota: 12.4°F
  4. Maine: 16.8°F (
  5. Wyoming: 21.2°F
  6. Montana: 21.2°F

Was this article valuable?

Here are more articles you may enjoy.