Catastrophe & Risk Solutions

Extratropical Cyclone (Winter Storm) Models

Advance your winter storm risk management capabilities with advanced models. Our winter storm models deliver precise loss estimates and portfolio insights to help insurers, reinsurers, and risk managers assess winter storm risk across North America, Europe, and Asia with confidence.

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Gain a realistic view of winter storm risk

Extratropical cyclones, also known as winter storms, are meteorologically complex hazards that unfold in vastly different ways across diverse locations. Our winter storm models help you assess the risk—whether from a single storm or multiple storms striking the same region in a short time span. These insights include the most catastrophic events that can generate significant insured losses.

Understand how winter storms differ by location

Extratropical cyclones vary considerably from place to place. Our winter storm models capture the diversity in climate and seasonal storm intensity and frequency by region, supporting accurate winter storm risk assessment for your specific geographic exposures.

Consider differences in regional vulnerability

Verisk winter storm models account for the effect of regional wind hazard characteristics on local design levels, building code enforcement, and construction practices, providing precise estimates of winter storm risk for diverse building portfolios.

Capture the risk in the near-present climate

In a warmer climate, the area of damaging wind speeds within storms is likely to increase, and storm tracks are likely to shift poleward. Our winter storm models help you assess the potential impacts of seasonal climate variations and long-term climate change on winter storm risk.

Features and capabilities

Our winter storm models feature comprehensive storm surge modeling capabilities for coastal exposures, high-resolution wind field simulation, and advanced loss estimation algorithms calibrated to regional construction practices. The models incorporate multiple secondary perils, including freezing rain, heavy snow loads, and coastal flooding. Storm surge modeling components simulate water level rise and wave action to capture this critical driver of winter storm risk in coastal regions.

Hybrid modeling approach

Leverage numerical weather prediction (NWP) and advanced statistical methods to create realistic storm simulations.

Wind hazard characteristics

Account for wind vulnerabilities across regions and seasons, and capture the effects on local design levels, building code enforcement, and construction practices.

Peril- and sub-peril-specific damage functions

Separate damage functions for sub-perils capture the different types of damage that ETCs can inflict. Sub-perils include wind for all models, precipitation and temperature for Canada and US models, and storm surge for Great Britain.

Related resources

Gain a deeper understanding of our extratropical cyclone and winter storm models. Access research papers, validation studies, and case studies demonstrating how leading organizations use our solutions for winter storm risk management.

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Extreme Event Solutions Client Portal

Access client-confidential downloads, training, and documentation for Verisk's extreme event solutions model, software, and service offerings.

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About Catastrophe Modeling

For rare but severe events, historical loss information is often unreliable in assessing future loss potential. That’s where catastrophe modeling comes in.

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General trainings

Certified Extreme Event Modeler (CEEM) Training

Gain insight into the science behind natural catastrophes and a behind-the-scenes look at how catastrophe models are developed and validated.

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Research

Research publications from Extreme Event Solutions

Verisk Extreme Event Models are developed by experts who are constantly innovating and driving discovery. Learn more about their groundbreaking work.

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Do more with the Verisk ecosystem

Assess and manage your exposure to extratropical cyclone and winter storm risk throughout the insurance life cycle with Verisk. Integrate our winter storm models with exposure management tools, real-time event response platforms, and portfolio analytics for comprehensive risk management.