The Storm Passed. But Six Months Later, Palm Beach Families Are Still Fighting Their Insurers.
On the surface, Wellington, Florida, looks like it’s moved on. Trees have been trimmed, tarps are fewer, and the streets no longer echo with sirens. But for many families affected by the EF3 tornado that tore through the region in October 2024, the real hardship began after the winds died down. Six months later, dozens of homeowners are still entangled in delays, denials, and bureaucratic back-and-forths with their insurance companies. As another hurricane season begins, this long recovery underscores an uncomfortable truth: Florida’s disaster claims system is failing the people it was designed to protect. The Tornado Ended. The Waiting Didn’t. The tornado touched down on October 9, 2024, with wind speeds reaching 140 miles per hour. It was part