TALLAHASSEE, Fla., July 27 (UPI) -- A preliminary damage estimate from Hurricane Dennis' winds two weeks ago reached $900 million in four southeastern U.S. states.
Dennis came ashore near Pensacola, Fla., July 10 packing sustained 120 mph winds, and swept through the Florida panhandle, Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi.
The Florida Insurance Council released the wind damage estimate Wednesday in Tallahassee.
"That doesn't include flood damage or flood claims," said Sam Miller, council executive vice president.
By state, Florida led in wind damage, with $640 million in claims, followed by Alabama at $155 million, Georgia $85 million and Mississippi $60 million.
At the request of local lawmakers, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush last week authorized $4 million in emergency short-term loans of up to $25,000 to small businesses in counties hit by the hurricane, the Tallahassee Democrat reported.
Flood damage totals from Dennis are not yet available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which administers the National Flood Insurance Program.
