A powerful storm rolling through the Midwest on to the east coast is creating winds equal to those of a category 3 hurricane, according to weather experts. ABC news says the storm developed gusts up to 81 miles per hour, impacting residents spanning from Illinois to Tennessee. Funnel clouds, forceful winds and powerful rain were all a part of the system.

Because of this strong weather, Ohio Department of Insurance Director Mary Jo Hudson told the state’s residents to take precautionary measures and review steps for filing insurance claims. According to Cincinnati.com, Hudson advises those with damage to:

* Call your insurance company as soon as possible.

* Protect your property and salvage what you are able to.

* Inspect property and cars for damage following the storm.

* Photoraph any damage in case you decide to file claims.

* Provide your insurance company with up-to-date contact information.

* Use written estimates to back-up claims.

* Only use reputable contractors.

* Don’t pay for repairs entirely up front.

* Review contractors with the Better Business Bureau to make sure they don’t have any outstanding complaints.

Clean up efforts continue in Nashville after record rainfall destroyed homes and created an estimated billion dollars in damage.Many residents are now waiting on word from FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to find out what aid they’ll receive. USA Today interviewed some of the homeowners living in the worst-hit areas near the Harpeth River.

Twenty-seven-year-old Tiffany Wiggers says she doesn’t have flood insurance and, in fact, she paid $15,000 extra to be closer to the river. “Everybody on this side of the street, we paid lot premiums to be near the river: $15,000. You have to laugh to keep from crying,” Wiggers told USA Today. She says she and her  husband questioned the real estate agent, builder, lender and an insurance agent about flood insurance, but all said it wasn’t necessary. “They all said, ‘You’re not in a flood plain, so you don’t need it,’ ” recalled Wiggers for USA Today, who was taken from her home via rescue boat. “I was like, ‘FEMA and the bank said we won’t need it, so we’re in the clear.’ ”

In this area the Harpeth River, usually a gentle stream, rose to 27.3 feet. That’s three feet higher than the record which was set in 1948. Tennessee’s governor Phil Bredesen told CNN that many people don’t have flood insurance. “A lot of people who didn’t have flood insurance, because they never thought floodwaters would ever come anywhere near their home, are really looking at a total loss of their home,” Bredesen said to CNN. “It’s very tough on a lot of people right now.” President Obama has declared ten Tennessee counties disaster areas. Thankfully the forecast for this area is dry.

If you (or your spouse if you are married) are presently serving your country in the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, Army Reserve or National Guard, there is a chance that you may be eligible for a discount on your automobile insurance, depending on the company who provides your policy. Anyone who is currently on active duty should find out from their insurance agent if by chance they have any kind of discount program in place for men and women who are in the military.