COLUMBIA -- Preliminary estimates show that at least 3,500 insurance claims have been received by insurance companies so far as a result of the tornadoes and hail storms which moved through the state on Saturday.

The total estimated insured property damage is over $13 million as of 3 p.m. Monday and is expected to rise as insurance adjusters continue to assess the damage. The average claim amounts are ranging from $3,000 to $5,000.

Wind, lightning and hail damage and insurance claims are being reported statewide. There were many reports of trees down on cars and houses. Insurance adjusters are continuing to assess the damage and additional information will be available tomorrow. (source: timesanddemocrat.com)