- Ice storms
- Windstorms
- Falling trees
- Frozen pipes
- Rare tornadoes
Housing mix: Older homes near downtown, mid-century ranches, large newer subdivisions and riverfront condos.
Gorge winds and ice
Vancouver is the seat of Clark County and the fourth-largest city in Washington. Its weather is shaped by the Columbia River Gorge. In winter, cold air from the east can pour through the Gorge and meet Pacific moisture, producing freezing rain and ice storms. The February 2021 ice storm and the January 2024 ice storm both coated trees and power lines across Clark County, bringing down limbs and leaving many homes without heat.
Vancouver also has one of the more notable tornadoes in state history. On April 5, 1972, a tornado tore through parts of the city, damaging a shopping center, a school and many homes. Tornadoes remain rare, but strong spring and autumn storms can still cause wind damage.
Housing in Clark County
The Hough and Arnada neighborhoods near downtown have older homes. Neighborhoods across east Vancouver have mid-century ranches. Much of the growth in Camas, Ridgefield, Battle Ground and Salmon Creek is newer subdivisions with open floor plans and composition roofs. The downtown waterfront has newer condominium buildings.
Common Vancouver claims
- Ice-storm tree and limb damage to roofs, gutters and fences.
- Frozen pipes during long outages and cold snaps.
- Wind-damaged roofing and siding on exposed elevations.
- Water losses in newer homes with open, connected floor plans.
Services available in Vancouver
Every Washington Insurance Appraiser service is available to property owners in Vancouver and across Clark County, including:
- Appraisal Clause Representation
- Homeowner Claim Appraisal
- Condo, HOA & Commercial Appraisal
- Roof & Hail Damage Appraisal
- Windstorm & Tornado Appraisal
- Fallen Tree Damage Appraisal
- Water & Rain Intrusion Appraisal
- Fire & Smoke Damage Appraisal
Questions from Vancouver property owners
Do you cover the rest of Clark County?
Yes. We cover Camas, Washougal, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, La Center, Salmon Creek, Hazel Dell and nearby areas.
Is your appraisal based on Washington or Oregon pricing?
Washington. We price repairs for the property’s location in Clark County, with local labor and material costs.
