The report reveals that late-season winter weather affected much of Europe throughout the month, bringing an extended period of heavy snowfall, sub-freezing temperatures, high winds, ice and flooding. Among the hardest-hit areas were France, Germany and Ukraine, where snow accumulations topped 50cm.
Early total economic loss estimates stood at EUR1.4 billion (USD1.8 billion), including EUR706 million (USD914 million) for France alone. More than 100,000 insurance claims were filed in France, with auto claims surpassing EUR101 million (USD131 million).
Heavy snowfall also engulfed northern sections of Japan between the end of February and early March, with recorded snow depths up to 5.5m seen in Hokkaido and northern Honshu. This resulted in local governments spending more than JPY1.36 billion (USD14.2 million) in clean-up costs.
Multiple winter storms also affected central and eastern sections of the United States, as an early March weather system brought heavy snow and coastal flooding along the Eastern Seaboard. Another system at the end of the month brought nearly 50cm of snow from the Rockies to the East Coast. Total combined economic losses from both systems were cited as less than USD100 million.
A strong derecho event (defined as a long-lived, intense squall line) left widespread hail and wind damage throughout the US Southeast. Mississippi was amongst the hardest-hit states, where at least 18 counties sustained damage. The state insurance department estimated that as many as 50,000 claims would be filed. Total economic losses throughout the region exceeded USD250 million, while insurance losses reached approximately USD150 million.
Preliminary data from the US Storm Prediction Center indicate that only 17 tornadoes touched down during the month, representing the fewest number of March tornadoes in the US since 1978, when 17 tornado touchdowns were also recorded.