A long anticipated El Nino has finally arrived. But for drought-struck California, it’s too little, too late, meteorologists say. The National Weather Service on Thursday proclaimed the phenomenon is now in place. It’s a warming of a certain patch of … Source: Claims Journal

“The devastation and damage to homes and businesses caused by tornadoes can and should be reduced by better construction methods,” said Dr. Tim Reinhold, chief engineer and senior vice president of research, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). … Source: Claims Journal

The Hartford has named Ray Sprague executive vice president, Personal Lines, effective immediately. Sprague will report to Doug Elliot, president of The Hartford. Most recently, Sprague was acting leader of Personal Lines and head of Strategy and Business Development for … Source: Claims Journal

ACE Group announced the appointment of Tim Scott-Young as Claims Director for its Continental Europe region in line with its continued focus on superior claims service. Relocating to Paris, Scott-Young will be responsible for delivering effective and customer-focused claims management … Source: Claims Journal

A heads-up to New York, Baltimore, Houston and Miami: a new study suggests that these metropolitan areas and others will increase their exposure to floods even in the absence of climate change, according to researchers from Texas A&M University. Published … Source: Claims Journal

West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin signed House Bill 2002 into law to reform the state’s joint and several liability laws, according to Lisa A. Rickard, president of the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform (ILR). The bill eradicates joint … Source: Claims Journal

A Milwaukee lawyer has been sentenced to house arrest for helping a client collect $325,000 in an arson fraud. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports 62-year-old Harvey Goldstein will spend six months of home confinement as part of a one-year probation … Source: Claims Journal

With the dramatic increase in the number of earthquakes in Oklahoma — which some say are at least partly attributed to waste water injection wells related to the practice of hydraulic fracturing in oil and gas drilling — Oklahoma Insurance … Source: Claims Journal

New York City has issued more than 10,000 tickets this winter to property owners for failing to clear snow and ice from sidewalks. Under city law, businesses, homeowners and other property owners have four hours from the time the snow … Source: Claims Journal

A harsh winter has taken a toll on many roofs. Maybe there’s a tell-tale leak, but sometimes problems are harder to spot. When the snow melts, it’s a good time to take stock. IDENTIFYING PROBLEMS John Galeotafiore, associate director of … Source: Claims Journal