High court weighs whether "windstorm" deductible covers tornado damage

The Supreme Court of Texas heard argument on whether the term "windstorm" in a homeowner policy's windstorm deductible covers damage caused by a tornado. Petitioner insurer counsel argued the ordinary meaning of "windstorm"—as found across dictionaries and lay usage—includes violent wind events such as tornadoes, and that the specific loss at issue had "little or no rain," citing meteorological summary evidence. "This is the case about whether the word windstorm in a deductible provision of a homeowner's policy, includes the tornado that damaged the Mankoffs' home,"…