A southern Manitoba-based insurance company is reporting close to $1.5 million dollars in damage claims from the huge snowstorm that roared through southern Manitoba earlier this month.

The early winter storm brought heavy wet snow and wind, which caused trees to fall and large branches to break off onto vehicles and various structures.

"We had around 150 claims from various types of damages from the collapse of structures due to the wind and heavy snow load and various water claims; things like sewer backup, overland flooding and seepage," said Lyndon Friesen, Vice-President of Claims for Red River Mutual.

Most of the claims that Red River Mutual has received so far have originated in the south-central part of the province.

"The Morden area recorded 26 inches of snow, so there was a lot of damage in that area. We had reports of heavy, wet snow on structures ... especially on some older structures that weren't built up to code. Those buildings would have had trouble holding up that snow."

This is normally a slower time of the year for claims adjusters, according to Friesen, so they were able to address the damage reports quickly

He said having a large winter storm roll through this part of the province so early in the fall was unique.

"It's something that I haven't experienced in my 32 years in the business."