For the most part, insurers say an approaching nor'easter onWednesday will not hamper efforts to address claims from SuperstormSandy—at least so long as conditions remain safe.

“The new storm will not affect our current operation,” saysState Farm spokeswoman Arlene Lester. “Our adjusters will remain inthe field as long as it is safe to do so.”

Storm warnings are active for parts of New Jersey, Delaware andPennsylvania, including Philadelphia. Winter Storm Athena—the firstwinter storm to get a name under The Weather Channel's new namingsystem—could drop 3-to-5 inches of snow in these areas.Accumulations of slush are expected elsewhere, in places such asBaltimore.

According to weather forecasters, rain and high winds willbatter Southern New Jersey and Eastern Long Island, N.Y.—two areashard-hit by Sandy. Winds could gust above 50 mph and some floodingfrom storm surge is possible, especially during high tide.

The wind, rain and snow could cause tens of thousands of poweroutages as many residents have either just had power restored, orare still without power, from Sandy.

However, Lester adds, State Farm's mobile units are “safe andsecured to withstand the elements,” and they remain open to takeclaims. The top writer of homeowners and auto insurance inthe affected areas has received more than 80,000 homeowners'insurance claims and nearly 14,600 auto claims.

Nationwide spokeswoman Elizabeth Stelzer says there is no changein plans at this time.

“We continue to attack Sandy and will do so unless the weatherinhibits us dramatically,” she says. The insurer has receivedmore than 29,500 claims related to Sandy.

USAA is advising anyone in the path of the Athena to seekshelter t and file claims by calling, going online or using theinsurer's mobile app.

“Life safety is number one,” says spokeswoman Rebecca Hirsch.“We don't want our employees or members putting their lives atrisk.”

Liberty Mutual spokesman Glenn Greenberg says, “We don'tanticipate the storm will impact our ability to handle LibertyMutual and Safeco Insurance claims. Our mobile claims unitsare operating today, and all scheduled customer appointments willbe maintained as long as weather permits.”

If weather becomes too severe, appointments will be rescheduled,he adds.

Insurers encouraged homeowners to make temporary repair to homesfollowing Sandy, which could keep additional insured losses fromAthena down. Homeowners have likely made, or have started to make,inventory lists and taken pictures of Sandy damage, and carriersrecommend the same for any additional damage caused by Athena.

This article was orginally posted at PropertyCasualty360.com,a sister site of Credit Union Times.