We are faced with Hurricanes in Florida year after year. Researchers at Colorado State University estimate that Florida has a 96% chance this year of dealing with a named tropical storm.
No matter where you live, you should be ready for a storm to barrel down on your house this year. Unfortunately, getting ready for the hurricane season is about more than buying extra supplies of water. You need to be prepared to stay safe.
What are the current predictions for this season? Do you need flood insurance or home insurance? How else can you prepare for hurricanes?
Answer these questions, and you can take the steps you need to put your hurricane worries at bay. Here is your quick guide:
Current Predictions
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) prepares annual forecasts for the hurricane season. Their most recent prediction is that the upcoming season will have 14 to 21 named storms. These are storms that will create winds of 39 miles per hour or higher.
6 to 10 storms will become hurricanes, producing winds of 74 miles per hour or higher. 3 to 6 storms may become major hurricanes with winds exceeding 111 miles per hour.
NOAA estimates that the 2022 season will produce an above-average number of storms. NOAA cannot predict whether these storms will produce above-average rainfall or storm surges. Hurricanes with high winds tend to produce a lot of rain, but storms with low winds can also drop substantial rain.
Keep in mind that predictions are prone to change and may be inaccurate. You should visit NOAA’s page during the hurricane season to keep up with changes.
The Causes of the 2022 Hurricane Season
There are several reasons why NOAA believes this season will be more intense than previous ones. Hurricanes feed off of warm water and humid air. Climate change is causing a rise in water and air temperatures.
La Niña is a phenomenon that occurs every few years in the Atlantic and Pacific. Temperatures rise in the Atlantic Ocean while temperatures fall in the Pacific. La Niña is taking place this year, driving up the temperature of the water.
Trade winds blow from east to west over the equator. If the winds are powerful enough, they can break up hurricanes before they form. However, the trade winds this year are very weak.
The West African Monsoon is a wind system that produces very high winds over the Atlantic. The monsoon can cause atmospheric changes that contribute to hurricane formation. This year, the monsoon is very active, and it is producing atmospheric changes directly over the ocean.
Historical Trends
Historical trends can also give you an idea of what to expect for the season. The official hurricane season runs between June 1 and November 30. Traditionally, storms tend to taper off after September, with no major hurricanes occurring in November.
Hurricanes can develop anywhere in the Atlantic Ocean. Data from 1851 to 2015 suggests that most develop in the Gulf of Mexico and off the coast of Florida. These storms can strike a number of locations along the Eastern Seaboard.
Hurricane Preparation Tips
The season is underway, and a storm can develop at any time. However, it will take a few weeks for major storms to surface in large numbers. Take advantage of this time to prepare your home and yourself for storms.
Buy Flood Insurance
Every property in Florida lies inside a flood zone. Hurricanes can cause flooding through rain and storm surges, even if you live inland. Just a few inches of water can cause damage to your foundation and other pieces of property.
If you don’t have flood insurance already, we encourage you to at least get a quote. Take a look at a few different packages and find one that works best for you.
Your personal property, both inside and outside your building, should be covered. You should have coverage to move to another building if you need renovations to your residence.
Prepare a Go-Bag
You should evacuate from your residence if a major hurricane is going to strike your area. You should also consider evacuating if your home faces the water or if you are at high flood risk.
You should make a “go-bag” so you can bring your essentials with you. Your kit should contain essential papers like your Social Security card, birth certificate, and bank account information. These papers should go in a sturdy waterproof container, not a plastic bag.
You should pack enough food and water for a few days. If these supplies would be too heavy to carry in your arms, you can put them in a backpack. You should also have a first-aid kit so you can treat open wounds and broken bones.
You may want to put a map in your bag with evacuation routes. Do not go on interstate highways, as they may become crowded during an emergency. Try to find backroads you can take to a safe location.
Staying Safe from Hurricanes
The hurricane season this year is projected to be rough. The water is getting warm, the air is getting humid, and winds are picking up. Florida may experience dozens of storms, with the most powerful ones occurring in August and September.
This gives you a brief window to prepare. You should buy flood insurance, though you should find a package that protects all pieces of your property. You should also get a go-bag together and figure out how you will evacuate from your area. For more hurricane preparation tips, download our free Harris Hurricane Handbook.
Start looking at hurricane insurance today. Harris Insurance serves Florida homeowners. Get your flood insurance quote here.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Views expressed here do not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein is for general guidance of matter only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. Discussion of insurance policy language is descriptive only. Every policy has different policy language. Coverage afforded under any insurance policy issued is subject to individual policy terms and conditions. Please refer to your policy for the actual language.
