Paul Dreher Director of Personal Insurance View Bio

hurricane preparation checklist

Many people often wonder how many hurricanes will there be in any given year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a 75% chance that the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season will be near or above normal.

We all know weather can change in a moment’s notice here in the Northeast, and it only takes one hurricane to cause a disaster, and thus put your home and your family in danger.

Forecasters predict a 35 percent chance of an above-normal season, a 40 percent chance of a near-normal season, and a 25 percent chance of a below-normal season for 2018 ending November 30th.

NOAA’s forecasters are predicting 10 to 16 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher) for the upcoming hurricane season. An average season produces 12 named storms, of which 6 become hurricanes, including 3 major hurricanes. This year’s forecast estimates:

  • 5 to 9 named storms becoming hurricanes with winds exceeding 74 MPH
  • 1 to 4 major hurricanes – Categories 3, 4 & 5 – with winds exceeding 111 MPH

Atmospheric and oceanic conditions that are conducive to hurricane development have been producing stronger Atlantic hurricane seasons since 1995.

It is recommended that all vulnerable coastal property owners make the same hurricane preparations every year, regardless of how active or inactive the seasonal forecast.

It only takes one landfall event near you to make this an active season. The Lawley Personal Insurance team has put together a list of what you should do to prepare your home in case of a hurricane since it is never certain how many hurricanes there will be in any given year. Have any questions about your insurance and what it covers? Please contact us today!