Top meteorologists are predicting that the 2010 hurricane season will be "one to remember". The reason for the increased tropical storm and hurricane activity, they say, is that the El Nino event that help make the 2009 tropical season the quietest since 1997 has vanished completely. El Nino is an area of warm water in the Pacific that disrupts wind patterns and acts as a deterrent to tropical storm development in the Atlantic. Also and probably more importantly, eastern and central tropical Atlantic sea-surface temperatures are currently at record warm levels for May. These temperatures are even warmer than 2005 when hurricane Charlie paid a visit to Cape Coral and hurricanes were crisscrossing the state of Florida seemingly every weekend. Last night, June 3, 2010, the Naples TV weather reported that the gulf temperature is already 88 degrees.
So how busy is a busy hurricane season? In other words, what is an "average" hurricane season and how much above an average season are the experts predicting?
Long Term Average (1950-2009) Short-Term Average (1995-2009)
Named Storms: 10 Named Storms: 14
Hurricanes: 6 Hurricanes: 8
Intense Hurricanes (Category 3 or higher): 3 Intense Hurricanes (Category 3 or higher): 4
What several top meteorological agencies are predicting as of May 2010:
NOAA Accuweather Colorado State University WeatherWorks WSI
Named Storms: 14-23 16-18 15 18-20 18
Hurricanes: 8-14 8 10
Intense Hurricanes: 3-7 4 5-7 5
If these predictions hold uo 2010 could be one of the worst storm years in history. Of course, even if they are wrong and there is just one storm and it hits your house, you could have your own worst storm year in history!
So what can you do about it? Start be informed and prepared! Use common sense:
- Have a plan - know your vulnerability to storm surge, flood, and wind. Know where your community storm center is located. Have an out-of-state contact for a single point of contact. Post emergency phone numbers.
- Check your insurance coverage - most homeowners policies don't cover flood!
- Create a disaster suppy kit which includes: water, food, clothing, medicine, flashlights, batteries, radios, important documents, money, and have a full tank of gas in your vehicle.
- Secure your home - strengthen the exterior of your home so wind and debris does not tear large openings in it.
- Have a plan for your pets - keep a collar with identification on your pet. Have a current photograph. Have a pet carrier. Keep an ample suppy of food and medicine.
- If you are told to evacuate - leave!
Important things to know about your insurance:
- Is your insurance coverage up to date? If you have any concerns regard your homeowners, flood, or auto insurance policy, contact us immediately.
- Remember, homeowners and condo insurance policies typically do not cover flood.
- All of Florida is in a flood zone. It can rain for days before and after a storm. Areas that were once high and dry can easily become flooded.
- If you are buying a flood insurance for the first time there is a 30 day wait before the policy takes effect. You can't buy flood insurance the day before the storm is about to hit!
- Most home insurance companies will not allow us to bind or change once a named storm gets close to our shore. You need to review and make changes to your homeowners policy now!
- Damage to your auto caused by the storm is only covered if you have comprehensive coverage on your auto policy.
- Take pictures and make an inventory of the contents of your home in case there is a claim.
- Do you have coverage for additional living expenses on your homeowners policy? This coverage will help you pay for a place to stay while your home is being repaired after a storm.
It's easy to become complacent and take the risks of a hurricane for granted - don't. With a little planning you can make it through with a minimal amount of disruption to your life. It's worth it to stay informed and to be prepared!
