A slightly below-average level of tropical cyclone activity is projected for 2023 in the Atlantic basin, according to a forecast released by Colorado State University’s (CSU) Department of Atmospheric Science (see Worldwide Tropical Cyclone Season).
Led by senior research scientist Phil Klotzbach, Ph.D., also a non-resident scholar at the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), the CSU Tropical Meteorology Project anticipates 13 named storms, six hurricanes, and two major hurricanes during the 2023 season, which starts on June 1 and continues through Nov. 30.
A typical season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.
The 2022 season produced 14 named storms and eight hurricanes. Two reached major hurricane intensity – Fiona and Ian. Major hurricanes are defined as those with wind speeds reaching Category 3, 4 or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
Two hurricanes made continental U.S. landfall last year, including Category 4 Hurricane Ian, which struck Florida’s southwest Gulf Coast in Lee County on Sept. 28 with 150 miles per hour (mph) sustained winds.
On Sept. 30, Ian made a second landfall as a Category 1 with 80 mph winds in South Carolina. Florida was also struck by Category 1 Hurricane Nicole along the state’s Atlantic Coast on Nov. 10, a rare November landfalling hurricane that made landfall near Vero Beach with 75 mph winds.
The damage incurred from Ian and Nicole last year highlighted the importance of being financially protected from catastrophic losses and that includes having adequate levels of property insurance and flood coverage. In fact, we not only saw catastrophic flooding in coastal areas of Florida from these storms, but throughout inland communities as well, including Metro Orlando.
All it takes is one storm to make it an active season for you and your family, so it is time to prepare as the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season’s start nears
Sean Kevelighan, CEO, Triple-I
This is an ideal time for homeowners and business owners to review their policies with an insurance professional to ensure they have the right amount and types of coverage, allowing them to be financially protected from property damage caused by either wind or water.
That also means exploring whether they need flood coverage, which is not part of a standard homeowners, condo, renters or business insurance policy. Homeowners can make their residences more resilient to windstorms and torrential rain by installing roof tie-downs and a good drainage system.
Flood policies are offered through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and several private insurers.
The installation of a wind-rated garage door and storm shutters also boost a home’s resilience to a hurricane’s damaging winds, according to the Triple-I, and can potentially provide savings on a homeowner’s insurance premium.
Private-passenger vehicles damaged or destroyed by either wind or flooding are covered under the optional comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy.
Edited by Nataly Kramer