It’s hard to believe, but the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season is just around the corner. Starting on June 1 and ending on November 30, hurricane season is the portion of the year when tropical cyclones with the potential to swell into hurricanes are most likely to develop in the Atlantic Ocean.
What Can We Expect During the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season?
As reported by weather.com, experts are forecasting the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season to be, “more active than usual.” However, the number of named storms is expected to be lower than what we saw in 2017. Here are some additional highlights of the report:
- Experts are forecasting a total of 14 named storms during the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season. This includes seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes. A “major” hurricane is any storm that is Category 3 or stronger.
- The 30-year averages are 12, six and two for named storms, hurricanes and major hurricanes, respectively. So, the 2018 forecasts are only slightly above what is to be expected in any given year.
- As in prior years, the current forecasts are subject to change as weather conditions develop in the Atlantic Ocean. Last year, forecasters increased their projections mid-season as the early-season activity was more significant than originally anticipated.
- There is not a direct correlation between the number of named storms and the risk of landfall in the United States. “One or more of the 14 named storms forecast to develop this season could hit the U.S., or none at all.”
- El Niño conditions are expected to peak mid-season; however, water temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean are currently lower than normal. El Niño conditions increase the chances of severe storms, while water temperatures below 80 degrees are unfavorable for tropical cyclone development.
Through the end of the 2015 hurricane season, 65 hurricanes in a row missed the Florida coast. Since then, we’ve had six with direct impact. What is in store for 2018? Only time will tell.
What You Can Do to Prepare for Hurricane Season
Of course, one storm is all it takes to cause widespread damage across South Florida. As a result, local home and business owners should take appropriate steps to get ready for whatever the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season has in store. For some practical tips on hurricane preparedness, we encourage you to read:
- Government Resources for Homeowners with Property Damage from Storms
- It’s Hurricane Season: Insurance FAQs
- Preparing for a Hurricane? Prepare for Your Property Insurance Claim, Too
- Protecting Your Rights as an Insured Homeowner: A Step-By-Step Guide
- What Can Homeowners Do to Prepare for Hurricane Season?
Broward County Insurance Claim Lawyers for Storm Damage Claims
At Saavedra | Goodwin, we have decades of experience helping home and business owners protect their rights against their insurance companies. If your home or business is damaged in a hurricane and you believe that your insurance company is not treating you fairly, you can call (954) 928-9568 or contact us online to speak with an attorney about your legal rights.
