The 2023 hurricane season is still several months away, but it’s never too early to start preparing. If Hurricane Ian has proven anything, it is that hurricanes can gain strength very quickly and become major hurricanes within a matter of days – even right before impact.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th. Experts are predicting an above-average season for 2023.
Let’s take a closer look at what we can expect for the upcoming 2023 hurricane season.
2023 Hurricane Season Predictions
According to NOAA, the 2023 hurricane season is expected to be above average in terms of storm activity. They predict a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season, and a 10% chance of a below-normal season.
The prediction is 14-20 named storms, with 7-10 of those storms becoming hurricanes, and 3-5 of those hurricanes becoming major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher).
Read more about our experience working with homeowners impacted by Hurricane Ian
Factors Affecting the 2023 Hurricane Season
There are several factors that can affect the severity of any given hurricane season. One of the main factors is the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle. If El Niño conditions develop, it might help suppress hurricane activity, but if La Niña conditions develop, it increases the likelihood of an active hurricane season.
Preparing for the 2023 Hurricane Season
Here are some tips to help you prepare:
- Create an emergency plan: Have an emergency plan for your family, including evacuation routes, meeting places, and communication methods.
- Stock up on supplies: Make sure that you have a stockpile of emergency supplies, including non-perishable food, water, batteries, flashlights, and first-aid supplies.
- Secure your home: When a storm is forecasted to make landfall in your general area, make sure your home is secure by installing storm shutters, reinforcing doors and windows, and trimming trees and shrubs.
- Review your insurance policy: Review your insurance policy (or let us provide a Free Insurance Policy Review) to make sure you have adequate coverage for hurricane damage.
- Secure personal property/belongings: If a storm is projected to make landfall near you, take the necessary steps to protect your personal items and property. Even if the storm is projected to be “weak”, keep in mind they can intensify within a matter of hours.
- Stay informed: Follow advisories closely. Make sure to follow the instructions of local authorities.
With the 2023 hurricane season a little less than a month away, it’s important to start preparing now. With an above-average season predicted, landfalls are more likely. It would be a good idea for you to have a detailed overview of your insurance policy in terms that you can actually understand at a glance.
Instead of going through every single page of your property insurance policy, we will be happy to provide you with a Free Policy Review.
Interested? Get in touch.
Reference
NOAA – National Hurricane Center – Website (https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/)