Already known to be an above normal hurricane season on the Atlantic, the Fall of 2020 is likely to host between 13 and 19 named storms. The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says this could include as many as six to 10 hurricanes, three to six which are expected to be Category 3 to 5 storms or considered a major hurricane.1
Homeowners and business owners in the Atlantic region and those traveling to the area have several concerns and questions about the upcoming above normal hurricane season.
Q: When is the peak of hurricane season?
A: While the Atlantic hurricane season officially begins in June, the majority and severity of hurricanes peak between August and October.
Defined as a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 74 mph by the National Weather Service, hurricane severity is rated on a scale of 1 to 5. Storms deemed Category 3 and above are considered major hurricanes. Factors that determine the severity of a hurricane include how warm the waters are, wind shear, climate change and more.
Q: When does hurricane season end?
A: The Atlantic hurricane season ends at the end of November. However, there are six other hurricane seasons around the world. At the end of November, when the Atlantic hurricane season ends, the Australian/Southwest pacific Cyclone Season begins.
Q: What characterizes an above normal hurricane season?
A: Homeowners and businesses on the Atlantic are understandably concerned about this year’s “above normal” hurricane season. With as many as six to 10 hurricanes rated Category 3 or above predicted, the potential for uprooted trees, power lines being downed, and severe flooding is real.
If your home or business is in a flood zone, it’s time to sharpen your hurricane preparedness plan before the next storm forms. Consider the implications of COVID-19 on your plan and how the pandemic will change your business or family options for relocation and potentially property restoration.
Severe storms like those expected on the Atlantic this year are given names when they display a rotating circulation pattern and wind speeds of 39 miles per hour.2 The practice of naming hurricanes first began in the U.S. in 1953 to avoid confusion and streamline communication about specific storms. The practice was adopted by the Atlantic basin in 1979 and is governed by the World Meteorological Organization.
Atlantic hurricanes are chosen from a list of male and female names which are used on a six-year rotation. Storm names are retired only when they are particularly deadly or costly. That name is then replaced with another starting with the identical letter.1
Storm names still left this season include Laura, Marco, Omar, Paulette, Rene, Sally, Teddy, Vicky and Wilfred.2
Contact your HUB Risk Services expert for more information on transferring your business’ risk in the face of this year’s above normal hurricane season.
1 https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/storm-names.html
2 https://www.cnn.com/ampstories/us/hurricane-season-peaks-in-september-heres-what-you-should-know