2018 Hurricane Season Looks To Be Much Quieter Than 2017, I.I.I. Non-Resident Scholar Says

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FORT COLLINS, Colo., August 2, 2018—Colorado State University (CSU) envisions that the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season will include an additional nine named storms, three hurricanes and one major hurricane (e.g., Category 3 or stronger) between now and November 30.

Dr. Philip Klotzbach, a Research Scientist at CSU’s Department of Atmospheric Science and a non-resident scholar at the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.), today released CSU’s latest 2018 Atlantic seasonal hurricane activity and landfall strike probability forecast. The 30-plus page report was co-authored by Dr. Klotzbach and Michael Bell, a CSU associate professor.

“The primary reason for the below-average seasonal forecast is due to very cold water temperatures in the tropical Atlantic,” Dr. Klotzbach stated. “Colder-than-average water temperatures in the tropical Atlantic provide less fuel for developing tropical cyclones and tend to be associated with drier and more stable air, which suppresses hurricane formation.” 

“As is the case with all hurricane seasons, coastal residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for them. They should prepare for every season, regardless of how much activity is predicted,” the CSU report says.

The 2017 hurricane season included 17 named storms and 10 hurricanes. Six of those 10 hurricanes became major ones.

Wind damage from tropical storms and hurricanes is covered under standard homeowners, renters and business insurance policies. Flood damage is excluded under standard homeowners, renters and business policies. Separate flood coverage can be purchased from FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and from a few private insurance companies.

Damage to private-passenger vehicles from tropical storms and hurricanes is covered under the optional comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage includes wind damage, flooding and falling objects, such as tree limbs.

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