MEDIA ADVISORY: I.I.I. Non-Resident Scholar Issues Initial 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast

I.I.I. Experts Can Discuss Insurance and Hurricane Preparedness Issues

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New York Press Office: (212) 346-5500; media@iii.org

New York, April 5, 2018—Dr. Philip Klotzbach of Colorado State University (CSU), a non-resident scholar for the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.), released CSU’s first extended range forecast for the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season today.

CSU’s Klotzbach, a research scientist, and forecast co-author Michael Bell envision a slightly above-average season with 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes whereas a typical year has 12 named storms, six hurricanes, and three major hurricanes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Major hurricanes have sustained wind speeds of at least 111 miles per hour (e.g., a Category 3 or higher).

The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season was the busiest in the U.S. since 2005. Ten of last year’s 17 named storms reached hurricane strength—meaning they had sustained winds of at least 74 miles per hour—and six of the 10 hurricanes were major ones. The Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1 and concludes on November 30.

Klotzbach will be updating his 2018 forecast on May 31.

Reporters wishing to arrange a media interview with Dr. Klotzbach should contact Anne Manning of Colorado State University at either 970-491-7099 or anne.manning@colostate.edu.

The I.I.I. has subject matter experts who can discuss with reporters how the public can prepare for 2018’s Atlantic hurricane season by reviewing their insurance coverage and taking pro-active steps to protect themselves and their residences. These interviews can be arranged through Michael Barry, the I.I.I.’s Head of Media and Public Affairs, at either 917-923-8245 or michaelb@iii.org.

Florida media filing stories on the insurance and preparedness implications of 2018’s Atlantic hurricane season should contact Lynne McChristian, the I.I.I.’s Tallahassee-based Communications Consultant. She can be reached at 813-480-6446 and lynnem@iii.org.  

The I.I.I. has a full library of educational videos on its YouTube Channel. Information about I.I.I. mobile apps can be found here.

THE I.I.I. IS A NONPROFIT, COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.

Insurance Information Institute, 110 William Street, New York, NY 10038; (212) 346-5500; www.iii.org

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