Triple-I: Isaias Forecast to Become a Strong Category 1 Hurricane, Impacting Florida and Eastern Seaboard

For immediate release
Florida Press Office: 904-806-7813, markf@iii.org

SAINT JOHNS, Fla., July 31, 2020 – Hurricane Isaias is expected to become a strong Category 1 storm as it approaches South Florida on Saturday and has the potential to cause property damage and flooding along Florida’s Atlantic Coast from Miami to Jacksonville.

The storm is then expected to head north where it could impact coastal areas from Georgia to Maine and remain a hurricane through Tuesday, Aug. 4. 

Isaias is the earliest “I” storm on record in the Atlantic basin and could become the second hurricane to make a U.S. landfall this season. Hanna was the first, having made landfall in Texas on July 25. According to the National Hurricane Center, threats from Isaias include torrential rain, damaging winds, life-threatening storm surge and flash flooding, isolated tornadoes and power outages.

Impacts caused by Isaias are covered under different insurance policies, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I).

Wind-caused property damage is covered under standard homeowners, renters and business insurance policies. Renters’ insurance covers a renter’s possessions while the landlord insures the structure.

Property damage to a home, a renter’s possessions, and a business – resulting from a flood – is generally covered under FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies, if the homeowner, renter or business has purchased one. Several private insurers also offer flood insurance.

Private-passenger vehicles damaged or destroyed by either wind or flooding are covered under the optional comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. Nearly 80 percent of U.S. drivers choose to purchase comprehensive coverage.

Through its Resilience Accelerator and the organization’s other educational materials, the Triple-I offers the following preparedness tips to coastal residents from Florida to Maine. Review your evacuation plan and, if you have a pet, your pet's evacuation plan.

• Write down the name and phone number of your insurer and insurance professional and keep this information either in your wallet or purse
• Purchase emergency supplies, such as batteries and flashlights
• Prepare your yard by removing all outdoor furniture, lawn items, planters and other materials that could be picked up by high winds
• Fill your car's gasoline tank because long gas lines and fuel shortages often follow in areas impacted by a tropical cyclone 

FACTS & STATISTICS:
Hurricanes
Florida Hurricane Fact File
Georgia Hurricane Fact File
Maryland Hurricane Fact File
New Jersey Hurricane Fact File
New York Hurricane Fact File
North Carolina Hurricane Fact File
South Carolina Hurricane Fact File
Virginia Hurricane Fact File

CONSUMER INFORMATION:
Catastrophes: Insurance Issues
Hurricane Season Insurance Checklist
How to Prepare for Hurricane Season
Hurricane Season Insurance Guide
Hurricanes and Windstorm Deductibles
Understanding Your Insurance Deductible
Preparing an Effective Evacuation Plan
Brochure: Settling Insurance Claims After A Disaster
Spotlight on Flood Insurance
Facts About Flood Insurance
Recovering from a Flood

INFOGRAPHICS:
What Are Hurricane Deductibles?
How to Prepare for Hurricane Season
How to File a Flood Insurance Claim
Is Your Business Ready for Peak Hurricane Season?

EXTERNAL RESOURCES:
FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
NFIP Information for Insurance Agents

RELATED VIDEOS:
Hurricane Insurance Guide
Insurance Check Up: Homeowners and Hurricane/Flood Insurance
Preparing a Pack-and-Go Evacuation Kit
Create a Home Inventory

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