Triple-I: U.S. Gulf Coast Could Be Hit By Two Storms Next Week

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

SAINT JOHNS, Fla., Aug. 21, 2020 – U.S. Gulf Coast residents from Texas to Florida must prepare now for what appears likely to occur next week—the near-simultaneous arrival of two separate named storms, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I).

Tropical Storm Laura may impact numerous areas of Florida from the Keys to the Panhandle, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). Laura is projected to make landfall near the Florida/Alabama border on Wednesday, Aug. 26 as a Category 1 hurricane.

Tropical Depression 14, which is expected to become Tropical Storm Marco, is currently forecast to strengthen in the Gulf of Mexico and make landfall near the Texas/Louisiana border on Tuesday, Aug. 25 as either a tropical storm or a Category 1 hurricane.

There have never been two hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico at the same time. The last time two tropical cyclones simultaneously made landfall in the continental U.S. was Sept. 5, 1933, when the Category 3 Cuba-Brownsville hurricane made landfall near Brownsville, Texas, and the Treasure Coast tropical storm made landfall near Cedar Key, Fla., according to Triple-I non-resident scholar Phil Klotzbach, PhD, a research scientist in the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University (CSU). CSU released this week its 14-day Atlantic Hurricane Activity forecast, which called for “above-normal” amounts of hurricane activity through Sept. 1. The Atlantic hurricane season concludes on Nov. 30.

The NHC believes Laura and Marco will generate torrential rain, damaging winds, life-threatening storm surge and flash flooding while also noting the track and intensity level of these two systems is subject to significant changes over the next several days.

Five named storms have already made continental U.S. landfalls this season: Hurricanes Hanna and Isaias, and Tropical Storms Bertha, Cristobal and Fay. If Laura and Marco make landfall next week, that would also be a U.S. record for most named storm landfalls before the end of August and the earliest ever formation of storms starting with an ‘L’ and an ‘M.’

Damage caused by tropical storms and hurricanes are covered under different insurance policies, according to the 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 for all residents in the path of these two systems:

  • Review your evacuation plan and, if you have a pet, your pet's evacuation plan.
  • Make sure you have a minimum seven-day supply of non-perishable food and drinking water (one gallon per person, per day) for all family members and pets, as well as a one-week supply of medications for everyone in your household.
  • 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
Alabama Hurricane Fact File
Florida Hurricane Fact File
Georgia Fact File
Mississippi Hurricane Fact File
Louisiana Hurricane Fact File
Texas 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:
Triple-I Tropics Update Hurricane Insurance Guide
Insurance Check Up: Homeowners and Hurricane/Flood Insurance
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.

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