"Above Normal" 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season Predicted

April 15, 2020

On the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans on the East Coast and along the Gulf of Mexico will be facing an active hurricane season that’s “above normal,” according to forecasters. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with September typically being the most active month for hurricanes. Disclosure 1 1 Ready.gov, “Hurricanes,” published April 2, 2020; accessed April 9, 2020; https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes(opens in a new tab)

According to The Weather Channel, a total of 18 named storms (nine of them hurricanes) are predicted for the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season. That’s 50% higher than the seasonal average of 12 named storms (with six hurricanes). Disclosure 2 2 Center for Disaster Philanthropy, “2020 Hurricane Season,” accessed Dec. 16, 2020, https://disasterphilanthropy.org/disaster/2020-atlantic-hurricane-season/

A key driver of this active hurricane season is very high sea-surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean. When warm, moist air evaporates from the ocean, it acts as fuel for hurricanes. Disclosure 2 2 Center for Disaster Philanthropy, “2020 Hurricane Season,” accessed Dec. 16, 2020, https://disasterphilanthropy.org/disaster/2020-atlantic-hurricane-season/

If these predictions prove true, 2020 will be the fifth consecutive year of above-average activity during hurricane season. In 2019, for example, hurricane season had 18 named storms and 20 tropical cyclones, causing over $11 billion in damages. Disclosure 3 3 AccuWeather, “US to face above-normal strikes from tropical systems in 2021... again,” accessed April 5, 2021, https://www.accuweather.com/en/hurricane/accuweathers-2021-atlantic-hurricane-season-forecast/924431

An important part of preparing for hurricane season is reviewing your current insurance coverage with your agent—especially if you live within 100 miles of a coastal area. Get familiar with what your homeowners policy covers during a hurricane and know your deductible. Remember homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage that often follows hurricanes, so consider a flood insurance policy if you don’t already have one.

If you need to modify or expand any of your insurance coverage, now is the right time.