28 May Hurricane Season 2020 Has Not Been Postponed Due to COVID-19
The 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially begins June 1st, but this year is different. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected virtually every aspect of our daily lives. The Federal Emergency Management Agency cautions that social distancing and other CDC preventative measures to protect against COVID-19 may impact hurricane preparation plans, including evacuation routes and shelters. Now is the time to evaluate and finalize the plans and protective measures that will be needed if a storm is coming your way.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there is a 60% chance that the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season will have above-normal activity. The likelihood of a below-normal season is only 10%. An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms, including 6 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes. For the 2020 hurricane season, NOAA is forecasting:
- 13-19 Named Storms (winds of 39 mph or higher)
- 6-10 Hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher)
- 3-6 Major Hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or higher)
Forecasters at the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project calculated a 69% probability that at least one major hurricane (Category 3, 4, 5) will make landfall somewhere on the continental coastline of the United States. They are also predicting:
- 16 Named Storms (80 named storm days)
- 8 Hurricanes (35 hurricane days)
- 4 Major Hurricanes (9 major hurricane days)
A lot is made of these annual predictions, but it only takes one storm to make it an active hurricane season for you. Unfortunately, the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season was not suspended or delayed due to COVID-19. Waiting until the last minute is never a good idea, particularly in the middle of a global pandemic.
Start preparing now with Setnor Byer Insurance & Risk’s Hurricane Season 2020 Checklist. Our team of experienced and responsive professionals can help you find affordable options to protect your home and your business in the event of a hurricane. Please contact us if you would like more information about protecting your personal and business property during the 2020 Hurricane Season.