Florida Insurance Claim Lawyer Blog

The 2011 hurricane season was the third busiest on record, with 19 named storms. Of those storms, 7 of them turned into hurricanes, and 3 of them turned in major hurricanes measured at Cat 3 or stronger.

Indeed, it has been a very fortuities few years for South Florida. History has shown us that past hurricane seasons as busy as this one typically results in at least two named storms and making landfall. For instance, researching records back to 1900 revealed that in five previous seasons with 10 or more hurricanes, at least two named storms made landfall somewhere in the United States. And so far this season, we have seen 19 named storms, none of which has made landfall in Florida.

The hurricane season began with Arlene, which developed on June 29 in the Gulf of Mexico, and made landfall near Veracruz, causing 25 fatalities, and at least $223 million in damage.

Irene was the lone hurricane to hit the United States in 2011, and the first one to do so since Ike struck southeast Texas in 2008. Irene was also the most significant tropical cyclone to strike the Northeast since Hurricane Bob in 1991.

As this hurricane season comes to a close, it appears as though Florida again dodged potential catastrophe in that no significant storm made landfall this year.

Since hurricane tracking began, South Florida has never previously gone 6 straight years without getting struck by a hurricane. The last hurricane to strike South Florida was Wilma back in October 2005. The last tropical storm to hit South Florida was Bonnie back in July of 2010.

Continue reading "The 2011 Hurricane Season is Quietly Coming to an End" »

Hurricane season is typically on the decline in October. Fortunately, it has been a quiet hurricane season for us in Florida. To date, a hurricane has failed to make landfall in South Florida this year.

History has shown us, however, that there can still be potent hurricanes this time of year. So now is not the time to let your guard down. But history also shows us that October hurricane strikes are rare occurrences. Indeed, on average there is 1 hurricane strike in October every 5 years.

While it is exceedingly rare for a hurricane to strike in October, such strikes can be rather potent. For instance, Hurricane Wilma in 2005 was one of the strongest hurricanes on record. In fact, at its peak, Wilma reached full fury over the western Caribbean with sustained winds of 185 miles per hour. Wilma's central pressure of 26.05 inches is the lowest ever recorded for an Atlantic hurricane.

Wilma weakened over time and ultimately made landfall in South Florida as a Category 3 hurricane. But Wilma still caused major damage and disruption throughout South Florida. In fact, Wilma became the 3rd costliest hurricane in U.S. history causing over $20 billion dollars in damages in South Florida, primarily from wind damage to structures in the highly populated areas of Miami and Ft. Lauderdale.

Then there was also Hurricane Hazel back in 1954. Hazel was one of the strongest hurricanes on record for October, and also the farthest northern Category 4 hurricane to hit in any month. It struck the South Carolina/North Carolina border with devastating impact and to this day remains a benchmark for how bad a hurricane be on those coasts.

Continue reading "History Demonstrates that Hurricanes in October Can Still Cause Extensive Damage" »

We're all used to hurricanes being categorized on a scale from 1-5. However, we may have to learn a new scale that categorizes hurricanes from 0 to 5.99.

Although the National Hurricane Center hasn't stated whether they will endorse the new scale, the Integrated Kinetic Energy ("IKE") scale may be a better predictor of potential destruction from both wind and storm surge. IKE was developed because the current system only takes into account wind speed. However, storm surge is the most devastating element of a hurricane.

For example, the current system rated Hurricane Katrina a Category 3 at landfall, but the surge came in at a Category 5 or higher. In essence, IKE provides a better way of determining the actual consequences from a storm because its takes into account more than just wind.

At the end of the day, it appears that IKE may provide a better way for us to understand potential damage caused by a hurricane. In turn, this allows everyone to better prepare for a windstorm.

We may never see this system being used in the mainstream, so take into account that the current scale doesn't take into account storm surge. If you live in a coastal area, make sure to do your research and find out if your property can be damaged by surge.

Our Florida Insurance Claim Lawyer Blog offers safety tips and other advice to prepare you and your family for a hurricane. If you have not already done so, our Miami storm damage attorneys encourage you to make some basic preparations. Even the busiest among us can tackle hurricane preparation in stages, as we suggest on our Florida Insurance Claim Lawyer Blog. Our Miami Hurricane dispute lawyers are also prepared to assist you with any hurricane damage claim you may have against your insurance company.

Continue reading "Miami Hurricane Claim Lawyers See Advantages in New Hurricane Scale that Places More of a Focus on Storm Surges" »

Tropical Storm Emily was the start of what experts are predicting to be an active hurricane season.

When Tropical Storm Emily was slowly marching towards South Florida, we got our first taste of constant TV updates, satellite images, saw the map with the all too familiar cone in it, and we of course witnessed the unpredictable nature of that cone move east or west every few hours, and otherwise received a reminder of what it is like when a storm is barreling towards South Florida.

Fortunately, Tropical Storm Emily turned out to be a nonevent. However, now that we are in August, the active part of the hurricane storm season is upon us. Please recall that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) forecast for the Atlantic, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico is predicting that we will see between 12 to 18 named storms this hurricane season. They also predict that 6 to 10 of these named storms will become hurricanes. It is also predicted that 3 to 6 of these will become major hurricanes.

Now that we are entering the peak of hurricane season, the remainder of this year's hurricane season is likely to be "bad and busy" according to forecasters.

Consequently, the time is now to prepare and be prepared for the storm season. For starters, and as we have mentioned before, it is important that you review your insurance policy. Be aware of your coverage, and what your deductible may be and what out-of-pocket expenses you are required to pick up in order to get repairs going.

It is also important to ensure that that you have all of your storm supplies in order. For instance, be sure that the big stuff like your roof, storm shutters, garage, and other major stuff of that nature, are in good order.

As we observed with Tropical Storm Emily, a storm could pop up at any time during the height of hurricane season and strike south Florida in a matter of days. We have been extremely fortunate for the past five hurricane seasons. If our luck continues, that would be very fortuitous. But that does not mean that now is not the time to prepare.

Preparation is certainly the key to surviving a hurricane should one strike south Florida this season. Please do no hesitate to contact us should you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding your preparation for hurricane season or if you have questions regarding your insurance coverages. Additionally, please do not hesitate to contact us should you experience any damage to your property as a result of any storm during storm season.

During these tough economic times, government has set in place many spending cuts. Now, due to federal spending cuts, the air squadron which performs hurricane research may have its operations budget cut by 40%. This air squadron has helped hurricane forecasters more accurately track storms over the last decade

While the budget cut proposal is many months away from becoming a reality, a red flag has been raised with top forecasters. They worry that reduced flights or hours for the planes they used to track hurricanes will stall their efforts to better computer forecast models.

Apart from the short-term effect of lowering operating costs, those cuts may lead to high long-term costs. Improved forecasts can help save lives and money. The money would be saved because improved forecasts would help communities more effectively conduct evacuations. Luckily, these proposed cuts would not affect the daily flights into active tropical storms. However, these planes are not equipped to conduct the research done by the Hurricane Hunters.

These researchers are rightfully concerned about the potential long term costs of the loss of this valuable research. This research is vital because it helps us all better understand the nature of hurricanes. In turn, the public is better able to prepare for the impending landfall of these storm systems.

At this point in the hurricane season, forecasters predict that tropical activity is going to increase. Accordingly, make sure you have plans in place for your property and family as we will begin to see more tropical storms and hurricanes in the coming months.

On this blog we have posted several articles discussing useful tips on preparing for hurricane season. Our Miami Hurricane Dispute Lawyers are also prepared to assist you with any hurricane damage claim you may have against your insurance company.

Continue reading "Hurricane Research Flights Could Be Curtailed due to Recent Budget Cuts Made by Congress" »

As of this morning, Tropical Storm Emily has maximum sustained winds at near 40 miles per hour. It is anticipated that its center will move across the northeastern Caribbean Sea today and approach the island of Hispaniola as early as tonight.

Emily is projected to head towards Cuba, the Bahamas, and possibly Florida.

Current conditions suggest that Tropical Storm Emily could intensify and strengthened over the course of the next 48 hours. It is not anticipated to approach Florida until the weekend, but by the time does it could be as strong as a hurricane.

Emily Could Strengthen to a Category 1 Hurricane

Forecasters are predicting that Tropical Storm Emily could grow into a Category 1 hurricane, with winds of at least 74 miles per hour according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

A category 1 hurricane is defined as having sustained winds between 74-95 mph. It is a dangerous storm and its winds will produce damage.

Time to Prepare

Our Miami Insurance Dispute Lawyers would like to remind you that now is the time to prepare for Emily's potential arrival later in South Florida later this week.

On this blog we have posted several articles discussing useful tips on preparing for hurricane season. We encourage you to read them, and, more importantly, we encourage you to prepare for the storm's potential arrival. Our lawyers are also prepared to assist you with any hurricane damage claim you may have against your insurance company.

Continue reading "Tropical Storm Emily is Expected to Strengthen Today as it Approaches the Dominican Republic: Miami is in her Sights for Later this Week" »

A developing tropical system, destined to become Emily early this week, will threaten the Antilles first and could approach part of the U.S. coastline this weekend, including Miami and the Florida Keys.

The National Hurricane Center has given this storm a 70% chance of developing into a tropical cyclone in the next 48 hours. No matter what path this storm takes, it will be in conditions that favor intensification into a hurricane for the next 24 to 48 hours. In sum, this is a storm that bears monitoring over the next few days.

If this developing storm does become a named storm, its name will be Emily.

The 2011 Hurricane Season Has Been An Active One So Far This Year

So far this year, there have been three named storms to date, in the Atlantic. Historically speaking there is typically only one named storm in the Atlantic between June and July.

Only once has there been a hurricane season in which four, or more, named storms developed during July.
That was back in 2005, the year that gave us before Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma.

But back in 2005, and before we had Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma, we had Hurricane Emily. In July of 2005, Hurricane Emily was one of five named storms. And it was a monster.

With sustained winds of 160 miles per hour, Hurricane Emily became the strongest hurricanes ever to form before August. Indeed, Hurricane Emily was the first category 5 hurricane of the record breaking 2005 hurricane season.

Time To Prepare

With hurricane season upon us, now is the time for all individuals and businesses alike throughout South Florida to properly plan for hurricane season. Our Miami insurance dispute lawyers would like to urge you to take the time now to plan for hurricane season.

Please visit this blog to learn useful tips on planning for hurricane season, and please contact our office should you sustain any hurricane/wind storm related damage.

Continue reading "The Tropics Have Been Active So Far This Hurricane Season: Hurricane Emily to Form Soon and Threaten Miami Later this Week?" »

Tropical Storm Don earned respect when she earned her name on Wednesday. Tropical Storm Don is expected to make landfall in southeastern Texas on Friday.

This should serve as a reminder to all of us here in South Florida that tropical depressions, or areas of intense thunderstorms that gather in the tropics, become named tropical storms when they reach sustained wind speeds of 39 mph.

Understanding how storms are characterized can assist homeowners in knowing what to expect. However, our Miami hurricane damage lawyers caution homeowners against becoming complacent in cases where a tropical storm fails to become a hurricane, or when a hurricane fails to climb the charts.

The act of rating a storm can actually be dangerous when it leads to such complacency. The storm-classification system is designed to assist South Florida residents in understanding what to expect -- as long as they understand that, in all cases, a storm carries the risk of serious property damage and the potential for serious or fatal injury when residents fail to take the proper safety precautions.

Tropical storms, such as Don, have wind speeds of 39 to 73 miles an hour and are associated with torrential rains, localized flooding, downed trees and power lines and the possibility of structural damage, particularly to older buildings or mobile homes.

A tropical storm reaches hurricane strength when winds climb above 74 miles an hour and are categorized on a scale of 1 to 5 until the winds reach roughly twice that speed. Anything with sustained winds of more than 155 mph is considered a Category 5 hurricane. Katrina was a Category 5 storm when it hit New Orleans and Andrew was a Category 5 storm when it devastated South Florida in 1992.

Florida Today provides a nice graphic illustration.

Category 1: Minimal Hurricane
Winds: 74 to 95 miles per hour
Storm surge: Up to 5 feet
Damage: Some trees and power lines may be down; damage caused by flying debris; localized flooding; those in mobile and modular homes are at greatest risk.

Category 2: Moderate Hurricane
Winds: 96 to 110 miles per hour.
Storm Surge: 6 to 8 feet.
Damage: Downed trees and power lines; some flooding; debris damages; structural damage possible, particularly in older homes. Mobile and modular homes at great risk.

Category 3: Extensive Hurricane
Winds: 111 to 130 mph
Storm Surge: 9 to 12 feet
Damage: Widespread flooding possible. Significant structural damage to homes and buildings possible. Downed trees and power lines. Probable destruction of mobile and modular homes.

Category 4: Extreme Hurricane
Winds: 131 to 155 mph
Storm Surge: 12 to 18 feet
Damage: Widespread destruction of homes and buildings, structural damages and roof loss are common, significant flooding and storm surge risk, higher likelihood of significant time without power.

Category 5: Catastrophic Hurricane
Winds: Greater than 155 miles per hour
Storm Surge: 18 feet
Damage: Widespread destruction

The important thing to keep in mind when considering a storm's rating is that all of these storms can cause significant property damage and can lead to the risk of serious or fatal injuries. This weekend's tropical storm, in Texas, with winds of 40 miles per hour, is roughly twice as powerful as our typical violent summer weather. A minimal category 1 hurricane is four times as powerful as a typical summer storm.

Continue reading "Texas May be Struck by Tropical Storm Don on Friday" »

So far this year there have been four named storms to date. Any of these storms are strong enough to do significant damage. However, none of them caused any significant impact to South Florida.

Now that South Florida is in the very height of hurricane season it serves as a reminder that tropical depressions are storms with winds of up to 38 mph and are identified only by numbers; tropical storms are given names and have winds form 39 to 73 mph and hurricanes have winds above 74 mph. And so far this year we have had 4 named storms.

From now through November, the chances are good that South Florida will be threatened by named tropical storms or hurricanes. Even a tropical depression can cause wind and water damage while serving as a health reminder that the time to prepare is now, before a serious storm is eminent.

For those who always seem too busy to prepare, our Miami storm damage attorneys recommend readying you and your family in several stages.

Always
-Know and understand your insurance policy, including your exposure to deductibles.
-Keep your important paperwork in water-proof storage containers
-Keep several plastic totes with the following items inside (and clearly marked in a checklist on the outside): manual can opener, disposable plates, silverware and cups, first aid kit, flashlights, battery-operated radio.

Start of hurricane season
-Purchase fresh batteries for radios and flashlights
-Ensure fresh gas is available for the generator and gas grill and that both are in good repair.
-Purchase fresh bottled water (at least 7 gallons per person -- a gallon a day for a week). Buying 20 oz bottles will allow the water to be used at the beach or around the pool after hurricane season.

Hurricane Watch
If you have followed the instructions above, this will be your serious hurricane preparation and it should be pretty simple:
-Fill cars with gas.
-Go grocery shopping
-Gather specialty items, including pet care and child care items.
-Charge cell phones
-Gather rain gear, toys, books and games
-Ensure you have cash on hand to last several weeks.

Hurricane Warning
This means a hurricane is going to strike the area.
-Install storm shutters
-Remove patio furniture and other loose items, including planters, from the exterior of your home
-Ensure you have emergency contact information, including the location of the nearest shelter
-Listen to official instructions or advisories.

Continue reading "Arlene? Bret? Cindy? Dora? The 2011 Hurricane Season Has Seen 4 Named Storms Already While Our Firm Stands Ready to Help Miami Homeowners if a Named Storm Strikes South Florida" »

Hurricane season has been quiet so far. If you were raised in South Florida or have lived here for a few years, you know that hurricanes typically become a major concern in the months of August, September and October. However, that doesn't mean that we won't see a storm in July.

Since 1900 Florida has been struck by three hurricanes in the month of July. The last one happened in 2005 when a category 3 storm struck near Pensacola. On the other hand, numerous tropical storms have struck Florida in July. The last one hit us in 2010.

The reason we don't see many hurricanes striking Florida during this time of year is because of prevailing steering currents that send the storms south or west of Florida. Whenever we do see tropical systems in July they are usually in the Gulf of Mexico because the waters heat up quickly by early summer.

Not only are July storms less common, they are weaker. Since most June and July storms form in the eastern Atlantic they are weaker because they don't have the time to travel across more water. However, during the peak months, the storms tend to be stronger because they develop in the western basin of the Atlantic. This basically gives the storm the whole Atlantic to travel and gain strength.

Although July is a slow month for tropical systems we still need to be prepared. As recently as 2005, three hurricanes developed in the month of July. On this blog, we've taken the time to prepare various posts to make sure our readers properly prepare for a hurricane. Don't just think of the canned food and water. Remember that part of hurricane preparation entails making sure you have all the necessary supplies to survive a hurricane as it strikes, and after, as well to ensure that you have all the necessary information to file an insurance claim in the event your home or business is damaged.

Continue reading "Hurricane Strikes in July are Rare" »

Some climatologists are pointing to "La Nina" for what has been one of the most deadly and devastating spring-weather seasons in recorded history.

La Nina, whose literal translation is "the girl", is a weather phenomenon that can be traced to the waters of the Pacific Ocean. The waters in the Pacific experience cooler-than-normal sea-surface temperatures, which in turn cause a chain reaction that alters weather patterns around the world.

The result has been eight separate billion-dollar weather events in the form of tornadoes, massive flooding, and wildfires the size of New York. For example, the recent tornado in Joplin, Mo. is expected to be the most costly tornado in U.S. history.

What La Nina essentially does is create a pattern of drier-than-average conditions across the southern part of the United States. The result is a very dry, stronger jet stream that mixes with warm, humid air at lover levels of the atmosphere and cooler air at the upper levels. This concoction is the perfect recipe for supercell thunder storms, which have the ability to spawn some of the most violent and destructive tornadoes. To date, 525 people have been killed by tornadoes this spring, which is the most in recorded history.

So while La Nina is responsible for very wet conditions in some parts of the country, it is also responsible for creating widespread drought across the states. For example, West Palm Beach has recorded its driest water-year since 1850 going from 33.09 inches on average during this season to a depressing 10.39 inches.

The good news? According to climatologist, the effects of La Nina seem to be waning down. This is great news for us in South Florida because La Nina tends to amplify the number and ferocity of Atlantic hurricanes. However, only time will tell whether this "wild and weird" weather season is done wreaking havoc on our nation.

But it should be noted that atmospheric pressures are likely to pull in more hurricanes this season. Such unusual weather patterns are the reasons behind recent predictions calling for a very active hurricane season. As such, now is the time to be get prepared for hurricane season.

That is particularly true since history suggests that South Florida is due for a hurricane strike. Therefore, this is certainly not the season to take lightly. We've been spared the last few years, but this could be the year where we are hit by another hurricane. Hurricanes are a fact of life living in South Florida. Although inevitable, they are not surprises like earthquakes or tsunamis. You can prepare and be ready for a hurricane.

Considering the increased odds of South Florida getting hit by a storm you should take the necessary steps to safeguard your property and family. One exercise that is a must is a review of your insurance policy to determine what is covered, and excluded, from your policy. Most importantly, review what you're supposed to do in the event your property is damaged in a windstorm. You should also check the financial strength of your insurance company, and stock up on food supplies.

Last year was the third busiest hurricane season on record. However, and while that was the third busiest hurricane season on record, the United States was spared a direct strike by any storm last year.

Part of the reason why the United States was spared a direct strike last year was because the United States was protected from major storm damage by a trough, or an elongated area of low pressure, that helped keep all the hurricanes and all but one tropical storm from striking the United States.

However, and as this hurricane season gets underway, that same trough is setting up across the Mississippi Valley. And if it stays there, many are predicting that the trough is going to act like a magnet and pull many storms into the southeastern United States or mid-Atlantic region.

Other factors are also working in favor of an active hurricane season. For instance, the position of this year's Bermuda-High, a semipermanent area of high pressure over the North Atlantic, may also drive storms closer to the United States.

As such, we will be faced with a much higher threat of a land-falling hurricane this upcoming hurricane season.

Indeed, history suggests that South Florida is due for a hurricane strike. Therefore, this is certainly not the season to take lightly. We've been spared the last few years, but this could be the year where we are hit by another hurricane. Hurricanes are a fact of life living in South Florida. Although inevitable, they are not surprises like earthquakes or tsunamis. You can prepare and be ready for a hurricane.

Considering the increased odds of South Florida getting hit by a storm you should take the necessary steps to safeguard your property and family. One exercise that is a must is a review of your insurance policy to determine what is excluded from your policy. Most importantly, review what you're supposed to do in the event your property is damaged in a windstorm. You should also check the financial strength of your insurance company, and stock up on food supplies.

Continue reading "Atmospheric Pressures are Likely to Pull in More Hurricanes this Season" »

The last time a major hurricane struck the United States was during the record storm year of 2005. The United States has never gone six years with out a major strike.

In 2005 we saw 15 hurricanes and seven major storms of category 3 or higher, including Hurricane Katrina which struck New Orleans, killing at least 1,836 people. Moreover, hurricane Katrina and Rita caused $91 billion in damages, destroyed 115 energy platforms in the golf and shut down 95% of gulf oil production and almost 30% of US refining capacity.

As this hurricane season gets underway, forecasters are predicting an above normal hurricane season. The last hurricane that hit the United States was hurricane Ike, a category 2 storm back in 2008. There has not been a three-year period without a US hurricane strike since the 1860s.

Hurricanes are the Planet's worst storms.

Hurricanes are the most powerful and destructive storms on the planet. Between 1990 and 2009 hurricanes inflicted $152.4 billion in insured losses in the United States, and accounted for 45.2% of the country's catastrophic losses during that same time period.

This year, the insurance industry may be under greater strain because of large losses infected by record-setting tornadoes that have killed more than 500 people and destroyed at least $3 billion to $ 6.5 billion of insured property.

Continue reading "Hurricanes are the Planet's Worst Storms and they Cause a Lot of Damage" »

Forecasters are predicting another above normal hurricane season in the region. Therefore, it is critical to be prepared as this year's hurricane season gets underway.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) forecast for the Atlantic, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico is calling for 12 to 18 named storms. They predict that 6 to 10 of these named storms will become hurricanes. It is also predicted that 3 to 6 of these will become major hurricanes.

The forecasters believe that unusually warm water in the Atlantic Ocean is the major reason why we should expect a busy hurricane season. The impact of the La Nina climate pattern may also contribute to the hectic season.

We should give credence to this forecast because it is similar to an earlier prediction coming out of Colorado State University that calls for 16 storms in the Atlantic basin. Also, NOAA forecasts for named storms have been on point in 6 out of the last 11 years.

Luckily, hurricanes are not surprises like tornadoes, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Because of this, we have ample time to prepare. Don't become complacent and prepare for a hurricane, especially since its predicted to be a busy season. Preparation will help protect your family and home from danger.

Indeed, history suggests that South Florida is due for a hurricane strike. Therefore, this is certainly not the season to take lightly. We've been spared the last few years, but this could be the year where we are hit by another hurricane. Hurricanes are a fact of life living in South Florida. Although inevitable, they are not surprises like earthquakes or tsunamis. You can prepare and be ready for a hurricane.

Considering the increased odds of South Florida getting hit by a storm you should take the necessary steps to safeguard your property and family. One exercise that is a must is a review of your insurance policy to determine what is excluded from your policy. Most importantly, review what you're supposed to do in the event your property is damaged in a windstorm. You should also check the financial strength of your insurance company, and stock up on food supplies.

Continue reading "Federal Forecasters are Predicting that the 2011 Hurricane Season will be an Active One" »

A new study has revealed that strong hurricanes lose power just before making landfall in the Gulf Coast. This finding, according to N.O.A.A., could assist scientists in coming up with a better forecast for storms during this year's hurricane season.

The reason for this phenomenon is attributable to the fact that the waters bordering the U.S. in the Gulf Coast are much cooler. As the hurricane approaches land, high surface winds tend to mix cooler water up to the surface, which can lessen a storm's intensity.

Another factor that plays an intricate part in the weakening of powerful hurricanes is the strong upper-level winds that storms come into contact with as they approach the Gulf Coast.

However, when the hurricane is over the center of the Gulf, the depth and warmth of the water acts as a perfect combination to both fuel and strengthens hurricanes. As a result, a hurricane such as Hurricane Katrina could have much been worse than it actually was when it made landfall in August of 2005.

The study looked at each and every storm - from hurricanes to tropical depressions - that made landfall on the U.S. Gulf Coast from 1979-2008. Ed Rappaport, the lead author of the study and deputy director of the National Hurricane Center in Miami, found that the stronger hurricanes lost power before making landfall, but the smaller hurricanes intensified. This suggests that the above two factors have more of an impact on large hurricanes and little, to no effect, on smaller hurricanes.

Nonetheless, atmospheric and oceanic conditions can still come together to allow large hurricanes to keep their intensity - or even strengthen - as it draws near to land. The result of this study is great news for forecasters, but it does not change the fact that we live in an area that is constantly under the threat of dangerous storms during this hurricane season. Accordingly, it is imperative that all the proper steps are taken to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones during this anticipated busy hurricane season.

Indeed, history suggests that South Florida is due for a hurricane strike. Therefore, this is certainly not the season to take lightly. We've been spared the last few years, but this could be the year where we are hit by another hurricane. Hurricanes are a fact of life living in South Florida. Although inevitable, they are not surprises like earthquakes or tsunamis. You can prepare and be ready for a hurricane.

Considering the increased odds of South Florida getting hit by a storm you should take the necessary steps to safeguard your property and family. One exercise that is a must is a review of your insurance policy to determine what is excluded from your policy. Most importantly, review what you're supposed to do in the event your property is damaged in a windstorm. You should also check the financial strength of your insurance company, and stock up on food supplies.

Continue reading "Study Reveals Some Hurricanes Lose Strength Just Before Making Landfall in the Gulf Coast" »