Hurricane season has officially started, lasting from June 1 through November 30. During these six months in the Atlantic, oceanic winds have a greater chance of developing into storm systems. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a moderate Atlantic hurricane season for 2023.
The Forecast
The periodic cooling and warming of Pacific currents, known as El Niño and La Niña, affect the conditions for potential hurricanes in the Atlantic. This year, the NOAA predicts a warm El Niño will create an atmospheric pattern that amplifies weather activity in the Pacific while stabilizing the Atlantic. Other global factors may also influence the Atlantic seasonal outlook. Scientists are predicting a potential above-normal West African monsoon season and warmer tropical sea surface temperatures.
Scientists predict El Niño will generate an above-normal season in 2023 in the Pacific. The NOAA estimates 4 to 7 tropical cyclones will spawn in the Pacific this year, compared to an average of 4 or 5 in an average year. While expecting more activity, it is still unclear whether Hawaii or other Pacific islands will be affected.
How to Prepare
Whatever the outlook is for potential hurricanes, it’s necessary to have a plan in place. Our colleagues at the American Red Cross and the UH Sea Grant College Program recommend assessing and preparing before a disaster strikes. Here are some tips to help keep yourself and your households safe:
- Check to see if your house is located in a high-risk flood zone. If your home is subject to flooding, storm surge, or high winds, you should seek shelter in a sturdier structure. Be sure to evacuate when instructed by local officials.
- Have emergency kits ready. Household kits should have at least two weeks of supplies, and mobile kits at least three days in case of evacuation. Your emergency kits should contain non-perishable foods, water, first aid supplies, and medicines that meet your personal needs.
- Stay informed about updates and special instructions from local officials. Keep a hand-crank or battery-powered radio with you since it is common to experience power, cellular, and internet outages during and after a disaster.
- Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands the emergency plans. Complete a personal assessment of functional abilities and possible needs during and after a disaster. Know how to evacuate, where to meet, and how to communicate. Practice your disaster plans with your personal support network at least twice a year.
Crawford Catastrophe Services
With over 50 years in the claims industry, Crawford Catastrophe Services has managed both domestic and international disasters. Whether it’s an earthquake, wildfire, or even a hurricane, our mission is to take care of insureds and get them back to normalcy. From claim intake and triage to adjuster deployment and claims management, our team leads with empathy and unmatched customer service.
Going into the hurricane season, our team trains to be the best they can be. Over 1,000 of our adjusters attended an intensive education course in preparation for last year’s storm season. In 2022, we deployed over 1,500 adjusters in response to the damage caused by Hurricane Ian. In 2023, we at Crawford CAT continue to prime our response teams for the future and we are poised to handle major events at a moment’s notice.
Despite conjecture, the weather can still be unpredictable. This hurricane season, make sure you are prepared, no matter what mother nature brings. Check your insurance policies, have several emergency kits, create an evacuation plan, and know that after the dust settles, Crawford will be there to help pick up the pieces.
