Forecasters at Colorado State University (CSU) recently released an updated hurricane outlook for the 2023 storm season, which now predicts an above-average number of major storms due to warming Atlantic Ocean temperatures. CSU forecasters foresee 18 named storms this year, which is “above the average of 14.1 observed between 1991 and 2020.” Of those, they forecast that nine will become hurricanes and four becoming major hurricanes, which is “above the average of 3.2 major hurricanes.”
CSU’s outlook coincides with an updated prediction from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which now also forecasts “above-normal” activity for this year’s hurricane season. NOAA’s previous report forecasted an average storm season with one to four major hurricanes – however, record warming in the Atlantic can “counteract a hurricane-hindering weather pattern called wind shear brought on by the developing El Niño.”
Historically, most hurricanes form between mid-August and mid-October, with the peak of the hurricane season on September 10. Last year, Hurricane Ian developed at the end of September. “While we’re about one-third of the way done with the season, we’ve got about 95% of seasonal activity to go from an historical perspective,” said Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges citizens to adequately prepare now for potential storms in advance, and those in areas prone to coastal and inland flooding should utilize resources such as Ready.gov and Listo.gov.
Agents and brokers should encourage their clients to be as prepared as possible while entering the busiest months of hurricane season, and to purchase flood insurance to protect their most valuable assets and to help them recover more quickly should they experience a disaster. Private flood solutions offer higher limits, broader coverages, and more stable and competitive rates than what is available from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). With over 25 years of industry-leading expertise, Tokio Marine Highland provides a wide range of innovative private flood solutions to ensure the right coverage for your insureds this hurricane season.
To learn more about Tokio Marine Highland’s comprehensive flood offerings or to have us quote your potential target risks, visit our website or contact us at PrivateFloodSolution@tmhighland.com.