The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued its mid-season update stating that atmospheric and oceanic conditions remain conducive for an above-average hurricane season.

NOAA’s update to the 2021 outlook covers the entire six-month hurricane season, which ends November 30 and includes the 5 named storms that have formed so far, with Hurricane Elsa becoming the earliest 5th named storm on record.

June 1, 2021

Hurricane season officially begins on June 1 and runs until November 30 with the peak period between August and October, but 2020 proved that storm formation is possible at any time, as demonstrated by the early formation of two tropical storms in May of last year.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season will be above normal.

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is forecasting a likely range of 13 to 20 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher).

Although predictions for hurricane season vary each year, preparation and planning are essential to minimizing your exposure to risk when considering the impact of a catastrophic event.  Last year’s record-breaking season serves as a reminder to all residents in coastal regions or areas prone to inland flooding from rainfall to be prepared for the 2021 hurricane season.

Hurricane Preparedness

• Determine your hurricane risk
• Make an emergency plan
• Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit
• Familiarize yourself with local emergency evacuation plans
• Stay tuned to local wireless emergency alerts, TV, or radio for weather updates, emergency instructions, or evacuation orders
• Consider buying flood insurance

If you live in Coastal Virginia

• Know your hurricane evacuation zone for both your home and your workplace.
• Register with VBgov.com/VBAlert​ to receive emergency notifications on your mobile devices.
• Virginia Department of Emergency Management
• Virginia Hurricane Evacuation Guide

Additional Resources and Documents

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• Ready.gov
  • Recommended Supply Checklist
• National Weather Service
• National Hurricane Center
• Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA)
• American Red Cross

Flood Insurance

Did you know?

• Homeowners insurance alone does not cover flooding.
• It takes 30 days for most flood insurance policies to become effective.
• FEMA does not provide comprehensive disaster funding to repair homes that flooded but didn’t have insurance.
• The National Flood Insurance Program aims to reduce the impact of flooding by providing affordable insurance to property owners and by encouraging communities to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations.

How to Report a Claim

We hope that you will never need to, but in the event you should have to report a claim, the best method is to contact your insurance carrier directly.  It is helpful to have your policy number available when reporting a claim.  Prompt claims reporting is critical.  If you need assistance contacting your insurance carrier to report a claim, please call us at (757) 965-8900 or email claims@coreassurance.com.

How We Can Help

We offer a full portfolio of risk management products and services to protect your home and business from flood and hurricane damage. For more information on how to protect your property and loved ones, contact one of our Private Client or Business Insurance associates today.