Hurricane Season is upon us. The Gulf Coast of FL is already seeing a named storm "Tropical Storm Barry" and is expected to become Hurricane Barry on Friday.
With the Season in full swing, we thought it was important to help make sure our customers, friends and family have the important information needed to be safe during before, during and after a Tropical Storm or Hurricane hits.
Did you know...? FEMA has an app now?! Where you can receive real time alerts, emergency safety tips, emergency shelters and more. It took me less than 3 minutes to download the app and add my locations under the "Alerts" section. (You can have up to 5 locations.) It is very user friendly. You can choose to see Flooding, severe weather alerts, tropical weather, tsunamis, extreme temperatures, visibility & air quality, fire weather, marine/sea/surf and other public hazard alerts. FYI when choosing location... it does ask for City but it covers the entire county that city is in. I am thinking this app will prove to be beneficial in time of an emergency. I recommend downloading it. *FEMA App not affiliated with Natwick Insurance. This is a personal opinion of staff member writing Blog on behalf of Natwick Insurance.
With the Season in full swing, we thought it was important to help make sure our customers, friends and family have the important information needed to be safe during before, during and after a Tropical Storm or Hurricane hits.
Did you know...? FEMA has an app now?! Where you can receive real time alerts, emergency safety tips, emergency shelters and more. It took me less than 3 minutes to download the app and add my locations under the "Alerts" section. (You can have up to 5 locations.) It is very user friendly. You can choose to see Flooding, severe weather alerts, tropical weather, tsunamis, extreme temperatures, visibility & air quality, fire weather, marine/sea/surf and other public hazard alerts. FYI when choosing location... it does ask for City but it covers the entire county that city is in. I am thinking this app will prove to be beneficial in time of an emergency. I recommend downloading it. *FEMA App not affiliated with Natwick Insurance. This is a personal opinion of staff member writing Blog on behalf of Natwick Insurance.
In taking the time to research information at www.nhc.noaa.gov (National Hurricane Center) I found some interesting statistics and facts and thought it would be beneficial to whom ever reads this. Here are the 2019 Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Names and the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook numbers.
Did You Know...? Whenever a tropical cyclone (a tropical depression, tropical storm, or hurricane) or a subtropical storm has formed in the Atlantic or eastern North Pacific, the NOAA NHC issues a tropical cyclone advisory products at least every 6 hours at 5 am, 11 am, 5 pm and 11 pm. When warnings are in effect, the NHC issues Tropical Cyclone Public advisories every 3 hours. You can find out more at www.hurricanes.gov for the Atlantic updates.
So what is the difference between Outlooks, Advisories, Watches & Warnings?!?!? I am glad you asked!
Outlook
Tropical Weather Outlook: The Tropical Weather Outlook is a discussion of significant areas of disturbed weather and their potential for development during the next 5 days. The Outlook includes a categorical forecast of the probability of tropical cyclone formation during the first 48 hours and during the entire 5-day forecast period. You can also find graphical versions of the 2-day and 5-day Outlook at www.hurricanes.gov
Advisories
- Tropical Cyclone Public Advisory: The Tropical Cyclone Public Advisory contains a list of all current coastal watches and warnings associated with an ongoing or potential tropical cyclone, a post-tropical cyclone, or a subtropical cyclone. It also provides the cyclone position, maximum sustained winds, current motion, and a description of the hazards associated with the storm.
- Tropical Cyclone Track Forecast Cone: This graphic shows areas under tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings, the current position of the center of the storm, and its predicted track. Forecast uncertainty is conveyed on the graphic by a “cone” (white and stippled areas) drawn such that the center of the storm will remain within the cone about 60 to 70 percent of the time. Remember, the effects of a tropical cyclone can span hundreds of miles. Areas well outside of the cone often experience hazards such as tornadoes or inland flooding from heavy rain.
Watches
Listen closely to instructions from local officials on TV, radio, cell phones or other computers for instructions from local officials. Evacuate if told to do so.
- Storm Surge Watch: There is a possibility of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline somewhere within the specified area, generally within 48 hours.
- Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or greater) are possible within your area. Because it may not be safe to prepare for a hurricane once winds reach tropical storm force, The NHC issues hurricane watches 48 hours before it anticipates tropical storm-force winds.
- Tropical Storm Watch: Tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified area within 48 hours.
Warnings
Listen closely to instructions from local officials on TV, radio, cell phones or other computers for instructions from local officials.Evacuate immediately if told to do so.
- Storm Surge Warning: There is a danger of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline somewhere within the specified area, generally within 36 hours. If you are under a storm surge warning, check for evacuation orders from your local officials.
- Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or greater) are expected somewhere within the specified area. NHC issues a hurricane warning 36 hours in advance of tropical storm-force winds to give you time to complete your preparations. All preparations should be complete. Evacuate immediately if so ordered.
- Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected within your area within 36 hours.
- Extreme Wind Warning: Extreme sustained winds of a major hurricane (115 mph or greater), usually associated with the eyewall, are expected to begin within an hour. Take immediate shelter in the interior portion of a well-built structure.
Hurricane, tropical storm, and storm surge watches and warnings can also be issued for storms that have lost some or all of their tropical cyclone characteristics, but continue to produce dangerous conditions. These storms are called “post-tropical cyclones” by the NWS.
Plan for a Hurricane!
The best time to prepare for a hurricane is before hurricane season begins on June 1. But let's be real... I can't even prepare for the week ahead, but this Season is no joke and can sneak up on us fast! It is vital to understand your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding, and wind. Here is your checklist of things to do BEFORE hurricane seasons begins or at least before one is named and heading towards us.
- Know your zone: Do you live near the Gulf or Atlantic Coasts? Find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation area by contacting your local government/emergency management office or by checking the evacuation site website.
- Put Together an Emergency Kit: Put together a basic emergency. Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, generators and storm shutters.
- Write or review your Family Emergency Plan: Before an emergency happens, sit down with your family or close friends and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go, and what you will do in an emergency. Keep a copy of this plan in your emergency supplies kit or another safe place where you can access it in the event of a disaster. Start at the Ready.Gov emergency plan webpage.
- Review Your Insurance Policies: Review your insurance policies to ensure that you have adequate coverage for your home and personal property. Call Natwick Insurance if you need help with this! Our Team is here and ready to assist with all of your insurance needs. 321-735-0381
- Understand NWS forecast products, especially the meaning of National Weather Service NWS watches and warnings.
- Preparation tips for your home from the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes
- Preparation Tips for those with Chronic Illnesses
We hope you found this information on everything Tropical Storm and Hurricane Related! If you need any assistance with your personal or commercial insurance, don't hesitate to connect with the Natwick Insurance Team! NatwickInsurance.com / Info@NatwickInsurance.com / 321-735-0381 / Conveniently located in Satellite Beach, FL. Providing Insurance Solutions with Personal Service Since 2006
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