This year’s Atlantic hurricane season is expected to bring a higher level of tropical cyclone activity than previously anticipated, according to an updated forecast from Colorado State University.
The new forecast now calls for a total of 18 named storms, including the four that have already formed, as well as nine hurricanes and four major hurricanes.
CSU’s previous forecast projected 15 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes for the season.
The Atlantic basin witnessed the formation of three named storms in June, in addition to an unnamed subtropical storm that developed in January.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a typical year sees the formation of 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.
Dr. Phil Klotzbach, a non-resident scholar at the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) and a senior research scientist in the Department of Atmospheric Science at CSU, said the forecast has been increased to an “above-average” season following observations that “extreme anomalous warmth in the tropical and subtropical Atlantic may counteract some of the typical El Niño-driven increase in vertical wind shear.”
CSU’s forecast also placed the probability of a major hurricane making landfall along the continental US coastlines this season at 50%, which is higher than the 43% long-period average from 1880 to 2020.
With the increased risk of hurricane activity, Triple-I CEO Sean Kevelighan urged residents in hurricane-prone states to take proactive measures to reduce their exposure to wind and water-caused property damage.
“If they haven’t done so already, homeowners, condo owners, renters, and business owners should review their policies with an insurance professional to make sure they have the right types and amounts of coverage,” said Kevelighan. “That also means exploring flood insurance since flood-caused damage is not covered under standard home, condo, renters, or business insurance policies.”
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