Experts aren’t sure if any change in climate will increase the number of hurricane storms. However, it is more likely that higher ocean temperatures and greater sea levels will increase their intensity and impact. If there is no action taken to improve the resilience of coastal and inland areas, stronger hurricanes will cause more deaths and more damage.

There are many climate-related factors that can affect hurricanes:

Warmer Sea Surface Temperatures:

Tropical storm winds could become stronger and potentially cause more damage to landfall. NOAA suggests an increase with hurricane wind speeds rising by as much as 10 percent, Category 4 and 5 hurricanes are likely to happen. The warmer sea temperatures are making hurricanes stronger. A 2 degree Celsius scenario will see 10-15 percent more rainfall from cyclones.

Sea Level Rise:

A continuous rise in sea level will likely make future storms more destructive. Sea level is predicted to rise by 5% globally. Areas affected by hurricanes are shifting poleward. This could be due to rising global average temperatures. Changes in tropical storm patterns (a shift northwards in the Atlantic) could pose a greater risk to property and lives. However, more research is needed to better understand how these patterns may change.

How Hurricanes Pose a Threat:

Climate change is increasing the risk of hurricanes and threatening the coast. Although there have been severe storms in the past, it is not unusual to see them now. Recent history shows the increasing cost of hurricanes. In 2017 and 2018, four of the 10 most expensive hurricanes in America were recorded. Hurricane Katrina (2005), which cost $168 billion (2020 dollars), remains the most costly hurricane ever recorded.

The hurricane season in 2017 has broken many records, costing around $300 billion (2020 dollars). Increasing development in coastal areas is a key driver for the rising cost of hurricanes.

Hurricanes can cause damage to buildings and infrastructure. They also threaten water systems, energy systems, transport, and flood management systems.

Water supply and power system disruptions can lead to waterborne illness, mosquito-borne diseases, and hospital closures.

How To Build Resilience:

One way to decrease future storms is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. You can also help communities to increase their resilience to hurricanes by:

• Protecting the coast’s wetlands, dunes and reefs is essential to absorb storm surges, as well as ensure that development and building do not happen in danger.
• Rebuilding beaches and improving infrastructure that provides coastal protection such as seawalls.
• Flood damage can be reduced by elevating flood-prone buildings
• Encourage residents living in areas with low hurricane risk to buy flood insurance.
• Designing structures that are resilient to flying debris and high winds.
• You can prepare for a storm’s arrival immediately by board windows and clearing any potential flying debris.

If you are looking for expert assistance in your Hurricane Damage Insurance claim, then you can contact the team of ClaimsPro USA.