Triple-I: Eta Forecast to Make 2nd Florida Landfall This Week

For immediate release
Florida Press Office: 904-806-7813, markf@iii.org

SAINT JOHNS, Fla., Nov. 9, 2020 – After making landfall in the Florida Keys late on Sunday, Nov. 8 as a strong tropical storm, Floridians should remain prepared for Eta’s second landfall along the state’s Gulf Coast later this week, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I).

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts Eta’s ongoing impacts in Florida will include damaging winds, torrential rainfall, life-threatening flash flooding, isolated tornadoes and widespread power outages. The storm’s 310-mile wind field covers half the state. In addition to Florida, the NHC says the system also could impact portions of Alabama and Georgia as it moves northward in the Gulf of Mexico.

In what has become one of the most active Atlantic hurricane seasons on record with 28 named storms (tying the 2005 season), Eta is the 12th named storm to make a U.S. landfall this year and the first one in Florida. Prior to Eta, 2020’s landfalling storms included Hurricanes Hanna, Isaias, Laura, Sally, Delta and Zeta as well as Tropical Storms Bertha, Beta, Cristobal, Fay and Marco.

Damage caused by tropical cyclones are covered under different insurance policies, according to the Triple-I. 

Wind-caused property damage is covered under standard homeowners, renters and business insurance policies. Renters’ insurance covers a renter’s possessions while the landlord insures the structure.

Property damage to a home, a renter’s possessions, and a business – resulting from a flood – is generally covered under FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies, if the homeowner, renter or business has purchased one. Several private insurers also offer flood insurance.

Private-passenger vehicles damaged or destroyed by either wind or flooding are covered under the optional comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. Nearly 80 percent of U.S. drivers choose to purchase comprehensive coverage.

Through its Resilience Accelerator and the organization’s other educational materials, the Triple-I offers the following preparedness tips for Florida, Alabama and Georgia residents who may be impacted by Eta:

• Review your evacuation plan and, if you have a pet, your pet's evacuation plan
• Make sure your hurricane kit includes a minimum seven-day supply of non-perishable food and drinking water (one gallon per person, per day) for all family members and pets, as well as a one-week supply of medications for everyone in your household. Also include COVID-19 safety supplies such as two face coverings per person and hand sanitizer
• Write down the name and phone number of your insurer and insurance professional and keep this information either in your wallet or purse
• Purchase emergency supplies, such as batteries and flashlights, and a first aid kit
• Prepare your yard by removing all outdoor furniture, lawn items, planters and other materials that could become airborne in high winds
• Fill your car's gasoline tank because long gas lines and fuel shortages often follow in areas impacted by a tropical cyclone 

RELATED LINKS

FACTS & STATISTICS:
Hurricanes
Alabama Hurricane Fact File
Florida Hurricane Fact File
Georgia Hurricane Fact File

CONSUMER INFORMATION:
Catastrophes: Insurance Issues
Hurricane Season Insurance Checklist
How to Prepare for Hurricane Season
Hurricane Season Insurance Guide
Hurricanes and Windstorm Deductibles
Understanding Your Insurance Deductible
Preparing an Effective Evacuation Plan
Brochure: Settling Insurance Claims After A Disaster
Spotlight on Flood Insurance
Facts About Flood Insurance
Recovering from a Flood

INFOGRAPHICS:
What Are Hurricane Deductibles?
How to Prepare for Hurricane Season
How to File a Flood Insurance Claim
Is Your Business Ready for Peak Hurricane Season?

EXTERNAL RESOURCES:
FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
NFIP Information for Insurance Agents

RELATED VIDEOS:
Triple-I Tropical Storm Eta Update – Nov. 9, 2020
Hurricane Insurance Guide
Insurance Check Up: Homeowners and Hurricane/Flood Insurance
Create a Home Inventory 

The Triple-I has a full library of educational videos on its YouTube Channel. Information about Triple-I mobile apps can be found here.