Triple-I: Henri to Impact Long Island, New England

For immediate release Michael Barry, 917-923-8245, mfbarry@optonline.net Mark Friedlander, 904-806-7813, markfri2002@yahoo.com

NEW YORK, Aug. 20, 2021—Residents from New York’s Long Island to Maine should prepare for Tropical Storm Henri, which could make landfall in southern New England this weekend (Aug. 21-22), according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I).

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns Henri’s impacts will likely include damaging winds, torrential rainfall, life-threatening storm surge, flash flooding, and power outages. 

“Henri is expected to become a hurricane by Saturday [Aug.21] and be at or near hurricane strength when it makes landfall in southern New England,” the NHC stated, in a public advisory this morning.

Hurricane, tropical storm, and storm surge watches have been issued for portions of New York’s Long Island, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

The last landfalling hurricane in New England was Hurricane Bob, a Category 2 storm which struck Block Island, Rhode Island, with sustained winds reaching 105 miles per hour on Aug. 19, 1991. The storm caused damages generally estimated at $1.5 billion, a figure equal to about $3 billion in today’s dollars.

Thus far in the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season, there have been eight named storms and two hurricanes: Elsa and Grace. Elsa and Fred made landfall in Florida as tropical storms. A typical hurricane season has 14 named storms and seven hurricanes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Hurricane season continues through Nov. 30.

Damage caused by hurricanes and tropical storms 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 a FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy, if the homeowner, renter or business has purchased one. Dozens of 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 preparedness tips for all residents in Henri’s path:

• 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
• Fully charge your cell phones
• Prepare your yard by removing all outdoor furniture, lawn items, planters and other materials that could become airborne due to 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:

Videos: Tropical Storm Henri Update: Triple-I Non-Resident Scholar Dr. Phil Klotzbach Henri Preparedness Tips

Facts & Statistics:  Hurricanes

Articles: Catastrophes: Insurance Issues Hurricanes and Windstorm Deductibles Understanding Your Insurance Deductible Preparing an Effective Evacuation Plan 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 File a Flood Insurance Claim Is Your Business Ready for Peak Hurricane Season

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