Triple-I: Updated CSU Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast Calls for ‘Above-Average’ Activity

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

ST. JOHNS, Fla., July 6, 2023— An updated 2023 Atlantic hurricane season forecast from Colorado State University (CSU) released today projects more tropical cyclone activity than CSU previously anticipated.

Phil Klotzbach, Ph.D., an Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) non-resident scholar and a senior research scientist in the Department of Atmospheric Science at CSU, and his colleagues are forecasting 18 named storms (including the four that have already formed), nine hurricanes and four major hurricanes. Major hurricanes are defined as those with wind speeds reaching Category 3, 4 or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. In its last forecast issued on June 1, CSU envisioned 15 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes this season.

Three named storms (Arlene, Bret and Cindy) formed in the Atlantic basin in June and an unnamed subtropical storm formed in January. Fourteen named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes develop in a typical year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

“We have increased our forecast and now call for an above-average Atlantic basin hurricane season in 2023, although uncertainty with this outlook is larger than normal,” Klotzbach said. “While we continue to anticipate a robust El Niño for the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, most of the tropical and subtropical Atlantic now has record warm sea surface temperatures.”

Klotzbach added, “El Niño increases vertical wind shear in the Caribbean and tropical Atlantic, but the extreme anomalous warmth in the tropical and subtropical Atlantic may counteract some of the typical El Niño-driven increase in vertical wind shear.”

The probability of a major hurricane landfall along the coastlines of the continental U.S. this season is estimated to be 50 percent, which is above the long-period average (1880-2020) of 43 percent.   

“Those residing in hurricane-prone states should take steps now to reduce their risks from wind and water-caused property damage,” said Sean Kevelighan, CEO, Triple-I. “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. That also means exploring flood insurance since flood-caused damage is not covered under standard home, condo, renters, or business insurance policies.”

Flood policies can be purchased through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and numerous private insurers. Private-passenger vehicles damaged or destroyed by either wind or flooding are covered under the optional comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy.

Through its resilience portal and other educational materials, the Triple-I offers numerous hurricane season preparedness tips.

RELATED LINKS

Video:                          Dr. Klotzbach discusses CSU’s updated Atlantic hurricane season forecast
Facts & Statistics:        Hurricanes
Article:                         Spotlight on Catastrophes: Insurance Issues
Infographics:               10 Tips to Protect Your Home and Finances When Storms Blow into Town
                                   What are Hurricane Deductibles?