Tropical Storm Dorian May Reach Major Hurricane Strength in Florida Over Labor Day Weekend

For immediate release
New York Press Office: (212) 346-5500; media@iii.org

NEW YORK, August 28, 2019 —Florida’s East Coast could soon experience hurricane conditions because of Tropical Storm Dorian, according to a U.S. federal government statement issued today.

The National Hurricane Center’s (NHC) latest five-day forecast has Dorian approaching Florida’s East Coast at hurricane strength by Sunday, Sept. 1, with a potential landfall later during the Labor Day weekend, which continues through Monday, Sept. 2. The NHC’s projection of the storm’s probable path also includes Georgia’s coastline.

Dr. Phil Klotzbach, an I.I.I. non-resident scholar, has also been tracking Dorian and provided a video update yesterday on its progress.

The I.I.I. offers the following guidance to those who live and work along the East Coast of Florida and Georgia:

• 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
• Secure drinking water and non-perishable food; both are essential for all household members in case of prolonged power outages. It is recommended you have one gallon of drinking water per person per day for up to seven days
• Prepare your yard by removing all outdoor furniture, lawn items, planters and other materials that could be picked up by high winds
• Fill your car's gasoline tank because long gas lines and fuel shortages often follow a major weather event
• Review your evacuation plan and, if you have a pet, your pet's evacuation plan
• Take inventory; there are many mobile app options which can help you create and store a room-by-room record of your belongings

 
Wind-caused property damage is covered under standard homeowners, renters and business insurance policies, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I). Renters’ insurance covers a renter’s possessions; 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. There are, however, a few private insurers who 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.

RELATED LINKS:

Hurricane Fact Files: Florida, Georgia
Facts and Statistics: Hurricanes
Infographic: Hurricane Deductibles
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety: What to Do If a Hurricane Is Coming

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

THE I.I.I. IS A NONPROFIT, COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.

Insurance Information Institute, 110 William Street, New York, NY 10038; (212) 346-5500; www.iii.org