Floridians should be on high alert for the impacts of Tropical Storm Idalia, which is expected to strengthen to a Category 1 hurricane later Monday and intensify to a Category 3 major hurricane in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, before making landfall along Florida’s western Gulf Coast on Wednesday, Aug. 30, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I).

The strengthening storm is forecast to generate significant impacts in coastal and inland areas in Florida, with wind speeds up to 115 mph and storm surge as high as 11 feet along Florida’s Gulf Coast at landfall.

In an update Monday morning, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) stated that Idalia’s impacts in Florida will include damaging winds, torrential rainfall, life-threatening storm surge and flash flooding, isolated tornadoes and widespread power outages. The NHC said Idalia will also affect other Southeast states – including Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.

A variety of storm warnings (hurricane, tropical storm, storm surge) have been issued across much of the Florida Peninsula and parts of South Georgia. A state of emergency has been declared for 46 of Florida’s 67 counties. Idalia is the 10^th named storm of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season.

“It should be emphasized that only a small deviation in the track could cause a big change in Idalia’s landfall location in Florida due to the paralleling track to the west coast of the state,” NHC forecasters warned Monday morning. They added, “Rapid intensification has become extremely likely before landfall.”

Preparedness Tips

The Triple-I offers the following preparedness tips for all residents in the path of the storm:

• Review your evacuation plan and, if you have a pet, your pet's evacuation plan
• Make sure your hurricane kit includes a minimum 14-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 two-week supply of medications for everyone in your household
• 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 so you can receive weather alerts
• Prepare your yard by removing all outdoor furniture, lawn items, planters and other materials that could become airborne due to high winds
• Follow all evacuation orders from local officials
• Fill your car's gasoline tank

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 covered under a FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy or a private flood insurance policy, if the homeowner, renter or business has purchased one.

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

Video:

Triple-I Non-Resident Scholar Dr. Phil Klotzbach Discusses Hurricane Idalia

Hurricane Preparedness Tips

Facts & Statistics:

Hurricanes

Articles:

Catastrophes: Insurance Issues

Understanding Your Insurance Deductibles

Five Steps to Preparing an Effective Evacuation Plan

Flood: State of the Risk

Infographic:

What Are Hurricane Deductibles?

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