Navigating the Storm: The Complexities of Hurricane Season Amidst a Pandemic

The Unprecedented 2020 Hurricane Season

The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has been one of the most active on record, coinciding with a global pandemic, civil unrest, and unprecedented wildfire activity. These factors have strained resources and complicated disaster preparedness and recovery efforts. Despite advancements in forecasting and engineering, hurricane-related losses continue to rise, making resilience a critical issue.

Demographics: A Bigger Driver of Losses Than Climate Change

While climate change is often cited as the primary cause for increased hurricane losses, U.S. Census Bureau data suggests otherwise. The rapid growth of housing units in vulnerable areas, coupled with larger, more valuable homes, has driven up losses. For instance, nine of the ten costliest hurricanes in U.S. history occurred since 2004, with 2017, 2018, and 2019 being the largest insured property loss years.

Wetter Hurricanes: A Growing Threat

Hurricanes may not be more frequent or intense, but they are becoming wetter, leading to more inland flooding. This trend is expected to continue as the atmosphere warms, holding more moisture. Experts emphasize the importance of flood insurance, as inland flooding has caused more deaths in the U.S. over the past 30 years than any other hurricane-related threat.

In conclusion, while advancements in forecasting, modeling, and preparation have improved hurricane resilience, challenges remain. Building codes and standards, better communication, and public planning are areas with significant potential for improvement. For readers, it is crucial to stay informed, prepare adequately, and consider additional insurance coverage like flood insurance to mitigate potential losses.