Hurricane and emergency preparedness planning, risk evaluation and action steps that will be taken are each part of a process that evolves as a known weather event develops and moves closer to landfall.

For 2021, Colorado State university (CSU) hurricane researchers are predicting an above-average Atlantic hurricane season, which typically runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. Specifically, CSU researchers believe there will be 17 named storms in 2021. This estimate is above the average 12.1 named storms per year that occurred from 1981-2010.

Of the predicted 17 named storms, eight are expected to become hurricanes and four could reach major hurricane strength with sustained winds of 111 miles per hour of more. These predictions are based on statistical models that use 40 years of historical hurricane season data and evaluate conditions like Atlantic sea surface temperature, sea level pressures, vertical wind shear levels and other factors.

The report also highlights the likelihood of hurricanes making landfall, breaking down probabilities by region as follows:
  • 69% for the entire coastline of the United States
  • 58% for the Caribbean
  • 45% for the East Coast of the United States
  • 44% for the Gulf Coast
It’s important to note that these are simply predictions. Still, it’s important for individuals to take the proper steps to prepare for severe storms, particularly if they live in or own property in hurricane-prone areas. This can involve securing property, creating an emergency plan and working with qualified insurance experts.

To read more about 2021 hurricane preparedness, click here.