Everything seems to run smoothly until a storm comes along.
With wild winds, power going out, flooding, and property damage, hurricane season gets fierce. Many people don’t know about the Atlantic hurricane season. These storm patterns can have a major impact on your business. Knowing when they begin and how long they last, what you can do to prepare, and how you can keep your business safe can make a big difference for your business.
This article is all about hurricanes along the Atlantic side of the US - the more you know, the better protection you can have.
How Atlantic Hurricanes Form
According to NASA, hurricanes are the most violent storms on this planet. Heat and water cause this maelstrom to form. Hurricanes form over warm water near the equator. The hot air rising from the ocean’s surface creates lower pressure below. This process continues building pressure, swirling the air, and getting hotter while the hot air rises and forms clouds. The intensity grows and swirls until it begins to move and release the pent up moisture in the pouring rain.
When do Storms Become Hurricanes?
Hurricanes are intense cyclone storms that form in tropical areas. When this storm reaches wind speeds over 40 mph, then it becomes classified as a tropical storm. Once it has reached this level, the World Meteorological Organization gives it a name. Once these winds exceed 75 mph, the storm gets reclassified as a hurricane. The Saffir-Simpson scale defines the different categories of hurricanes.
- Category 1: 74 - 95 mph
- Category 2: 96 - 110 mph
- Category 3: 111 - 129 mph
- Category 4: 130 - 156 mph
- Category 5: 157+
The Atlantic and Hurricane Season
The hurricane season for the Atlantic area runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. Right now, we are smack dab in the middle of it. Most areas along the southern and eastern coasts have been included in the Atlantic basin, including the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. Most years will see heavy storms, some years have hurricanes, and the worst years have higher category hurricanes. Since 1924, only 5 Atlantic hurricanes have hit the US, according to History.com.
This Year - Atlantic Coast Hurricanes Look Fierce
According to the National Weather Service, the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season will most likely be more active than most years. The National Weather Service’s division known as NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) plans on having between 13-19 named storms, 6 - 10 hurricanes, and 1 category 3 or higher hurricane. This amount of hurricane and named storms is above the 30-year average.
Protecting Your Business from 2020 Hurricanes
Intense weather storms such as hurricanes can wreak havoc on cities, homes, and businesses. Some companies end up not opening their doors ever again. Here at Jarvis Construction, it is our mission to make sure you are prepared for the worst storms, and if one does strike, that you are able to rebound quickly. Our team has years of experience working with insurance companies to make sure you get the financing needed to complete your project.