A Major Hurricane Landfall Seems Likely.
Are you in an evacuation zone? Find out if you live in a Hurricane Evacuation Zone in Florida.
Florida is bracing for what seems to be a major hurricane landfall happening on Thursday, September 26, 2024, near or on Florida’s Panhandle.
41 counties in Florida are under a state of emergency as Ron DeSantis prepares the state for this potentially catastrophic storm.
When tropical storm Helene reaches hurricane status, the storm is expected to strengthen to at least a category 3.
Two main factors, among others, are pushing meteorologists to predict Helene will become a major storm.
The first factor is the high temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean. Right now, the heat content is setting records for this time of year, which is a favorable factor for strengthening hurricanes.
Next is wind sheer spreading apart over the developing hurricane. Normally, if wind sheer were present, it could weaken a developing hurricane while also influencing its path and circulation. With the wind sheer spreading apart, conditions for Helene to strengthen become greater.
If Hurricane Helene does hit Florida, what kind of weather conditions are expected?
With any major hurricane, strong winds are expected, and these are usually the main cause of widespread destruction.
Expect powerful sustained winds of at least 111 MPH with gusts that are even more powerful.
Storm surge in coastal areas is expected to be at least 9 feet high, and some local regions could see even higher levels. Some cities in the panhandle are predicted to have a storm surge between 10-15 feet.
Damage often seen with a category 3 hurricane includes:
- Sustained winds between 111 to 130 MPH
- Storm surge between 9 to 12 feet
- Damage to buildings and structures, including damage to roofs, windows, doors, siding materials, outdoor residential structures such as pool enclosures and storage sheds, and torn apart fences.
- Small and large trees can be downed.
- Mobile home communities can sustain major damage or be completely destroyed.
- Flooding in coastal regions with small to large structures being damaged or destroyed by crashing debris in the high waters or due to constant wave activity.
- Tornadoes are often accompanied by hurricanes, which are capable of causing severe local damage to communities.
What can you do if you’re in the path of Helene?
Prepare to evacuate if ordered to. You do not want to stay put in the event an evacuation order is issued for your area.
Besides the obvious items – gathering needed medications, food, water, and important documents – you want to ensure your home is ready for a hurricane.
Here’s a hurricane readiness checklist all Floridians in Helene’s path should read.
Put any small items that can become projectiles inside. If your home has shutters, ensure they are secured properly. Placing wood panels over your windows is a good alternative if you do not have shutters. Secure or repair any damaged windows and doors, as they can cause a breach during the storm.
Prepare for any potential property damage by taking steps now.
Take pictures and videos of your property before Helene arrives. This will help create a powerful claim in the event your home is damaged. By submitting your claim with overwhelming evidence, you increase your odds of a high claim payout. A picture or video of your home before the storm’s arrival that shows an intact, undamaged property, followed by pictures of your home with damage right after Helene, is powerful evidence that’s difficult to deny.
Check your insurance policy.
Make sure you review your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure you have sufficient coverage. If you need to make changes, contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
For any questions regarding Helene property damage claims, contact our law firm today.
Call us at (855) 585-2997 or messsage us online.
