June 1st marked the beginning of the 2019 hurricane season. After over $50 billion in damages in 2018, a calm hurricane season would be a welcome relief for all of the Gulf Coast. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) just released this year’s hurricane outlook, and it doesn’t offer any reprieve.
When the NOAA compiles information for a hurricane outlook, it is difficult for the organization to predict which storms will make landfall. Some never meet land or dissipate before landfall. The NOAA was able to determine 2019 will have a similar hurricane season to the previous year. There is a 70% chance this season will have between nine and fifteen named storms. These named storms will have maximum winds of at least 39 miles per hour. Of the nine to fifteen named storms, about half are predicted to develop into full-fledged hurricanes with maximum winds of at least 74 miles per hour. Two to four of these hurricanes are predicted to develop into either Category 3,4, or 5 storms.
While much of the destruction wrought by hurricanes is obvious, some is subtler but just as costly. High winds cause a serious issue for commercial buildings. If winds create openings in the roofing systems or elsewhere on a building, this can allow rain to damage the interior. One hole in the roof caused by wind could cause thousands of dollars in interior damage. In business, this type of damage could force closures while repairs are made, resulting in significant business interruptions and lost revenue.
The economic impact of hurricanes lasts for much longer than the actual storm. Hurricane Harvey hit Texas almost two years ago, but many business owners are still fighting with insurance companies over payouts. Hurricanes and storms have the potential to cause millions or even billions in damages. Insurance companies are often reluctant to pay out on claims and try to mitigate payouts as much as possible. This can include undervaluing, delaying, or outright denying valid hurricane claims.
Texas Storm Damage Lawyers
At Raizner Law, our Texas storm damage lawyers believe policyholders deserve full protection under their policies. If you regularly pay your premiums and your insurance company is undervaluing, delaying, or denying your claim, contact us today for a free consultation to see how we can help.
