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Grand Rapids, MI – In May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted 2010 to be an “active to extremely active” hurricane season. Foremost Insurance examines the reasons behind this to be better prepared to serve our customers in the event of a busy hurricane season.

“All of the major prediction centers are very close in identifying the likelihood for storms this season, and we pay very close attention to these so we can take care of our Foremost customers if a hurricane hits,” says Mike Steele, catastrophe manager.

The average works out to be:

  • Named Storms (top winds of 39 mph or higher):  14-23
  • Hurricanes (top winds of 74 mph or higher): 8-12
  • Major Hurricane (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of at least 111 mph): 3-7

Normal seasonal averages fall around 11 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes.

“There are a couple reasons for such high numbers,” explains Steele. “This season marks the warmest tropical Atlantic surface waters off sub-Sahara Africa in recorded history.  Think of this as a nursery for hurricanes.

“Second, the La Niña cycle, opposite of El Niño, is developing and beginning a 10-year cycle. The La Niña cycle is synonymous with major hurricane years like 1964 (Dora), 1969 (Camille), 1995 (Opal and Erin) and 2005 (Dennis, Katrina, Rita and Wilma).” 

While we can’t control when hurricanes happen or how severe they are, the best thing everyone can do is be prepared. 

“Just as we ask customers to take precautions and be ready, our company is ready for whatever comes our way,” adds Steele.  “We stay up to date on weather patterns and always have a primary catastrophe response team ready for deployment if a hurricane hits.  We stay ready and prepare for the worst so we are able to help our customers as quickly as possible in person or on the phones.” 

To learn more about our products or share feedback, visit www.Foremost.com, our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/ForemostInsurance or our Twitter page at www.Twitter.com/Foremost.