The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season started June 1 and runs through November 30.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a “well-above-average” season. An “average” hurricane season consists of 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes. For 2024, NOAA is expecting 17 to 25 named storms, 8 to 13 of which could become hurricanes, with 4 to 7 expected to be major storms. NOAA attributes this increase in activity to an extremely warm tropical Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico as well as the expectation that a La Niña will develop in the Pacific. Reduced Atlantic trade winds and less wind shear are also expected to contribute to tropical storm formation.
As with years past, the 2024 hurricane season will likely bring with it a torrent of insurance coverage disputes and related litigation from the resultant storm damages. Causation disputes frequently arise as a result of hurricane and tropical storm damage. A property may be damaged by both wind, which is covered, and flooding, which is an excluded cause of loss. As such, it is important for policyholders to accurately document their losses to their insurer. Likewise, insurers need to conduct detailed investigations to determine the cause of loss and the extent of the damages resulting from a hurricane or tropical storm.
Horst Krekstein & Runyon will continue to monitor these important issues and report any significant developments. Please contact any member of our firm for more information or inquiries.