Hurricane season officially started on June 1. 2022. We are already preparing for two potential storms, Alex and Bonnie, which are forming in the Atlantic.
For the seventh year in a row, experts are predicting another above-average hurricane season, anticipating between 14 and 21 named storms, 6 to 10 of which could become hurricanes. The increased activity this hurricane season is due to several factors including: the ongoing La Niña, warmer than normal ocean temperatures, weaker Atlantic trade winds, and an enhanced west African monsoon.
Property insurers are already bracing for the wind, rain, surface water and flood claims that are bound to emerge. Based on the predicted above-average season, 2022 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 excluded. 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.