As Hurricane Debby churns through the Gulf of Mexico, its strength and trajectory have become the focus of intense scrutiny among insurance professionals. Our first Florida hurricane of the season gained strength and momentum throughout the weekend with the warm Gulf waters providing ample energy, fueling Debby’s rapid intensification. As of 11pm last night (August 4), Debby is forecast to make landfall later this morning on Florida’s Big Bend coast as a Category 1 storm with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph and forecasted maximum wind gusts of 110 mph. Landfall was expected somewhere between St. Marks and Horseshoe Beach. Rainfall amounts of 6-12 inches are expected in the storm’s direct path with maximum amounts of 18 inches. Hurricane force winds extend out as far as 45 miles from the center. Debby is then expected to move slowly across northern Florida as a tropical storm and into southern Georgia Monday and Tuesday, and be near the Georgia coast by Tuesday night. For the very latest on Debby, visit https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.
Meteorologists are closely monitoring the storm’s progress, noting that even slight shifts in its course could significantly alter the areas most affected. Some counties in the Big Bend ordered evacuation of mobile homes and low-lying and coastal areas. Leon County (Tallahassee) has opened six shelters in schools across the county. As Debby approaches, the possibility of severe flooding, damaging winds, and widespread power outages looms large. Overall, it is expected to be a big rainmaker, with the National Weather Service warning on X, “Potentially historic, heavy rainfall is forecast across southeast Georgia and South Carolina through Friday morning. This may mean areas of catastrophic flooding.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has taken decisive action, issuing a state of emergency for 61 of Florida’s 67 counties last Friday and mobilized various preparedness and response resources. In his announcement, he urged residents to prepare for the worst, emphasizing the importance of evacuation plans and emergency supplies. “Our state is no stranger to powerful storms, and while we hope for the best, we must prepare for the worst,” DeSantis stated. His call to action is a clear signal of the potential severity of Debby’s impact.
For those of us in the homeowners insurance business, we are engaged and ready to serve. Policyholders are looking for guidance and reassurance as they brace for Debby’s arrival. Let us help you ensure clear communication about coverage, claims processes, and emergency support, if we can be an extra pair of hands. As we face this storm together, I know our preparedness and responsiveness will rise to meet and exceed the demand. As I often say “give me assignments”!
Next up, the latest on the health of the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, how Citizens Property Insurance is executing its non-competitiveness directive with the private market, Florida’s expanding flood zones, and how one of our large metropolitan areas is beefing-up its stormwater management.
LMA Newsletter of 8-5-24
