Lower Price, Higher Risk
Summer is here and that means days by the pool, cold drinks, and perhaps even some vacation time with the family. Locations from the Carolinas to the Caribbean Islands usually offer large discounts this time of year, but there may be a bit of a catch! Summer means prime hurricane season, which means you need to have an understanding of what to expect.
From the eastern shores of Miami to Cape Hatteras on the Carolina coast, there’s roughly a 48% chance of being struck by a tropical storm or hurricane within the typical hurricane season stretching from June 1st through November 30th. The peak months with the highest risk are mid-August through mid-October.
That being said, the odds that a storm strikes during your specific vacation timeframe are pretty low. However, there is still some risk. So, should you cancel your plans? Not necessarily. But here is what you should do while planning that much needed getaway.
But wait, there’s more!
When making decisions, it is crucial to understand the numbers involved. A quick Google search will reveal a plethora of information that may be a bit overwhelming. Here’s the lowdown on what you need to know going into the hurricane season. First, the average number of named storms in a season has increased from 12 to 14, with 7 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes (hurricanes rated Category 3 or higher). Additionally, the Atlantic has been extremely active as of recent, with an average of 19.5 storms, 8.6 hurricanes, and 4.3 major hurricanes during the 2016 to 2021 period. We have also had a record 17 hurricanes hit the mainland US during this timeframe, with very costly hurricanes also impacting the Bahamas, US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico (all of which were directly hit by a Category 4 or 5 storm at some point).
The Takeaway…
It's always important to remember that even if the seasonal projections are active or inactive, it really only takes one storm to cause a significant impact! The best course of action is to have a contingency plan and then keep tabs on the tropics leading up to your summer getaway. If you take the appropriate measures to ensure safety and reimbursement for trip cancellation, the odds are that you should make out okay! Safe travels!
