Lower Price, Higher Risk
Summer is right around the corner. And that means hot days by the pool, ice cold lemonade, and perhaps a more affordable family getaway. Destinations from the Carolinas to the Caribbean Islands typically offer big time discounts around late summer into early fall. But, before you swipe your credit card, understand that lower price can mean higher risk.
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!
It’s important to understand the statistics. If you do your online homework, you’ll run into a lot of numbers and stats. Here is the big one, a typical Atlantic Hurricane Season produces 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes (hurricanes rated a category 3 or higher). However, some recent years have been rather active. For example in 2017, 17 total storms occurred with 10 hurricanes and a whopping 6 major hurricanes, including Harvey, Irma and Maria. This year tallied up $282 billion in damage. Unfortunately, the 2018 hurricane season was also above normal with 15 total storms, 8 hurricanes and 2 major hurricanes, including Michael and Florence. 2018 racked up $46 billion in damages. Needless to say, hurricane season has been active in recent years. In 2019, we are expecting near normal storm numbers, but we are concerned about a greater impact risk to the U.S. mainland (keep this in mind when scheduling trips!)
The Takeaway…
It’s important to understand that there is large variability from season to season, and the number of total storms forecast may or may not play a role in what actually can affect you and your family’s summer getaway. If you take the appropriate measures to ensure safety and reimbursement for trip cancellation, odds are that you should make out okay! Happy travels!
