How Will Climate Change Affect Hurricane Activity?

Climate change is ongoing. In particular, mankind’s impact on the climate has already caused ocean temperatures to rise and has altered the climate in many parts of the world. To date, there has been no concerted effort to stop climate change, so it is reasonable to think about how climate change will change our future.

As Daytona Beach hurricane insurance claims attorneys, we are curious to know what scientists have been saying about how climate change will impact hurricane activity. These storms already cause considerable damage in Florida and surrounding states. Will the changing climate make them more dangerous?

Yes, Hurricanes will Probably Intensify

According to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, scientists are undecided about whether climate change will make hurricanes more frequent. However, they do believe that storms will become stronger given the changes in surface sea temperatures. In fact, the models predict a 45-87% increase in Category 4 or 5 hurricanes going forward compared to what we have seen in the past decades.

According to computer models, warmer surface sea temperatures will increase winds by up to 11 miles per hour. Rainfall amounts could also increase by around 20%, which will lead to more flooding and destruction. Hurricane Harvey is a good example of this, since the water that it dumped caused a major amount of destruction.

Furthermore, sea levels are rising, which will expand the zones that suffer damage from a hurricane. Combined with more people moving to Florida, and hurricanes could cause much more damage in the future.

No, There Might Not Be More Hurricanes

As the Union of Concerned Scientists note, studies that have shown hurricanes becoming more destructive over the past 15 years do not show a greater number of hurricanes. The number of hurricanes that form each year varies considerably, and this has been true even with the climate changing dramatically over the past 15 years.

So, in sum, the number of storms might not go up. However, this isn’t much comfort. Even one major Category 5 hurricane is enough to devastate a community and cause a loss of life and property damage.

How Should You Respond to Climate Change?

Unfortunately, there are no easy solutions to climate change. Individuals can try to limit their carbon footprints, recycle, and drive hybrid vehicles. But climate change is an international issue, and the solutions must be international, involving all the countries, including China and India. Climate change truly requires a global response.

Individuals, however, can prepare their families for hurricanes. First, you should buy adequate hurricane insurance so that your home is covered in the event of a storm. You might need to buy your insurance through the Florida Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, which is an insurance pool set up for people who can’t get private hurricane insurance.

Next, develop a disaster plan and a safety kit, both of which will help keep your family safe during a storm. Even if a hurricane lands, you don’t need to endanger life and limb.