This morning, Tropical Storm Ian strengthened into a hurricane and forecasters warn that it’ll only get stronger as it approaches the Gulf of Mexico this week. Hurricane Watches were issued for portions of Florida’s west coast, including north of Englewood to the Anclote River as well as Tampa and St. Petersburg. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Glades, Mainland Monroe, and Hendry Counties as well as Lake Okeechobee. According to the National Weather Service, hazardous conditions will extended well away from the center of the system, posing potential threats to South Florida although direct landfall to the area is unlikely.
On Monday, Ian was reported to be about 90 miles west-southwest of Grand Cayman Island and 275 miles southeast of the western tip of Cuba, according the National Hurricane Center. In Cuba, Ian’s storm surge is expected to raise water levels from 9 to 14 feet above normal tide levels but is predicted to be less severe in Florida with waters 5 to 8 feet higher than normal in the Tampa Bay area.
While Ian’s path continues to change, predictions currently call for the storm to remain off of Florida’s western coast moving north toward the Panhandle. With that being said, “experts are urging everyone in the region to have an emergency plan in place, even if the latest track doesn’t show the storm making landfall in their area.”
Are you wondering how to find your evacuation zone? Click here.
When it comes preparing for Hurricane Ian, here’s a preparedness checklist provided by FEMA: FEMA Urges Preparedness Now for Tropical Storm Ian.
Pro Tip: Keep in mind that when it comes to insurance, every homeowner’s policy is different, so it’s critical for someone to review your policy who knows what to look for, so you can understand what you do and do not have coverage for before it’s too late.
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If you have experienced an insurance loss from a hurricane, tropical storm or other major weather event, don’t be surprised if the insurance company’s first reaction is to claim that your damage is due to some pre-existing condition or assert that your claim is not covered under the terms of your policy or even cancel your policy based on recently-discovered “errors” in your application.
But don’t worry, experienced and aggressive attorneys from ILG are on your side and will advocate on your behalf to see that you get the benefits you are entitled to. At ILG, we take the time to analyze and interpret your policy and understand the full measure of damages available to you. We work with construction experts, restoration professionals and others to determine the facts.
*Sources:
https://www.accuweather.com/en/hurricane/ian-now-a-hurricane-set-to-rapidly-intensify-before-pummeling-florida/1252603
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/weather/hurricane/fl-ne-will-hurricane-ian-hit-miami-20220924-w5kvmnmqpngknodjrjh5mtzrcq-story.html
https://www.npr.org/2022/09/26/1125052571/tropical-storm-ian-florida-hurricane
