Atlantic hurricanes threaten coastal states each year, causing widespread damage and losses. Since 1851, over 300 hurricanes have made landfall in the United States. A handful of states bear the brunt of those storms, forcing their residents to deal with the aftermath.
Here’s a look at where hurricanes tend to strike and some of the challenges they create, including bad faith insurance tactics and personal injuries.
4 Areas Hit By Hurricanes With The Greatest Frequency
The top four states that see the most hurricane activity are as follows:
Florida
Year after year, the Sunshine State gets bombarded with hurricanes and tropical storms.
Between 1851 and 2018, the state saw 120 hurricanes, 37 of which were Category 3 or higher. The state’s subtropical climate and warm waters fuel storm intensity. Its relatively narrow shape and positioning between two massive bodies of water also mean that storms often move clear across heavily populated areas from coast to coast.
Texas
During the same timespan, Texas was hit by 64 hurricanes; of those, 19 were Category 3 or higher. The Gulf Coast is highly susceptible to hurricanes and their damage, as the shallow, warm waters can amplify storm surges.
Unfortunately, many major Texas cities lack the infrastructure to deal with prolonged periods of heavy rain. Houston’s flooding during Hurricane Harvey in 2017 is a prime example.
North Carolina
Between 1851 and 2018, North Carolina was battered by 55 hurricanes. However, only seven were rated as Category 3 or higher. The problem is that many North Carolina residents are largely unprepared for these storms. When a Category 3 or stronger hurricane passes over, the results can be catastrophic.
Louisiana
Louisiana has been hit by 54 hurricanes in that same timeframe. While just 17 were Category 3 or higher, one of those storms included the infamous Hurricane Katrina. The state has significantly reworked its network of levees to help prevent future disasters, though many wonder whether enough has been done.
Are Hurricanes Common in Texas?
A quick look at FEMA’s hurricane risk map reveals that a large chunk of Texas’s coast is vulnerable to hurricanes. While it ranks a distant second to Florida, Texas is threatened by a hurricane making landfall every year.
If you live in the Lone Star State, it’s up to you to ensure that you and your loved ones are prepared for the worst. This is especially important if you live in a high-risk area.
Challenges That These Mega-Storms Create
Coastal areas are especially in danger of storm surges during a hurricane. This phenomenon can cause water levels to rise several feet, resulting in flooding and extensive structural damage. If you reside in a coastal area, tracking weather reports and prepping early is vital, as stores often run out of gasoline and other essentials.
Unfortunately, the danger and destruction associated with hurricanes aren’t the only things you need to be concerned about. Sometimes, insurance companies will dispute valid claims, making it hard to get the money you need to rebuild after a storm.
Contact the Texas Personal Injury Lawyers from Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers for Help Today, Call (888) 603-3636
If you live in a part of Texas where hurricanes hit, it’s essential to know your rights as an insured consumer. This means reviewing your policy to ensure it covers you and your home adequately. For instance, you may want to verify that your policy protects against hurricane-related water intrusion and flood damage.
Being prepared is the best way to keep yourself and your loved ones safe before, during, and after extreme weather events. Call to set up a free consultation with the Texas personal injury lawyers at Zehl & Associates as part of your storm preparations.
For more information, please contact our personal injury attorneys in Midland at Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Harris County, Midland County, and throughout the state of Texas. We are located in Houston and Midland and throughout the state of Texas:
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
Open 24 hours
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
306 W Wall St Suite 701, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 220-0000
Open 24 hours