Hurricane season is bringing wetter storms, more rapid intensification, and higher surge risk—prepare for wind, rain, and flooding
Atlantic hurricane activity has stayed elevated relative to long‑term averages since 2020, and record‑warm Atlantic waters helped drive an active 2023 season with 20 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes (NOAA). While the global number of tropical cyclones has not shown a clear long‑term increase, the share of very intense storms and hurricane rainfall rates are increasing as the climate warms; rapid‑intensification events are also becoming more likely (NOAA/GFDL; IPCC AR6). Sea level is at a record high and rising ~4–5 mm/yr, amplifying storm‑surge flooding baselines (WMO 2023). Homeowners in and near coastal areas should plan for damaging winds, extreme rain, and surge‑driven flooding.
To help homeowners minimize loss if a hurricane occurs, this guide compiles code‑informed, research‑backed steps to reduce water intrusion and flood damage. In addition, having the right insurance coverages in place before the storm ensures financial protection. Under FEMA’s modernized pricing (Risk Rating 2.0), NFIP premiums vary by property‑specific risk; a national average around ~$1,000/year is more representative today (low‑risk homes can still be in the low hundreds; high‑risk properties often pay several thousand) (Insurance Information Institute; FEMA Risk Rating 2.0; NFIP coverage).
A higher risk of hurricanes to end 2020 season
Risk today is shaped less by how many storms form and more by how intense and wet they become. Observations show increases in the proportion of Category 4–5 storms, higher rain rates (~7% per °C), and more rapid intensification episodes (e.g., ≥30 kt in 24 hours) in the satellite era, with greenhouse warming and reduced aerosols among the drivers (NOAA/GFDL; IPCC AR6). In 2023, record‑warm Atlantic SSTs helped sustain 20 named storms despite El Niño (NOAA). For historical context from 2020’s busy season, see this analysis—its discussion of timing highlights how unusual late‑season intensity can be (would be September 21st).
Hurricanes remain the costliest U.S. disasters: tropical cyclones account for roughly half of all U.S. billion‑dollar disaster losses since 1980, totaling well over $1 trillion (NOAA NCEI). Recent events underscore the stakes—Hurricane Ian caused about $112 billion in U.S. damage, the U.S. saw a record 28 billion‑dollar disasters totaling ~$92.9 billion in 2023 (NOAA), and early 2024’s Hurricane Beryl produced U.S. insured losses estimated around $2.5–$4.5 billion (Moody’s RMS). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasted a very busy end to the hurricane season which normally runs until November 30th. This includes the latest storm, Hurricane Laura, which could cause as much as $30 billion dollars in damage, according to AccuWeather estimates.
How to flood-proof your home
Heavier hurricane rainfall and higher baseline sea levels elevate flood risk along coasts and well inland. Hurricane rain rates increase about 7% per °C of warming (IPCC AR6), and sea‑level rise is amplifying storm‑surge flooding (WMO 2023). If you plan to buy flood insurance, remember that new NFIP policies typically have a 30‑day waiting period before coverage takes effect, with limited exceptions such as certain loan closings (FEMA).
Openings and large doors are frequent failure points. Use impact‑rated windows/doors or tested shutters (ASTM E1886/E1996) and verify pressure ratings and installation; FEMA’s Hurricane Ian Mitigation Assessment Team details best practices for openings, soffits, and water entry control (FEMA MAT). Resources like the Home Living Lab can help with general tips, but prioritize code‑approved, tested impact protection. For garage doors—often the weakest link—choose wind‑pressure‑ (and where required, impact‑) rated assemblies with proper track/bracing per product approvals (ICC 600‑2023).
Along with windows, your home’s roof should also be a primary consideration. At reroof, add a sealed roof deck (secondary water barrier), upgrade to ring‑shank nails with correct spacing, and strengthen edge securement—core elements of the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof standard, reflected in ICC 600‑2023 and post‑Ian investigations highlighting perimeter and flashing vulnerabilities (RICOWI). Florida’s 2023 Residential Code requires a secondary water barrier in many reroofs, accelerating sealed‑deck adoption (Florida Building Code 2023). Designing to the 2024 IBC/ASCE 7‑22 wind loads improves component/cladding reliability (2024 IBC).
You can also protect your home from a flood by:
- Keeping your gutters, downspouts, and yard drains clear so water sheds away from walls and the foundation; add splash blocks or extensions to discharge several feet from the structure.
- Sealing cracks in your foundation and providing code‑compliant flood openings where required; in flood‑prone areas, use flood‑damage‑resistant materials below elevated floors per ASCE 24‑23.
- Adjusting grading and landscaping to slope away from the building; integrate swales/French drains where appropriate, and protect low entries with properly detailed thresholds and door sills to resist wind‑driven rain (FEMA MAT).
- Elevating critical equipment (water heater, HVAC, furnace, electrical panels) above the design flood elevation and installing backflow valves on sewer lines and a sump pump with battery backup where applicable (elevation/utility placement per ASCE 24‑23).
- Installing tested, deployable flood shields or door dams at exterior doors and garage thresholds; seal wall/roof penetrations, rework soffits with tested assemblies, and specify vents rated for wind‑driven rain to limit interior water entry (FEMA MAT).
Have the right insurance coverages in place
While working on flood‑proofing your home, it’s also important to reevaluate your insurance policies before a storm hits. Carriers may impose binding moratoriums as storms approach, so review limits, deductibles, and exclusions ahead of hurricane season.
Having homeowner’s insurance generally covers wind damage (often subject to a special hurricane/named‑storm deductible), but it excludes flood, including storm surge. Hurricane/named‑storm deductibles commonly range from 1%–5% of Coverage A and are triggered by policy‑specific conditions (e.g., a named‑storm declaration or NWS hurricane warning); confirm both the trigger and your out‑of‑pocket amount (Triple‑I). FEMA affirms storm surge is flood, requiring separate flood coverage (NFIP coverage).
Flood insurance costs and coverage vary. Under Risk Rating 2.0, the national NFIP average premium is around ~$1,000/year (property‑specific risks can push costs lower for low‑risk homes or into the several‑thousand‑dollar range for higher‑risk coastal/riverine properties). Standard NFIP limits are up to $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for contents; most new policies have a 30‑day waiting period, with limited exceptions such as loan closings. NFIP policies do not include Additional Living Expenses and have limitations for items in basements/crawlspaces; Increased Cost of Compliance can provide up to $30,000 for required elevation/floodproofing after substantial damage. Private flood policies may offer higher limits, ALE, different waiting periods, and competitive pricing depending on risk. Some insurers (e.g., Florida Citizens) require flood coverage for many homes regardless of FEMA zone—check current rules (FEMA Risk Rating 2.0; NFIP coverage; Triple‑I; NAIC private flood market; Florida Citizens; FEMA ICC).
One often overlooked part of preparing your home for flood insurance is documentation. Create a narrated, room‑by‑room video, photograph high‑value items and serial numbers, and store receipts/appraisals securely with 3‑2‑1 backups. Templates and guidance from the Insurance Information Institute, NAIC, and the IRS (Publication 584) make this easier; Ready.gov provides financial preparedness steps (EFFAK) and CISA outlines secure backup practices (3‑2‑1 rule). Resources like A2Z Organizing Solutions, LLC.
Too long, didn’t read?
Expect fewer storms to matter less than how intense and wet they get. Evidence shows more rapid intensification, heavier hurricane rainfall (~7%/°C), and higher surge from rising seas (NOAA/GFDL; IPCC AR6; WMO 2023). Tropical cyclones have caused well over $1T in U.S. losses since 1980 (NOAA NCEI). Prepare now: upgrade your roof to a sealed deck with enhanced nailing/edges (IBHS FORTIFIED), strengthen garage doors and openings, rework soffits/vents to block wind‑driven rain, elevate equipment, and provide flood openings per ASCE 24‑23. Pair homeowners (wind) with flood insurance (surge/overland), verify hurricane deductible triggers and NFIP limits/exclusions, note the 30‑day wait (loan‑closing exceptions), and keep a current photo/video home inventory with offsite/cloud backups.
