By Lynne McChristian, I.I.I. Media Spokesperson and Non-resident Scholar
The Insurance Information Institute, along with Colorado State University’s atmospheric research scientist Dr. Phil Klotzbach, will be conducting a satellite media tour on Tuesday, August 13 in Miami to talk about what may lie ahead for the remainder of the hurricane season. Nearly 20 media outlets have signed up to participate. We will be talking with news organizations throughout the U.S. about the rising frequency and severity of natural disasters and about what you can do to understand your risks and be ready to face them – both physically and financially.
Hurricane Season ebbs and flows. And, our collective attention spans mostly ebb. Granted, it’s hard to remain engaged with an event that lasts half a year. From June 1 to November 30, you hear the “Get Ready” message from multiple sources, and the human tendency to wait until a storm threat is on the doorstep makes preparedness more frenetic than necessary. Being hurricane ready is a smart goal, and now is an excellent time to put hurricane preparedness on the front burner. Peak hurricane season has arrived.
Mid-August through the end of October historically is when most hurricanes form. Remember HIM? Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria made landfall between mid-August and the end of September in 2017. Two Category 4 storms and one Category 5 occurred in a matter of weeks in a season predicted to be slightly above average. Last year’s Hurricane Michael hit in late October. While this year’s latest prediction is for a “near-average season,” hurricane researchers will tell you that it only takes one hurricane making landfall near you to break the law of averages.
Frankly, natural disasters do not ebb and flow; there is no rhythmic pattern to them. Forecasting science is constantly improving, and that means we have a better idea of where hurricanes may be heading. But estimating intensity remains a challenge. You can’t “go with the flow.” Rather, be ready for whatever the wind brings.
The following stations will be broadcasting live interviews (times are Eastern Standard):
8:10 AM: Norfolk, VA, Radio 47 WXGM-FM
8:20 AM: Minneapolis, MN, Radio 15 KWLM-AM
8:40 AM: Raleigh, NC, TV 25 WRAZ FOX
9:10 AM: Albuquerque, NM, Radio 47 KDAZ-FM
9:15 AM: Myrtle Beach, NC, TV 95 WPBF ABC
9:45 AM: Dallas, TX, Radio 5 KKVI-AM/FM
10:25 AM: Norfolk, VA, TV 44 WTKR CBS
12:00 PM: San Diego, CA, Radio 29 KOGO-AM
12:10 PM: Los Angeles, CA, Radio 2 KMET- AM
12:40 PM: St. Louis, MO, TV 21 KTVI FO
These stations are taping segments and should air them over the next few days:
Austin, TX, TV 40 KEYE CBS
Birmingham, AL, TV WBRC FOX
Charleston, SC, TV 94 WCIV ABC
Chattanooga, TN, TV 83 WRCB NBC
Chicago, IL, Radio 3 WSRB-FM
Columbus, OH, Radio 34 WSNY-AM
Fort Myers, FL, TV 55 WFTX FOX
Jacksonville, FL, WTLV NBC
Mobile-Pensacola, AL, TV 58 WPMI NBC
Myrtle Beach, SC, TV 95 WPDE ABC
Roanoke, VA, TV 67 WFXR FOX
Roanoke, VA, TV 68 WSET ABC
Savannah, GA, TV 93 WSAV NBC
San Antonio, TX, TV 31 WOAI NBC
Seattle, WA, Radio 12 KORE-FM
Tampa, FL, TV 11 WTSP CBS
The roster of stations is subject to change. If you’re in one of the cities listed, please tune in!