The hurricane that forecasters have been worried about all season is finally here.
Hurricane Harvey is expected to be the first Category 3 storm and the biggest to hit the Gulf Coast since Hurricane Wilma struck Florida in October 2005. It’s also the strongest hurricane to hit the area known as the Texas Coastal Bend since Hurricane Celia struck in August 1970. Many who live and work in the hurricane's path have no experience with such a natural disaster, and may be unaware of just how devastating it can be.
|Protect homes & businesses
The Insurance Council of Texas (ICT) reminds all Texans in the path of Hurricane Harvey to heed evacuation orders. If they haven't done so already, residents also should take steps to protect their homes and businesses.
Harvey is currently a category 2 storm with winds in excess of 110 miles per hour, and is expected to be a category 3 when it makes landfall near Corpus Christi early Saturday morning. Governor Abbott has already declared a state of emergency for many counties along the coast.
According to the latest projections from the National Hurricane Center, Harvey may bring life-threatening storm surge, rainfall and wind damage. Estimates are that the storm surge could reach 6 to 12 feet above ground level. Flooding could also reach inland to southeast Texas and central Texas with potential flooding in Houston, Austin and San Antonio.
|Flood coverage
The ICT reminds property owners that they need a separate flood insurance policy to recover from damages caused by flooding. Flooding is not covered by the standard homeowners’ policy.
Related: Water, water everywhere: Flood claim questions answered
|Evacuation tips
If you have been directed to evacuate your home, or have chosen to evacuate, ICT urges you to please take the following steps:
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- Secure your home or business, including boarding up windows and securing any loose personal items outside the home or business.
- Make sure you have a full tank of gas in your vehicle.
- Check your insurance policy for alternative living expenses (ALE) coverage and amount.
- Take chargers for mobile devices.
- Take sufficient supplies for a 3-7 day period. This includes water, non-perishable food, snacks, blankets and supplies for any pets that are evacuating with you.
- Bring all medicines and toiletries.
- Be patient! The roadways will likely be crowded with other Texans also trying to evacuate.
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ICT has the latest information on Harvey on its website as well as its Twitter and Facebook pages.
You can also keep up with Harvey on www.nhc.noaa.gov/
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Rosalie Donlon
Rosalie Donlon is the editor in chief of ALM's insurance and tax publications, including NU Property & Casualty magazine and NU PropertyCasualty360.com. You can contact her at [email protected].
