July 17, 2023
A Comprehensive Guide to Hurricane Preparedness for Your Home in 2023
As we approach the 2023 hurricane season, it’s crucial to ensure that your home, especially your roof, is prepared to withstand the potential storms. At Family First Exteriors, we believe that safeguarding your home should be part of your annual home maintenance routine, especially if you live along the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, or Pacific coastlines.
Understanding the 2023 Hurricane Season
The official Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). However, storms can occur earlier or later. The Eastern Pacific season starts a bit earlier, beginning on May 15th. If your home is in a high-risk area, it’s crucial to be proactive in preparing for the upcoming hurricane season.
The Science Behind Hurricanes
Hurricanes form primarily due to humid tropical air evaporating from the sun-warmed ocean. This moist air condenses into clouds, which grow and form thunderstorms. Low pressure near the ocean surface can increase the upward movement of warm, moist air, leading to the formation of hurricanes.
These storms continue to strengthen as they feed on warm moist ocean waters, but they typically start to weaken once they move into cooler regions or over land. The direction of storm winds can be clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on whether the system is north or south of the equator.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration categorizes storms by wind speed. Category 1 hurricanes have sustained wind speeds at or greater than 74 miles per hour. Hurricanes in category 5 can have sustained winds over 157 miles per hour and cause catastrophic damage.
2023 Hurricane Forecasts
Hurricane experts attempt to predict the number of tropical storms and potential hurricanes for each upcoming season. According to Dan Kottlowski, senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, 2023 looks to be an average season for tropical activity in the Atlantic, with the following predictions:
- 11-15 named storms
- 4-8 hurricanes
- 1-3 major hurricanes
During the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season, there were 14 named storms. If 2023 plays out as predicted by AccuWeather, it will be a similarly active hurricane season.
Hurricane Safety Measures
While hurricanes are a fact of life, especially if you live near or on the ocean, there are several strategies you can take to safeguard your home and family. These include:
- Following and obeying evacuation orders.
- Creating an emergency plan.
- Stocking up on supplies.
- Planning for power outages.
- Preparing your home by shuttering windows, cleaning gutters and downspouts, and stowing outdoor equipment.
Protecting Your Roof During a Hurricane
Whether it’s a catastrophic hurricane or a powerful tropical depression, wind gusts, flying debris, and torrential downpours can cause considerable damage to your home. Roofs are especially vulnerable due to their exposed location and large surface area. Storm winds can cause powerful uplift forces capable of peeling shingles off the roof’s surface.
At Family First Exteriors, we recommend roofs covered in specialty roofing products, like shingles engineered for high wind resistance. These are designed to be ready for possible strong winds and driving rain.
Remember, preparation is key. If you need assistance in preparing your roof for the upcoming hurricane season, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Family First Exteriors. Our team of experts is ready to help ensure your home is ready to weather the storm.