Ted Gregory

The last ten Novembers saw a total of 17 PCS catastrophe designations, which consisted of ten wind and thunderstorm events, three wildland fires, three winter storms, and one earthquake.

In the last ten years, there’s been 32 PCS catastrophe events in October, including 20 wind and thunderstorm events, four hurricanes, five wildland fires, two tropical storms, and one winter storm.

The NOAA Climate Prediction Center has raised the likelihood of an above-normal 2020 hurricane season to an 85 percent chance.

The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is still expected to be a busy one, despite a brief lull in activity after a fast start in May and June. Although the hurricane season officially started on June 1, the formation of tropical cyclones is possible at any time, as shown by the formations of tropical storms Arthur and Bertha on May 16 and 27 respectively.

Last year tied for the second most active July in PCS® history, with seven designated catastrophes, including five wind and thunderstorm events, an earthquake, and a hurricane.

According to the forecast, there’s a 69 percent probability that at least one major hurricane (categories 3-5) could make landfall along the entire continental United States coastline.

Last year was the most active May in the decade with seven catastrophes totaling more than $5.8 billion in insured losses.

With the start of spring, we look ahead to April and warmer weather, which often translates to more wind and thunderstorm activity. PCS® has designated 50 April catastrophes since 2010, which have resulted in approximately $41 billion in insured losses and more than 5.6 million claims.

Though winter begins to wind down in March, major storms remain a possibility along with other severe weather. In fact, last year PCS® designated one winter storm and three wind and thunderstorm events in March. The four catastrophes combined for 247,650 claims with $2.26 billion in insured losses.

February can be an active month for catastrophes, with the threat of winter storms and wind and thunderstorm events.

With winter underway, a historical review of January data shows the potential risks that may come with the new year.

December traditionally experiences catastrophes from wind and thunderstorm events or winter storms, but in recent years, wildfires have been a growing threat.

With hurricane season ending officially on November 30, we look ahead to the potential catastrophe risks for the month.

October marks the end of peak hurricane season. While the fourth quarter generally tends to be less active than the third, insurers should still be vigilant in preparing to assist policyholders in case of late-season events.

The National Hurricane Center has increased the likelihood of “above-normal” activity in the Atlantic Basin for the remainder of the 2019 hurricane season