Peak Atlantic hurricane season is here! This is the time when Virginia typically experiences its most destructive tropical cyclones. NOAA's forecast calls for above-normal tropical activity this hurricane season. NOAA expects 4 to 7 major hurricanes (category 3, 4, or 5) with winds of 111 mph or higher. These predictions are influenced by La Nina conditions in the Pacific, near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, lower Atlantic trade winds, and less wind shear.
Here at NNIC, we never underestimate the possible impact any big storm can have on Virginians, and for good reason. We know from experience it only takes one hurricane to devastate your home and property, resulting in costly wind and flood damage.
Start prepping for peak hurricane season now with our Hurricane Preparedness Guide. Besides having a good family plan, you can also think ahead about preparing your home, inside and out. We know from decades of home insurance claims that hurricanes impacting Virginia can pose four main risks to your home.
There are two ways to prepare outside your home for a hurricane. You want to reduce the risk of damage during strong, sustained winds. Flying debris, such as signs, lawn and play equipment, and even small items left outside, can cause injury and property damage. High winds can turn innocent tree limbs into a sledgehammer if they are too close to your home or other property.
Before strong winds arrive, take a walk around your yard to identify anything that could blow away or cause damage. Bring loose items into a secure location and anchor anything that cannot be moved. Use the checklist below to get started, and bring your pets indoors well before conditions worsen. Check the following:
Trees can cause major damage during a hurricane, especially if you see they have existing issues. Have trees and shrubs professionally pruned or trim them yourself before a hurricane approaches to reduce the risk of flying debris during a storm. Remove dead or diseased trees and large overhanging limbs in anticipation of strong winds that can topple weak trees, causing costly damage to your roof, siding, windows, and other property and your neighbor's property.
Preparing the inside of your home goes beyond stocking emergency supplies for an extended power outage. Before the storm arrives, take time to charge essential devices, protect important documents, and make sure everyone in your household knows where to shelter if needed. A little preparation now can help you avoid last-minute scrambling and keep necessities within reach.
Use the checklist below to get your home ready:
If you are not under an evacuation order, park your car in a garage before the hurricane arrives, if possible. Always follow local evacuation guidance and put your safety first.
Here are more tips for preparing your car when a hurricane is on it's way:
If you must park outdoors, choose a spot away from trees, utility poles, and loose objects that could become airborne. Avoid parking beneath glass, overhangs, or structures with tiles or signs that could fall.
Whenever possible, park on higher ground, away from low-lying areas and locations prone to flooding.
Close all windows and the sunroof, and remove valuables and important documents, including your vehicle registration. A properly fitted car cover may offer limited protection from debris, but it will not prevent all storm damage.
Before the storm, take photos of your car to document its condition. If damage occurs, take additional photos when it is safe to do so, before cleaning up or making repairs. These before-and-after images can help support your insurance claim.
We have FAQs about hurricane coverage. If you have an electric vehicle (EV), read our important article on the unique fire hazards of flooding and be sure to move your car and other electric devices like scooters, golf carts, and wheelchairs to higher ground.
Home insurance does cover hurricane damage. Check your policy for specific references to unique deductibles for tropical depressions, tropical storms, or hurricanes that are severe enough to be named by the National Weather Service. These can be referred to as hurricane deductibles.
It's also smart to speak to your local independent agent to ensure you are sufficiently covered for hurricane season, especially if you’ve recently done anything to your home that added value. Ask your agent for an insurance checkup to ensure you have enough homeowner insurance to repair or replace your home.
Learn more about homeowners insurance in Virginia >
THE NORTHERN NECK INSURANCE INTEGRITY PROMISE — We pledge to provide straight talk and good counsel from our NNIC Virginia insurance experts through our blog. While we hope you find this to be a helpful source of information, it does not replace the guidance of a licensed insurance professional, nor does it modify the terms of your Northern Neck Insurance policy in any way. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy.