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NOAA's 2025 forecast calls for above-normal tropical activity this hurricane season expecting 3 to 5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4, or 5) with winds of 111 mph or higher. With 70% confidence the forecast includes 6-10 hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher). Key factors in the Atlantic Basin include exceptionally warm ocean temperatures and diminished trade wind strength. Elevated ocean heat provides ample energy needed for hurricanes to form and intensify, while less robust trade winds allow storm systems to strengthen and organize without disruption. Property damage from these big storms comes from high sustained winds, debris hazards, power outages, and flooding.
Here at Northern Neck Insurance Company we know from experience it only takes one of these tropical cyclones to devastate property and result in costly wind damage and flooding. How do hurricane categories affect Virginia homes?
How can you protect and preserve your home? You hope for the best and plan for the worst. We can help you know how best to shield your home from the top four areas of risk for hurricane damage. Addressing these areas of your home in preparation for peak hurricane season can save you ton of heartache for whatever is in store for the commonwealth this season.
The #1 preemptive weapon in your home’s arsenal is your roof. It’s also the most susceptible to costly damage. We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to maintain your roof with regular professional inspections, especially if you suspect it needs to be replaced. Most roofing materials have an average lifespan of around 15 – 20 years. Severe weather can take its toll on roofing as well, causing damage you are unable to see from the ground. Get an inspection annually and anytime you suspect damage from a major storm.
Gutters and downspouts play a critical role in defending your home against storm damage. They need to drive all that rainwater down and away from your foundation. They can’t do it if they’re full of debris from the previous seasons. Annual maintenance of gutters is crucial to waterproofing your home during extreme rainfall. Clean gutters and proper drainage can prevent home flooding, specifically basement flooding, during the sustained rainfall associated with slow-moving hurricanes.
Standard home insurance usually does not cover flood damage, so it's important to assess your risk and have coverage in place if needed. Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, you’ll need a separate policy for flooding. It’s available through FEMA's flood program. Act now- flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.
If you live in a region of Virginia that is prone to inland flooding, and flood insurance is not required by your lender, talk to your local home insurance expert about optional flood insurance. Inland Flood Coverage can protect homeowners and renters who may not be in a high-risk flood zone but could experience flash floods or other unexpected sudden flooding.
Remember to protect your car. Check out our frequently asked questions about hurricanes, home, and car insurance for more information about what is covered under your policy. The good news is that comprehensive car insurance can cover flooding of your vehicle.
Trees can cause significant damage to homes and property. While not all damage can be prevented, it's a good idea to check the health of any trees in your yard annually, especially those close to your home or driveway. Also, don't forget to do regular maintenance like trimming dead, overhanging branches, and fertilizing. Make sure to research the types of trees before planting. If you're not convinced, check out how the wind took its toll on the Shurtleff's trees in Charlottesville.
When was the last time you updated your homeowners insurance policy? The important thing is to speak to your local insurance agent to ensure you are sufficiently covered for hurricane season, especially if you’ve done anything to your home that adds value. Ask for an insurance review and check for enough homeowners insurance to repair or even replace your home in a worst-case scenario.
Let’s hope for a low-impact hurricane season for Virginia, but prepare for whatever comes. Start by addressing these four critical issues. Then protect your family and property; have a home inventory and check out our guide to severe weather. And let us know if we can serve you or provide a homeowners insurance quote. We are a Virginia-only insurer by choice. We specialize in preserving and protecting the things Virginians value most.
THE NORTHERN NECK INSURANCE INTEGRITY PROMISE — We pledge to provide straight talk and good counsel from our NNINS 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.