A Storm is Coming: Predicts, NOAA Does!

Trouble Brewing I Sense

Hmm disturbed the Force is. A forecast NOAA has released. Unsettling it is. A 60% chance they say of an above average hurricane season in 2025. Named storms 13 to 19 they predict. Winds strong they will be 39 miles per hour or higher! Into hurricanes some will grow. Major hurricanes three to five could become. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering. Suffering to insurance claims it leads. So prepare we must or suffer the consequences we will.

Ready Are We? Hmph!

Budget cuts they speak of impacting climate science. Affected NOAA might be. But focused they claim to be. "Weather prediction modeling and protecting human lives and property is our top priority," says Laura Grimm the acting administrator of NOAA. "Fully staffed the hurricane center is. Ready to go definitely are we." Ready we must always be. Like a Jedi prepared for any challenge. But ready *truly* are they? Or just saying so they are? 'Do or do not. There is no try,' as I always say.

Past Lessons Remembered

Hurricane Katrina 20 years ago. A dark day that was. But lessons learned have we. Levees flood walls pumping stations overhauled they were. "$13 is saved for every $1 spent on mitigation efforts," says Cynthia Lee Sheng president of Jefferson County Parish. Wise words those are. Prevention better than cure always. Still remember we must complacency leads to destruction. A Jedi must not rest on their laurels nor should a government on its levees.

Losses Skyrocketing They Are!

Hurricanes Helene and Milton $37 billion in insured losses in 2024 they caused! Wildfires in California severe thunderstorms in the Midwest the damage extensive it is. "Reinsurance costs are at a 20 year high," laments Bill Clark CEO of Demex. Skyrocketing the losses are. A threat it is to the insurance industry. Affordable insurance difficult it becomes when the Force of nature is so… forceful. Feel the Force the insurance companies must to adapt and survive. Or drown in a sea of claims they will.

Growing Exposure A Perilous Path

More people living where climate risks are higher. Homes and cars more expensive they are. A dangerous combination this is. Growing exposure Aon calls it. Foolish it is to build on a swamp. Or in the path of a hurricane. Or next to a tinderbox. Common sense it is not common anymore. To build responsibly we must encourage. Or face the consequences we will.

Mitigation the Way Forward

Building codes public works projects tough standards on defensible spaces. These the tools of mitigation are. Resiliency we must build. A strong foundation it provides. State and local efforts the insurance industry supports. Wise they are to invest in the future. 'Always pass on what you have learned,' I have told Luke. Now I tell you: mitigate or perish you will! Hmmm.