Tropical Storm Flossie, the sixth named storm of the eastern Pacific hurricane season, formed just over 1,000 miles west-southwest of the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Wednesday, July 24, 2013. It is the first tropical system to impact Hawaii since 1992. The storm rolled through Hawaii Monday and early Tuesday dissipated, leaving little damage. Flossie weakened quickly on its eastern approach to the Hawaiian Islands. The...

Tropical Storm Gil formed late Tuesday and reached maximum sustained winds of 45 mph, according to The National Hurricane Center in Miami. The storm is getting better organized in the Pacific and could become a hurricane by Thursday. Today Gil’s maximum sustained winds is 60 mph with forecasters predicting the storm to be 920 miles off the southern tip of Baja California. Gil is currently moving west-northwest at 14 mph, and this...

In 2012 from October 22nd to October 31st Hurricane Sandy proved to be one of the most catastrophic natural disasters. The category 3 storm was the deadliest and most destructive hurricane of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season, as well as the second-costliest hurricane in United States history. Sandy affected 24 states, caused tens of billions of dollars of damage, destroyed thousands of homes and property, and left at least 286 people...

During a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, local residents never want their problems to be compounded by looters and harassers. It’s important to learn how to protect yourself from intruders. Read on as we explain some valuable safety tips that will lead you away from any vulnerabilities. Scan Social Media During the wake of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, some looters unwittingly took to Twitter, a social media platform, to brag about their...

In 2005 during Hurricane Katrina, thousands of students were forced to evacuate Tulane University and Louisiana State University. Representatives at Tulane did not fully expect to have to close the school for the entire fall, but the semester was cancelled nonetheless. University officials from Tulane led an evacuation of hundreds of students. Coping With The Situation At the insistence of the American Council on Education and the Associate of...

The aftermath of a hurricane creates a breakdown in normalcy. During this unsettling time some individuals steal from those who have already lost everything. These are looters – persons who take advantage of a very bad situation and only create more problems for victims during times of crisis. After Hurricane Sandy struck in 2012, businesses, cars, and homes were all prey to intrusions. Looters took advantage of vulnerable areas. Since...

As of 2008, thirty-four states in the U.S. have passed anti-price-gouging laws. Price gouging during a time of disaster takes place when a price shift occurs on items essential to survival. The result leads to items being sold above market price since no alternative retailers are available. Despite New Jersey Governor Chris Christie going on television to declare that price gouging would not be tolerated, this still did not stop individuals from...

Rebuilding your life after a disaster can be costly for many. Here is a list of items you should avoid in order to save some money, because every dollar counts in the long run, especially when preparing for a hurricane. 1. Items That Require Cooking Since utilities may be out, you will have to learn to be self-reliant. You may not be able to heat anything, so buying bacon, eggs, baked beans, etc. are out. However, juice boxes, canned nuts, mini...

Tropical Storm Barry made landfall in Veracruz, Mexico Thursday morning, bringing with it between 3 to 10 inches of heavy rain and 40-mph winds. The storm formed as a depression off the coast of Belize. Minor flooding has occured, and forecasters warned that heavy rains could trigger possible deadly flash floods or mudslides. A tropical storm warning was in effect on the Mexican coast from Punta El Lagarto to Tuxpan, in Veracruz state. 2,000...

Many insurance companies are coming under fire for denying residents coverage. This leads to much frustration and confusion because for several homeowners this is just one hardship after another. Residents who have lived through the wreckage of a hurricane now find themselves entangled in legal battles with their insurance providers. For instance, in 2012, Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corp. settled lawsuits with policyholders over the...

Deductibles are the amount of money someone pays before their insurance begins as a way to provide an insurer coverage without paying for the full amount of the damage caused. In particular, property damage caused by a hurricane will have a much higher than a normal deductible. Since insurance is regulated at the state level, states have different hurricane deductibles. Of the 19 states that have hurricane insurance policy claims, here are just...

Learn the real facts about hurricane myths as we dispel falsehoods and uncover some truths. Myths most likely get started because they may hold a carnal of truth, but never the whole story. This makes it important to learn the validity of a particular claim, especially on something as devastating as a hurricane. Because knowledge is power here at 10 hurricane myths debunked. 1. Tape Your Windows for Protection Putting tape on your windows...

Major Hurricanes It is no secret that the Gulf Coast has been ravaged with devastation from hurricanes. These natural disasters causes communities to flee their homes and seek refuge elsewhere. Efforts are being implemented to better prepare residents with readiness. Some major hurricanes in the area over the past 20 years have been Ike (2008), Wilma (2005), Rita (2005), Karina (2005), Dennis (2005), Jeanne (2004), Ivan (2004), Frances (2004)...