Atlantic Hurricane Season 2022: Everything Miami Homeowners MUST Know

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has just released its prediction for the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season, and it's time for Miami homeowners to start preparing.

In this blog post, we'll break down everything you need to know about the upcoming hurricane season so you can protect your home and family. Stay safe, Miami!

 

Why Is This Information Important?

A hurricane is a tropical cyclone characterized by violent winds, torrential rains, and higher than average waves. A hurricane originates from a tropical depression whose wind speeds increase beyond 74 mph.

Unfortunately, some areas are more vulnerable to hurricane activity than others. Miami, in particular, sees frequent hurricanes because it's surrounded by warm ocean currents from the Atlantic Ocean. The warm sea surface temperatures coupled with tropical activity and low wind shear form favorable conditions to develop and sustain hurricanes.

Due to their extreme nature, hurricanes often cause billions of dollars worth of property damage and loss of life. Knowing this, it is crucial for residents living in South Florida to prepare adequately ahead of the Atlantic Hurricane Season 2022.

 

A Look Back at the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season

2021 hurricane season

In the North Atlantic, the hurricane season begins from June to November. However, the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season started earlier than usual.

It was an above-average season, producing 21 named storms and seven hurricanes. Storms are named when wind speeds exceed 39 mph. Out of the seven hurricanes, four were major with winds of 111 mph or greater.

 

What the Experts Are Saying About the Atlantic Hurricane Season 2022

Season forecasts from Colorado State University predict another above-average hurricane season in 2022. An average hurricane season features 14 tropical storms and about seven hurricanes, with three being major hurricanes.

However, experts predict that the Atlantic hurricane season of 2022 will see at least 19 named storms and nine hurricanes, four of which will be Category 3 or higher. Analogous to the broader tropical cyclones, hurricanes are classified by wind speed, starting from Category 1 to Category 5. Storms above Category 3 feature wind speeds above 111 mph and are termed major hurricanes.

 

Preparation Tips for Residents Living in Miami

Miami resident preparing for hurricane

Luckily, due to the modern advances in technology, the National Hurricane Center can predict and track hurricanes to high accuracy and warn residents living in South Florida beforehand. I

t's advisable to prepare adequately ahead of the hurricane season to ensure your family’s safety and minimize financial loss.

Below are some tips to help you prepare for the 2022 hurricane season:

 

1) Safeguard Your Home - NOW

Due to the high wind speeds, items on your lawn can transform into dangerous projectiles during a hurricane. Therefore, take some time to bring all your outdoor furniture and toys inside, anchor down any trailers, and cut weak tree branches.

If you do not have hurricane windows installed, cover your windows with plywood to protect them from flying debris.

 

2) Establish an Evacuation Plan.

Assess your risk level based on your local weather forecast office (WFO) and map out a proper evacuation plan. It will also serve you well to prepare alternate evacuation routes if your preferred one is inaccessible.

 

3) Prepare a “Go-Kit”

In the weeks leading up to the hurricane season, assemble a go-kit with non-perishable emergency supplies. All items should be stored in an easily accessible container so that it's easy to grab and go if you need to evacuate at short notice. 

In the same breath, secure your valuable documents in a waterproof bag as floods are a common feature and aftermath of a hurricane storm.

Use our free hurricane prep list to assemble a reliable kit quickly and easily.

 

4) Build an Emergency Contact List

Before the hurricane season, establish a family communications plan. That way, you and your extended family know how to contact each other in the event of a hurricane. Have a designated family member out of the hurricane-affected zone who can relay information between different parties in the event of a communications breakdown. 

To learn more on how you can protect your family during a storm, check out these five steps to include in every family hurricane plan.

 

 

Why You Should Consider Hurricane Windows

Impact Windows Home Miami

While you can board up your windows and doors, this still doesn’t offer proper protection. Under a Category 3 hurricane, traditional window frames are susceptible to warping and growing moldy due to excess water intrusion.

The most feasible solution to this problem is installing hurricane windows. Hurricane windows are designed to provide superior strength, necessary during storms and hurricanes.

These windows are constructed from hurricane glass which is tempered on the outside and heat-strengthened on the inside. Between the interior and exterior glass is a clear interlayer commonly made from polyvinyl butyral (PVB) that prevents the glass from shattering upon impact. Instead, it forms a spider-web effect when struck, keeping the projectiles at bay.

Besides superior strength, hurricane windows also provide the following benefits:

  • They improve your home’s curb appeal as their frames come in different styles
  • The window frames are made from vinyl or aluminum. Both of these materials don’t rust when exposed to water and can therefore last a long time.
  • Due to the multilayered glass construction, hurricane windows are more energy-efficient than traditional windows and can help you save some bucks in energy bills
  • Hurricane windows provide UV light and sound insulation, protecting your furniture from sun damage and shielding outside noise

 

Choosing Hurricane Window Installers in South Florida

Choosing the right hurricane window installer is critical to not only keep the installation costs down but for the overall experience. Being a hurricane-prone area, South Florida is home to many impact window installers. However, not all will be the right fit for you.

To get the most out of your hurricane windows, you ought to pick a contractor who has prior experience installing hurricane windows. Below are some questions you can ask to help you pick out the best installer for you:

  • Are they licensed and insured?
  • Will they be handling multiple projects simultaneously?
  • Is the team certified by the window manufacturer?
  • What are their warranties on the window and craftmanship?

Also, make sure to do a cost study to get the best deal possible.

 

Contact Alco to Protect Your Home During the Atlantic Hurricane Season 2022

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Alco Windows and Doors employs an experienced impact glass installation team for South Florida homeowners. Our products provide protection from hurricanes and other extreme forms of tropical weather. 

Grounded by our core philosophies of professionalism and reliability, you can be sure that we will offer sound advice on the best hurricane windows for your property and install them to the highest possible standard.

To learn more about the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season and how to protect your property from damage, check out this guide for Miami homeowners

Reach out to Alco Windows and Doors today, and our team will be ready to answer any questions you may have. You can fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation or call us at 305-376-7136.

 

Free questions to ask impact windows installers checklist

 

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