9 Hurricanes Could Hit Virginia In 2023 Season: Experts

VIRGINIA — The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season could send up to nine hurricanes churning toward Virginia this year, forecasters said. The season began Thursday and runs until Nov. 30.

Forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center last week predicted a 40 percent chance of a near-normal season and 30 percent chances each of "above-normal" and "below-normal" season.

Virginians can expect between five and nine hurricanes will develop, forecasters said. Of those, one to four could turn into major hurricanes, they said.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin urged Virginians to prepare now for this year’s hurricane season.

“It is imperative that Virginians take preparedness seriously,” Youngkin said Thursday. “Now is the time to prepare your families and property, check your insurance coverage, and identify those trusted sources of information that can help keep you safe.”

For comprehensive information on preparedness, response, and recovery activities, review the updated 2023 Virginia Hurricane Evacuation Guide, which includes evacuation information and highlights steps to take in the event of tropical weather.

“As we saw with Hurricane Ian, it only takes one hurricane to cause widespread devastation and upend lives," said Deanne Criswell, FEMA's administrator, in a statement. "So regardless of the number of storms predicted this season, it is critical that everyone understand their risk and heed the warnings of state and local officials."

Related:

• Thunderstorms In Gulf Could Become Season's 1st Tropical Storm
• Here Are The 2023 Hurricane And Tropical Storm Names

In 2022, Youngkin declared a state of emergency to prepare for the arrival of the remnants of Hurricane Ian in Virginia. The storm was a tropical depression by the time it reached Virginia. The storm merged with a low-pressure system offshore to form a nor'easter that brought coastal flooding to the Atlantic Coast and southern Chesapeake Bay.

Hurricane Preparation Tips

Residents should take these safety precautions before a storm heads toward Virginia:

Review your insurance policy, secure your property, and create a plan that includes arrangements for your pets or those that may need extra assistance. Below are a few critical steps to ensure you and your family’s safety.

Know your zone. Evacuation may become necessary depending on the track and severity of the storm. Review Virginia’s evacuation zones at KnowYourZoneVA.org. Users can enter their physical address in the search bar of the website to view and confirm their designated evacuation zone.

Complete a family communication plan. Prepare for how you will assemble and communicate with your family and loved ones. Identify meeting locations and anticipate where you will go. Federal Emergency Management Agency guidance on family communications plans is available here.

Check your insurance coverage. Remember, there may be a waiting period (typically 30 days) for a flood insurance policy to become effective, and be aware that not all storm-related losses, such as flooding, are covered under traditional policies. Now is the time to review your coverage and contact your insurance agent for any changes. If you are not insured against floods, talk to your insurance agent, shop private flood insurance, or visit floodsmart.gov. If you are a renter, now is the time to ensure you have adequate coverage to protect your belongings. It is also imperative that you have adequate coverage on all insurance policies to ensure it reflects current home values and replacement costs.

Make an emergency kit. Assemble an emergency kit that includes nonperishable food, water, medication, sanitary supplies, radios, extra batteries, and important documents. Learn more about building an emergency supply kit here.

Stay informed. Identify where to go for trusted sources of information during emergencies. Check with your local emergency management office to sign up for alerts that go directly to your phone or email. Be sure to monitor local news for watches and warnings in your area and follow directions of local officials. Power outages are always a concern during storms; make sure you have a battery-operated radio available so you can still receive life-saving alerts.

There are many resources available to assist with hurricane planning efforts. Learn more about preparing your business, your family, and your property against hurricane threats (and other disasters) at vaemergency.gov/prepare and ready.gov/hurricanes.

• Sign up for alerts and warnings from your county and state, as well as NOAA Weather Radio https://www.weather.gov/nwr/
• Make a plan - visit https://www.ready.gov/plan
• Know hurricane evacuation zones - visit KnowYourZone
• Save for a rainy day - visit https://www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness
• Practice emergency drills both at home and at the office
• Make and test a family communications plan* Designate a central contact number with a family member or trusted friend, perhaps out of town* Text messages will go through when voice lines are overloaded
• Assemble or update emergency supplies - visit https://www.ready.gov/kit (includes CDC recommendations)
• Safeguard valuable documents both physically and digitally
• Make your home safer - visit https://www.weather.gov/wrn/2020-hurricane-strengthen-home
• Document and insure your property - visit https://www.weather.gov/wrn/2020-hurricane-insurance
• Get involved in your community - take an emergency course, volunteer, request a preparedness presentation
• Download the FEMA app and visit Ready.gov or Listo.gov for preparedness tips.