Hurricane Joaquin Gains Strength

Hurricane Joaquin became the 2015 Atlantic season’s third hurricane Wednesday morning, and is poised to pound the central Bahamas with heavy rain and dangerous storm surges in the next day. Its move after that — still hard to predict — could have flooding implications for an already drenched eastern United States.

Residents along the East Coast of the U.S. should pay close attention to the forecast now through this weekend. It’s a particularly difficult forecast that hinges on the behavior of several different atmospheric features over North America and the North Atlantic Ocean.

While a complicated atmospheric pattern is making its exact future track difficult to predict at this time, a potential East Coast landfall is possible. Extreme flooding is also a strong possibility. Scuttlebutt insurance advisor is encouraging those in risk areas to begin preparation steps early.

Gowrie Group’s Severe Storm Center contains smart advice and resources for how to best prepare for, respond to, and recover from severe weather.

Visit Gowrie Group’s Severe Storm Hurricane Center for preparation guides & claims reporting info:

• Guidelines on how to protect homes, family, boats/yachts, and other assets
• Guidelines on how to protect businesses and sailing organizations
• Guide for making a disaster supply kit
• Live storm tracking
• Details on how to report a claim and direct reporting hotline numbers
• Flood preparation guidelines

Gowrie Storm Center – National Weather Center