Hurricane News: FEMA Borrows $2 Billion for Helene & Milton, Florida Fallen Tree Act, Hurricane Hunters

Hurricane News: FEMA Borrows $2 Billion for Helene & Milton, Florida Fallen Tree Act, Hurricane Hunters

1. Why is FEMA borrowing money in early 2025?

FEMA is borrowing $2 billion from the U.S. Treasury to cover the surge in flood claims primarily from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in 2024, along with other flooding events from the previous year. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), administered by FEMA, anticipates paying out over $10 billion in flood claims related to these events. The NFIP's funds, which are generated from premiums, have been depleted due to the multiple catastrophic events occurring in a single year, exceeding its designed capacity.

2. What were the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton that led to such high flood claim payouts?

Hurricane Helene, which made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm in late September 2024, caused widespread and devastating flooding, particularly in Southeast states like Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina due to record rainfall. As of early February 2025, over 57,400 flood claims related to Helene had been handled, with over $4.5 billion paid out and estimated total losses ranging from $6.4 billion to $7.4 billion. Hurricane Milton, while considered more of a wind event when it struck Florida in October 2024, still resulted in significant flood claims, with over $740 million paid out on over 21,100 claims by early February, and estimated final losses ranging from $1.2 billion to $2.9 billion.

3. What is the current financial state of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)?

As of January 25, 2025, the NFIP had only $615 million on hand to pay claims, according to the Congressional Research Service. Its debt to the U.S. Treasury has reached approximately $22.5 billion. FEMA has the authority to borrow up to $30.4 billion, and it was already carrying a debt of $20.5 billion from previous major hurricanes like Katrina, Sandy, and Harvey. The NFIP funds its operations and repays its debt and accruing interest through the premiums it collects from flood insurance policies.

4. How might proposed changes like Florida's 'Fallen Tree Act' affect homeowners and insurance?

Florida's proposed 'Fallen Tree Act' aims to shift the responsibility for damage caused by a fallen tree to the property owner from where the tree originated, rather than the property where it falls, which is the current law. While this could provide relief to homeowners whose property is damaged by a neighbor's tree, it raises concerns, particularly regarding damage from major storms or "Acts of God," as the bill does not specify responsibility in such events. Currently, homeowners typically file a claim with their own insurance for such damage and cover the deductible, potentially leading to increased insurance rates. The proposed change could shift the burden and associated costs to the neighbor's insurance, but the lack of clarity on storm-related incidents remains a significant issue in a hurricane-prone state like Florida.

5. Why are organizations like NOAA and the National Weather Service (NWS) considered so valuable?

NOAA and the NWS provide crucial services like weather and ocean observations and forecasts, which have an enormous return on investment for taxpayers. For a relatively low annual cost per citizen, they contribute to improved citizen preparedness, transportation efficiency and safety, private sector profits, disaster prevention and mitigation, and scientific research innovation. Their partnerships with emergency management communities have shifted responses from reactive to proactive. Significant improvements in forecasting, especially for hurricanes and tornadoes, have dramatically reduced casualties compared to past decades when warnings were less accurate or non-existent. The private sector also heavily relies on NOAA data and services, generating tax revenue that reportedly covers the NWS's entire cost.

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Hurricane Milton - 145 MPH Winds Forecast - Florida Peninsula on Alert

Hurricane Milton - 145 MPH Winds Forecast - Florida Peninsula on Alert

Hurricane Milton, currently over the Gulf of Mexico, is intensifying and projected to become a major hurricane. The hurricane is forecast to make landfall on the west coast of Florida, potentially bringing life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall. Residents in the Florida Peninsula are advised to monitor the storm's progress and follow the guidance of local officials.

7 Okt 202410min

Hurricane Hunters Say Milton is Rapidly Intensifying as We Look at Different Landfall Scenarios

Hurricane Hunters Say Milton is Rapidly Intensifying as We Look at Different Landfall Scenarios

Sunday afternoon update on Hurricane Milton, which is rapidly intensifying in the Gulf of Mexico. Details on the hurricane's current location, movement, and projected path, indicating that it is expected to become a major hurricane and approach the west coast of Florida by midweek. Hazards, including storm surge and heavy rainfall which could lead to flooding, and dangerous surf conditions along the Gulf Coast are a concern especially near and south of the landfall location. Points to the north of the center of circulation could see stronger wins and rain then on the so-called “dirty side“ which would normally be on the southside interaction with a jet streak the storm could be a little bit different. We looked at scenarios with, the potential for one north of Tampa Bay and a scenario for south of Tampa Bay.

6 Okt 202412min

Hurricane Evacuation & Preparedness Tips, Even for Your  EV

Hurricane Evacuation & Preparedness Tips, Even for Your EV

As Milton heads toward Florida, here’s some guidance on preparing for the storm, particularly focusing on the potential dangers associated with lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. Understanding and mitigating the risks of battery fires, especially when vehicles are damaged by floodwaters is important to your safety. Will give you some tips on food storage, water conservation, and securing important documents. We highlight the importance of having a plan for evacuating, staying safe, and ensuring access to essential services in the aftermath of a storm.

6 Okt 202412min

Rapid Intensification - Milton Forecast to be a Category 3 Hurricane

Rapid Intensification - Milton Forecast to be a Category 3 Hurricane

Tropical Storm Milton is strengthening rapidly in the Gulf of Mexico and is forecast to become a major hurricane by the middle of the week. The storm is expected to make landfall on the west coast of Florida, bringing the potential for life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds. Heavy rainfall is also expected to affect portions of Florida, leading to the risk of flooding. The storm's exact track and intensity remain uncertain, but there is growing concern about the potential for significant impacts on the Florida Peninsula.

6 Okt 202410min

Florida Expecting Impact from Hurricane Milton with Dangerous Storm Surge and 110 mph Winds

Florida Expecting Impact from Hurricane Milton with Dangerous Storm Surge and 110 mph Winds

Tropical Storm Milton is another rapidly developing tropical disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico that is expected to strengthen into Hurricane Milton and make landfall on the West Coast of Florida as a Category 2 hurricane around Wednesday. The forecast emphasizes the potential for significant storm surge and heavy rainfall, urging residents of Central and South Florida to stay informed and prepared. While the exact path and intensity of the storm are uncertain, remember that the effects can be for reaching from the center of the storm at landfall. There's also the increasing likelihood of a dangerous storm surge event along Florida's Gulf coast with some areas to be impacted already having been by hurricane Helene just a short time ago.

5 Okt 202413min

Growing Insurance Failures Take Spotlight After Hurricane Helene

Growing Insurance Failures Take Spotlight After Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene is a major disaster that highlights the growing economic risks associated with climate change. While the financial impact of the hurricane is significant, with estimates reaching over $100 billion with long-term implications for communities, businesses, and individuals. Climate change will increasingly lead to "known unknowns" - events that we know will happen but cannot predict their exact timing or location. Adaptation, investing in preventative measures, and the need for governments and companies to take proactive steps to mitigate the financial and social consequences of these events is vital to move forward.Suggested questions

5 Okt 20246min

Hurricane Helene’s Toxic Flood Waters

Hurricane Helene’s Toxic Flood Waters

There’s a hidden danger of toxic chemical releases from industrial facilities during hurricanes. Limited disclosure requirements and insufficient public information about these risks leave communities unprepared and unaware of the potential consequences. Red tide has been detected in Pinellas County waters following Hurricane Helene. This poses an additional health risk for residents already dealing with storm damage and cleanup, as red tide can cause respiratory problems and potentially harm marine life.

4 Okt 20247min

Hurricane Helene - HAARP Engineered and Steered to Wipe Out a Town

Hurricane Helene - HAARP Engineered and Steered to Wipe Out a Town

Conspiracy theories circulate about Hurricane Helene, which struck Florida in September 2024 and wreaked havoc upon upstate North Carolina. Some theories claim the hurricane was intentionally manipulated to impact Republican areas, while others suggest it was engineered to clear land for lithium mining. We also examine theories claiming the hurricane was created or guided by technology, such as HAARP, frequency transmitters, or cloud seeding. While lithium is on the mind of conspiracy theorist, a real life quartz mining facility has been severely impacted by Helene, which could cause supply chain disruptions for weeks or months.

4 Okt 202410min

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