Category: Latest Hurricane Information

2020 has been a year to remember on all counts. Unfortunately, even our hurricane season will be one we won’t soon forget either. With 28 tropical storms, 27 named storms, 10 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes, the 2020 Hurricane Season was in fact so hyperactive that we saw a lot of past records either matched or broken.

Here are just a few:

2nd most active season on record.
Although it didn’t tie or come in first, this is still worth mentioning as we had a whopping 27 named storms. The only season that has beat 2020’s stats so far has been the 2005 season

22 Named Storms Were the Earliest to Form on Record
Out of the 25 named storms that formed before October 5th, 22 of them had their earliest formation date on record. Arthur, Bertha and Dolly are the only letters represented in the list of names that did not have a record-early formation date.

10 Named Storms made Landfall in the U.S.
The U.S. really did see a lot of activity this year, with 10 named storms making U.S. landfall this season, 5 of which were hurricanes. This beats the previous record of 9 held back in 1916.

Most September Named Storm Formations
The month of September saw the formation of 10 named storms, which is the most on record for the what is the season’s busiest month.
The previous record was 8 storm formations in September, and these were held in 2002, 2007, and 2010.

3 Tropical Storms Form in Single Day
Sept. 18, 2020, three Atlantic named storm formed in just six hours. Tropical Storm Wilfred in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean, Subtropical Storm Alpha formed and made landfall in Portugal, followed by Tropical Storm Beta.
August 15, 1893 was the only other day on record that saw 3 storms form on the same day.

Of course with such an active season, these are just a few of the records to be broken. If you can think of an impressive 2020 record that should have made the list, let us know!

In the mean time, let’s get your windows and doors updated and ready for the next hurricane season. Contact us today for a free quote with options tailored to your specific needs.

The 2020 Hurricane Season has already been extremely active and we are just now getting to what are considered the “busy months.”  In fact, we’ve had such a busy season The NOAA had to update their predictions in August for the rest of the season.

With the Atlantic being so active already this year, and with the trend of storms getting stronger and bigger over the last few years, are you ready for the next big hurricane the Atlantic may throw at us?  The NOAA is strongly suggesting that everyone is prepared, this year more than ever.

But where do you even start?

We’ve dug into our archives and have put together a few quick references on what you can do to keep you and your family safe.

Here are a few references to get you started:

Our Best Tips On How To Get Your Home Ready For The Next Hurricane – In this article, you will find helpful tips on how to get both the inside and the outside of your home ready for a hurricane.  There’s even a bonus helpful tip in there.  You definitely won’t want to skip this one.

Hurricane Preparedness For Pregnant Women And Families With Kids – If you have small children, are expecting, or know someone that has a young family, this article is a must-read.

Protecting Your Windows And Doors During A Hurricane – This is a quick read about a few of the options you may find to protect your windows and doors.  Enjoy!

During A Hurricane – Whether you have a family or it’s just you, sometimes people get bored while they’re hunkering down waiting for a hurricane to pass.  If this is you, you may want to check out this article to help you keep your mind busy during the storm.

Coping With Hurricane Anxiety – Sometimes the best way to cope with anxiety is to have a plan.  Check out what we mean with this article, and get through the next storm with confidence.

Tips To Help You Recover From A Hurricane Or Natural Disaster – Read this one now!  In the even the unthinkable happens, this article has some great tips to get you through.

Please stay safe this hurricane season and get your home and family ready now.  With several new storms brewing as we speak, this is definitely not the season to wait around to see what happens.If you have any questions or concerns about protecting your home with hurricane resistant windows and doors, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.  We’re here to help.  Simply fill out this form and someone will contact you.

We are only halfway through the 2020 Hurricane Season and, statistically, it has already been a record setting year with the highest number of named storms before July 30th since we started monitoring storms with satellites in 1966.  In fact, it has been so active that the NOAA has had to revise it’s original predictions.

The NOAA is now predicting 19 to 25 named storms, 7 to 11 of which are predicted to become hurricanes, with 3 to 6 of those a Category 3 or higher.  Just for some perspective, in an average season we only see 12 named storms, and the NOAA has never predicted 25 storms in a single season.

It looks like we might be in for a wild ride.

Josephine didn’t have much of an impact on Florida.  Although we did see a lot of rain and some wind, with the updated predictions for a much more active than normal hurricane season, Florida residents are considering Josephine a near miss and a warning of what might be to come.

Then of course we have the twin hurricanes that are predicted to hit the Gulf of Mexico later this week.  We have truly never seen anything like this before.

So where do we go from here?  Should we brace for the worst and hope for the best?  Unfortunately, it looks like that might be the best thing we can do.  Since the second half of any hurricane season is always more active than the first, this might be the year that everyone should head the warning of a very active season.

One thing that we always suggest is to upgrade to impact resistance windows and doors.  But timing is everything.

So how do you manage to upgrade your windows and doors to impact resistant during a very active hurricane season?  The answer is actually quite simple.  Don’t wait until there is a hurricane predicted to head in your general direction; if you do, you will soon learn that window replacement companies do not accept last minute appointments before a hurricane.  High quality windows, like the ones from East Coast Windows & Doors, require a little bit of time and much attention.  You definitely don’t want a rush job because there is a hurricane getting close.With the way 2020 is going, why wouldn’t you want to upgrade to stronger windows anyway?  Fill out our form to request a free estimate, or call us today.

Ahhh Summer. Beautiful weather, swimming, picnics, and more. However, one thing summer also brings with it is the dreaded hurricane season.

Officially hurricane season begins June 1st and ends November 30th each year. And although most of us are focusing on the beautiful weather the summer season will bring, meteorologists with various weather organizations are predicting what storms we can expect.

2020 Prediction

2020 is expected to be an above average year for hurricanes according to Colorado State University, with 16 named systems and 8 hurricanes.

2020 Storm Names

As you may know, tropical storms and hurricanes are given names each year. They are in alphabetical order and each storm name alternates between male and female. The names for 2020 are:

There are 5 hurricane categories.

Category 1 hurricanes have winds between 74 and 95 miles per hour and a storm surge of four to five feet. The damage they bring are usually minimal.

Category 2 hurricanes have sustained winds between 96 and 110 miles per hour and a storm surge of six to eight feet. Flooding is expected, but damage is usually minimal and most often affects mobile homes and roofs.

Category 3 hurricanes (major) have sustained winds between 111 and 130 miles per hour and a storm surge of nine to 12 feet. Damage can be extensive to buildings and flooding is to be expected.

Category 4 hurricanes (major) have sustained winds between 131 and 155 miles per hour and a storm surge of 13 to 18 feet. These storms can cause extensive damage to all buildings. They can also destroy roofs, mobile homes, and can cause extreme flooding.

Category 5 hurricanes (major) have sustained winds greater than 155 miles per hour and a storm surge of more than 18 feet. Category 5 storms are usually predicted to be catastrophic, with most buildings being destroyed. There can also be severe flooding, destroyed crops and long periods of time without electricity or water following the storm.

Are you ready for the next storm?

The most important thing you can do with hurricane season approaching is to make sure you are prepared for what potential storms may bring. Preparing for hurricane season may sound daunting and overwhelming, but if you get ready early, you will feel calmer knowing you are as ready as you can be.

So what should you do to prepare for hurricane season?

1. Have supplies ready. This includes water (for drinking, washing, flushing toilets, etc.), nonperishable food, radio, flashlights, batteries, candles, lighters and matches. You also want to keep a travel bag packed in case you need to leave your home in a hurry.

2. Have your important papers gathered together. This includes insurance policies, bank information, some cash, and any other papers that would be of importance to you.

3. Don’t forget about your pets! If you have pets, have a plan in mind for them in case you need to evacuate. Will you take them with you wherever you go? If not, make sure you plan in advance regarding a friend, animal shelter, etc. they can stay with if you need to evacuate without them.

4. Get your home ready. When a storm is approaching, do not leave anything outside your home, such as grills, patio furniture, outdoor toys, garbage cans, outdoor umbrellas, etc. You will also want to board up windows if you do not have shutter or hurricane windows. Be sure to clean up any loose branches or remove them from your trees. Flying objects in strong windows can do a lot of damage during a hurricane. Take pictures of everything inside and outside of your home before the storm and make sure they are time stamped. This will be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim.

Remember to not panic if a hurricane is approaching. Do not procrastinate about your decision to stay in your home or evacuate. If you are in a required evacuation zone, do not stay your home. Stay with a family or friend, or find a shelter. Having a plan in advance of the storm is key to keep you from panicking. Also, make sure all of your family members are aware of the plan and have a meeting place set up in case you decide to separate to weather out the storm in different places. Preparation and staying aware are the most important things you can do to stay safe this hurricane season!

Summer will be here soon, and with it comes Hurricane Season. Although last year’s season was pretty uneventful for most of us, this year looks like it might be slightly more active than the average.  Hurricane Season officially starts in June, so we’ll know more in the upcoming months regarding accurate predictions, but in the mean time, are you thinking ahead?

The best way to think ahead is to make sure you are prepared for anything a potential storm may bring. This can sound like a scary task, but if you get started now you may find that when the time comes to spring into action, you are more calm and methodical because you are READY!

So what should you do to prepare for hurricane season?

1. Make sure you have any important paperwork you may need together and in a safe place. This includes insurance policies, bank information, and any other papers that would be of importance to you and hard to replace if they are lost (such as birth certificates, social security cards, etc).

2. Have your survival supplies ready. This includes water (for drinking, washing, flushing toilets, etc.), nonperishable food, radio, flashlights, batteries, candles, lighters, and matches. Also make sure you have plenty of any medication you need in case you run out and are unable to make it to the pharmacy. You may also want to keep a bag packed in case you need to leave your home in a hurry.

3. Don’t forget about your pets! For most people this is a no-brainer, but we’ve all seen the heartbreaking footage that results when family members leave their beloved pets behind to fend for themselves. Have a plan in mind for them in case you need to evacuate. Will you take them with you? If not, make sure you plan in advance regarding a friend, animal shelter, etc.  

However, you will also need to prepare for the event you are able to ride out the storm. Make sure you have plenty of pet food and any medication that they may need.

4. Last, but definitely not least, get your home ready. Be sure to clean up any loose branches or remove them from your trees. Take pictures of everything inside and outside of your home and make sure they are time stamped. This will be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim.

Another thing that we also recommend is upgrading your windows to hurricane resistant windows, and your doors as well.  Contact Us at East Coast Windows & Doors for a free estimate!

Preparation and staying aware are the most important things you can do to stay safe this hurricane season, and the sooner you prepare the easier time you will have. So get started now!  

Give East Coast Windows & Doors a call today and ask us how we can help!

The 2019 Hurricane Season was pretty quiet for us here in South Florida, but nonetheless, we’re still glad it’s over. So now that we’re not keeping an eye out for the next storm, would it still be a good time to upgrade to Hurricane Impact Windows and Doors?

YES! The answer is yes. And here’s why.

1. Reduce your electric bill. Hurricane Impact Windows and Doors are also energy efficient. They are more air tight, keeping your heat and air inside, which in turn reduces your heating and cooling costs.
2. Theft protection. Because Hurricane Impact Windows and Doors are made to be impact resistance, it can be almost impossible for an intruder to gain entry to your home through your windows.
3. Save money on your home owners insurance. When you have extra protection for your home, insurance companies take notice. That is why when you install Hurricane Impact Windows and Doors on your home, your insurance company will be more than happy to give you a discount on your policy.
4. Increase the value of your home. When it’s time to put your home on the market, buyers will love the idea that their potential new home will be ready to face the next hurricane without having to make the upgrades themselves. Because of this, they will see the value of the listing price when it reflects the upgrades.
5. Be ready for next year. When the next storm is on the radar and expected to come your way, you can rest easy knowing you’re protected while your neighbors might be scrambling to put up plywood.

Don’t wait until next Hurricane season to upgrade your windows and doors. Upgrade in between seasons and be ready for anything!

Contact us today for a free consultation and quote.

It’s official!  Hurricane Season is here and it’s once again time to think about what you’re going to do when the next hurricane shows up on the radar.

People ask us all the time how they can get their house ready for a hurricane, so we have decided to put together some of our best tips.

Secure your windows and doors.

Any entry to your house is going to be the weakest point, and by that we mean your windows and doors.  Covering your windows and with hurricane shutters can enormously diminish the probability of your windows or doors breaking or being breached.

Incorporating hurricane resistant windows is also a great addition to your plan, and the many benefits will even last long after hurricane season is over.

Put away or secure objects around the perimeter of your home.

We’re talking about patio furniture, trash cans, garden decorations, etc.  If you can lift it up and move it, there’s a good chance a hurricane can too.

Not only do you not want to lose these items during a hurricane, you also don’t want them to cause further damage to your property and possible your neighbor’s property as well.

Trim your trees.

Make sure you cut away any branches that are loose, dead, or look like they may be easily damaged by hurricane winds.  If you don’t, these branches may come loose and cause further damage that could have been prevented by a quick tree trimming.

Prepare for power surges and outages.

This day and age we invest so much money in technology for our homes and our family members. But can your devices withstand a power surge?  Before the hurricane hits, make sure all electronics that you keep plugged in are on high quality surge protectors or simply unplug them until after the storm passes.

Don’t forget your appliances too, especially your refrigerator.  If you expect to have a long stay without electricity, have a plan to ensure your food does not spoil.  This can be done by either consuming as many perishables before the storm hits, or keeping a cooler with ice on hand.

Call your insurance company.

When you see a hurricane is forecasted to head your direction, make sure you call your insurance company to double check on your policy.

Since you’re already talking to your insurance company, it’s the perfect time to take inventory of everything valuable in your house just in case you experience any loss or damage and need to have items replaced.

There you have it!  Our 5 best tips for getting your home ready for the next hurricane.

Are you looking to add hurricane shutters this season?  Or maybe you’re looking to upgrade your windows to hurricane impact windows? Call today for a free assessment and estimate on which options would be best for your home.

Ahhh Summer. Beautiful weather, swimming, picnics, and more. However, one thing summer also brings with it is the dreaded hurricane season.

Officially hurricane season begins June 1st and ends November 30th each year. And although most of us are focusing on the beautiful weather the summer season will bring, meteorologists with various weather organizations are predicting what storms we can expect.

2019 Prediction

2019 is expected to be average year for hurricanes according to an entry on Wikipedia, with 9 to 15 named systems, 4 to 8 hurricanes and 2 to four 4 major hurricanes.

2019 Storm Names

As you may know, tropical storms and hurricanes are given names each year. They are in alphabetical order and each storm name alternates between male and female. The names for 2019 are:

There are 5 hurricane categories.

Category 1 hurricanes have winds between 74 and 95 miles per hour and a storm surge of four to five feet. The damage they bring are usually minimal.

Category 2 hurricanes have sustained winds between 96 and 110 miles per hour and a storm surge of six to eight feet. Flooding is expected, but damage is usually minimal and most often affects mobile homes and roofs.

Category 3 hurricanes (major) have sustained winds between 111 and 130 miles per hour and a storm surge of nine to 12 feet. Damage can be extensive to buildings and flooding is to be expected.

Category 4 hurricanes (major) have sustained winds between 131 and 155 miles per hour and a storm surge of 13 to 18 feet. These storms can cause extensive damage to all buildings. They can also destroy roofs, mobile homes, and can cause extreme flooding.

Category 5 hurricanes (major) have sustained winds greater than 155 miles per hour and a storm surge of more than 18 feet. Category 5 storms are usually predicted to be catastrophic, with most buildings being destroyed. There can also be severe flooding, destroyed crops and long periods of time without electricity or water following the storm.

Are you ready for the next storm?

The most important thing you can do with hurricane season approaching is to make sure you are prepared for what potential storms may bring. Preparing for hurricane season may sound daunting and overwhelming, but if you get ready early, you will feel calmer knowing you are as ready as you can be.

So what should you do to prepare for hurricane season?

1. Have supplies ready. This includes water (for drinking, washing, flushing toilets, etc.), nonperishable food, radio, flashlights, batteries, candles, lighters and matches. You also want to keep a travel bag packed in case you need to leave your home in a hurry.
2. Have your important papers gathered together. This includes insurance policies, bank information, some cash, and any other papers that would be of importance to you.
3. Don’t forget about your pets! If you have pets, have a plan in mind for them in case you need to evacuate. Will you take them with you wherever you go? If not, make sure you plan in advance regarding a friend, animal shelter, etc. they can stay with if you need to evacuate without them.
4. Get your home ready. When a storm is approaching, do not leave anything outside your home, such as grills, patio furniture, outdoor toys, garbage cans, outdoor umbrellas, etc. You will also want to board up windows if you do not have shutter or hurricane windows. Be sure to clean up any loose branches or remove them from your trees. Flying objects in strong windows can do a lot of damage during a hurricane. Take pictures of everything inside and outside of your home before the storm and make sure they are time stamped. This will be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim.

Remember to not panic if a hurricane is approaching. Do not procrastinate about your decision to stay in your home or evacuate. If you are in a required evacuation zone, do not stay your home. Stay with a family or friend, or find a shelter. Having a plan in advance of the storm is key to keep you from panicking. Also, make sure all of your family members are aware of the plan and have a meeting place set up in case you decide to separate to weather out the storm in different places. Preparation and staying aware are the most important things you can do to stay safe this hurricane season!