Hurricanes are expensive for both home owners and the insurance industry. In 2004 and 2005, eight hurricanes slammed Florida, inflicting $31.3 billion in insured losses. Two Florida Sea Grant research projects are helping to reduce the economic impact of hurricanes on Florida’s vulnerable residential structures valued at $1.5 trillion. Because much of the hurricane damage…
Florida Sea Grant demonstrated its commitment to solution-oriented research and exceptional extension, and its appreciation for the service of volunteer advisors with four awards at the inaugural Coastal Science Symposium on Wednesday, Oct. 17 at the University of Florida. Each award winner is pictured with Florida Sea Grant Director Karl Havens. Dr. Mahmood Shivji of…
Hurricane season began June 1, and NOAA’s annual hurricane forecast for the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico calls for 12 to 18 named storms, with six to 10 becoming hurricanes. The agency predicts up to six major hurricanes, with wind speeds above 111 mph. Hurricanes are some of the most devastating weather events to…
Hurricanes are, by many measures, the most devastating of all catastrophic natural hazards affecting the U.S. In economic terms alone, the average annual loss of $1.3 billion recorded pre-1990 (in constant 2006 dollars) has spiraled to $35.8 billion post-2000. A first-of-its-kind wind machine at Florida International University, dubbed the Wall of Wind, is now enabling…