Some convection is occurring across the Gulf of Mexico but is associated with a digging upper level trough of low pressure & some diffluence (spreading of winds) aloft. No tropical development is expected. A weak tropical wave is approaching the SE Caribbean - no development expected.
From the Insurance Information Institute:
NEW YORK, May 31, 2012 — Hurricane season officially got underway on June 1, but we have already witnessed rare May tropical storms, including Alberto and Beryl in the Atlantic Ocean and Bud in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has forecast that this year’s Atlantic hurricane season could produce nine to 15 tropical storms. As many as four to eight of those storms could strengthen into hurricanes and one to three of those could become major hurricanes with top winds of 111 mph or higher.
Wind damage from both tropical storms and hurricanes is covered under standard homeowners and business insurance policies. Flood damage resulting from storm surge caused by hurricanes, is excluded under standard homeowners and renters insurance policies; however flood coverage is available from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and from a few private insurance companies.
Damage to cars from hurricanes is covered under the optional comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. This covers wind damage, flooding and even falling objects such as tree limbs. More than 75 percent of all Americans choose to purchase comprehensive auto coverage.
The I.I.I. has a number of experts who can provide information on the economics of insuring a hurricane, as well as provide consumer-related information.
The following hurricane-related online resources are also available (click on each one):
RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS
Issues Update: Catastrophes - Insurance Issues
Issues Update: Hurricane and Windstorm Deductibles
Issues Update: Flood Insurance
White Paper: Residual Market Property Plans - From Markets of Last Resort to Markets of First Choice
CONSUMER INFORMATION
Homeowners and Renters Insurance
Insuring Your Business: Small Business Owners' Guide to Insurance
FACTS AND STATISTICS
Hurricanes
Flood Insurance
VIDEOS
Making Your Home More Hurricane-Resistant: Five Steps
Disaster Planning with Pets
Home Inventory Software
