MIAMI, Fla. — Tropical Storm Rafael, the 17th named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, is expected to intensify into a hurricane this week with possible impacts on Florida’s Gulf coast, meteorologists said.
While Florida is not expected to see a direct hit from the storm, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued a tropical storm warning for the lower and middle Florida Keys from Key West to west of the Channel 5 Bridge, near Layton. Tropical storm conditions are expected in the lower and middle Florida Keys beginning Wednesday and Wednesday night, the NHC said.
We have gathered resources for Realtors in Florida to help you recover and rebuild.
AccuWeather forecasters said the storm could make landfall anywhere from the Florida Panhandle to the Texas coast, with the highest probability along the central Louisiana coast, but it’s too soon to tell with exact certainty. The storm is not expected to strengthen into a major hurricane. Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected for the lower and middle Florida Keys but could expand across the state.
“Rafael could enhance rainfall in Florida and other parts of the Southeast U.S. beginning Wednesday by pulling tropical moisture northward. It’s too early to nail down any other specifics,” The Weather Channel said.
At the same time, Floridians are continuing their recovery from Hurricanes Milton and Helene.
FEMA assistance for independent contractors
Following the hurricanes, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) expanded assistance to include self-employed workers and independent contractors to repair or replace disaster-damaged tools and equipment required for their jobs. Click here for more information.
“You may now receive money for a personal or family computer that is damaged by a disaster. You may also receive money for additional computers required for work, school or access and functional needs,” FEMA said.
When applying for FEMA self-employment assistance, include the following:
- Documentation that proves you’re self-employed, such as a tax return
- Insurance documents for all potential coverages and benefits
- Itemized receipts or estimates for repairing or replacing the requested items
- A written statement that explains you need the items for self-employment
Here’s how Realtors, as well as other Florida residents, affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, can apply for assistance.
Milton, Helene insurance claims
Hurricane Milton
Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key on Oct. 9 as a Category 3 storm. As of Nov. 4:
Total estimated insured losses: $2,991,233,513
Total claims: 272,377
Residential property: 217,358
Commercial property: 10,063
Private flood: 1,683 (most flood claims are processed under the National Flood Insurance Program, not private flood insurance)
The counties among those with the highest number of reported claims include:
Hillsborough 55,291
Pinellas 39,169
Manatee 28,048
Sarasota 20,587
Polk 18,326
Pasco 15,296
Volusia 12,841
Lake 10,651
Orange 9,836
Lee 8,375
To date, 34,175 residential property claims have been closed with payment and 44,861 have been closed without payment. Of the claims closed without payment, 2,143 were due to non-covered flood damage, 13,291 due to damage below the deductible and 26,433 due to other reasons (including the customer withdrawing the claim or the insured not being reachable). Overall, 36.9%of all claims have been closed.
Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene made landfall near the Big Bend region on Sept. 26 as a Category 4. As of Nov. 1:
Total estimated insured losses: $1,603,633,087
Total claims: 130,859
Residential property: 58,834
Commercial property: 3,762
Private flood: 3,923 (most flood claims are processed under the National Flood Insurance Program, not private flood insurance)
The counties among those with the highest number of reported claims include:
Pinellas 45,950
Hillsborough 16,435
Pasco 9,379
Manatee 7,768
Sarasota 7,214
Charlotte 5,014
Duval 4,113
Lee 2,937
Suwannee 2,427
Alachua 2,270
To date, 13,195 residential property claims have been closed with payment and 23,942 have been closed without payment. Of the claims closed without payment, 4,821 were due to non-covered flood damage, 6,308 due to damage below the deductible and 12,813 due to other reasons (including the customer withdrawing the claim or the insured not being reachable). Overall, 52.0% of all claims have been closed.
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