Related videos:
The state insurer Citizens Property Insurance suspended the issuance of new policies and changes in coverage starting Saturday in Florida, due to the threat of impact from Tropical Storm Imelda.
The measure affects more than 771,000 clients of the entity, which is considered the insurer of last resort in the state.
The announcement, released by the insurer in an official statement quoted by Florida Politics, indicates that the decision was made following the issuance of warnings by the National Hurricane Center of the United States, which prevents Citizens from accepting new applications when there is a storm or hurricane watch in any part of Florida.
Imelda, which until a few hours ago was Tropical Depression Nine, strengthened on Sunday with sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour and is expected to continue intensifying on its path towards the east coast of the United States.
Meteorologists anticipate that it could reach South Carolina as a hurricane at the beginning of next week, after causing heavy rains and disturbances in the Bahamas and nearby islands.
In South Carolina, Governor Henry McMaster urged the public to stay vigilant as the storm approaches, while his counterpart in North Carolina, Josh Stein, declared a state of emergency to prepare for the potential impacts.
Meanwhile, in the Atlantic, Hurricane Humberto slightly lost intensity but remains a powerful Category 4 storm heading towards Bermuda.
Imelda became a tropical storm this Sunday, as confirmed by the National Hurricane Center of the United States (NHC) in its latest advisory.
The institution reported on its X account that tropical storm conditions are expected this afternoon and evening over the central and northwestern islands of the Bahamas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Insurance Suspension Due to Storm Imelda in Florida
Why did Citizens Property Insurance suspend the issuance of new policies in Florida?
The state insurer Citizens Property Insurance suspended the issuance of new policies and changes to coverage due to the threat posed by Tropical Storm Imelda. This decision was made following the issuance of warnings by the National Hurricane Center of the United States.
How many clients are affected by the suspension of insurance due to the Imelda storm?
The suspension affects more than 771,000 clients of Citizens Property Insurance, who rely on this entity as a last resort insurer in Florida.
What is the expected path of storm Imelda?
Imelda has strengthened with sustained winds of 65 km/h and is expected to continue intensifying on its path toward the east coast of the United States. It is anticipated that it could reach South Carolina as a hurricane by early next week, after affecting the Bahamas and nearby islands.
What measures are being taken in South Carolina and North Carolina in response to Storm Imelda?
In South Carolina, Governor Henry McMaster called on the public to remain vigilant in the face of the advancing storm. In North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency to prepare for the potential impacts of Imelda.
How does Storm Imelda affect Cuba and the Bahamas?
Although Imelda is moving away from Cuba, its bands have deposited rainfall in the eastern region. In the Bahamas, intense rains, sustained winds, and high surf are expected that could cause flooding and other impacts.
Filed under: