http://www.wcinsurancegroup.com/blog/View West Coast Insurance Group's Website Blogen-uspostmaster@www.wcinsurancegroup.comInsurance Website Builder - www.insurancewebsitebuilder.comurn:uuid:b4bd6eff-903c-4180-9eda-dfa6542f2229urn:uuid:f0ce0d85-e55b-4ac1-b7f8-6885bd93054fNCCI Proposes 9% Increase for Florida&rsquo;s Workers&rsquo; Compensation Rates On August 18, 2011, the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) delivered its annual workers&rsquo; compensation rate filing to the Florida Office of Insurance ...Mon, 22 Aug 2011 13:07:31 -0500<h1 style="margin: auto 0in;">NCCI Proposes 9% Increase for Florida&rsquo;s Workers&rsquo; Compensation Rates</h1> <p>On August 18, 2011, the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) delivered its annual workers&rsquo; compensation rate filing to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR). Based upon its review of the most recent data available, NCCI has proposed, effective January 1, 2012, an overall rate increase of 8.9%.&nbsp; OIR is expected to hold a hearing on the proposed rates in October.&nbsp; We will keep you updated.</p> <p>According to NCCI, claim frequency was up significantly in 2009 following several years of significant declines.&nbsp; NCCI&rsquo;s preliminary data for 2010 also shows claim frequency up even further.</p> The cumulative impact of the rate decrease after the 2003 workers&rsquo; compensation reform was -64.7%.&nbsp; Assuming the filing is approved as proposed, the cumulative impact would be -58.6%.&nbsp; Florida would continue to rank among the 20 states with the lowest workers&rsquo; compensation rates nationally.urn:uuid:b27872bd-861d-43f6-974e-f785fcd1289aWorkers' Compensation Insurance Workers compensation is a state-mandated, "no-fault" insurance system that pays benefits to workers injured on the job to cover medical care, part of lost wages and permanent disability. In return, employers receive im...Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:44:52 -0500<h1>Workers' Compensation Insurance</h1> <p>Workers compensation is a state-mandated, "no-fault" insurance system that pays benefits to workers injured on the job to cover medical care, part of lost wages and permanent disability. In return, employers receive immunity from civil lawsuits by employees over such workplace injuries. Not every business needs Worker' Compensation insurance. Not every business owner understands it, either. So to help answer your questions, we've put together this quick Q&amp;A. </p> <p><strong>Who needs Workers' Compensation coverage?<br /> </strong></p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0px;"> <li>If you are in an industry, other than construction, and have four (4) or more employees, full-time or part-time, (an exempted corporate officer does not count as an employee). </li> <li>If you are in the construction industry, and have one (1) or more employees, including yourself. An exempted corporate officer or member of a limited liability company does not count as an employee. </li> <li>If you are a farmer, and have more than five (5) regular employees and/or twelve (12) or more other workers for seasonal agriculture lasting thirty (30) days or more. </li> </ul> <p><strong>What kinds of employee injuries are covered?<br /> </strong>The law covers all accidental injuries and occupational diseases arising out of and in the course and scope of employment. This includes diseases or infections resulting from such injuries. The law also covers death resulting from such injuries within specified periods of time. </p> <p><strong>How much will I pay for Workers&rsquo; Compensation insurance?<br /> </strong>In Florida, all WC rates are regulated, so one company cannot offer a better price than another. We can work with you to get any discounts available. </p> <p><strong>What types of discounts are available for Workers&rsquo; Compensation insurance?<br /> </strong>If you implement a drug-free workplace program, you may be eligible for a 5-percent premium credit. Premium credit is also available for companies with written Safety Programs in place. </p>urn:uuid:fcc0f826-5d04-42ff-8e31-ed1a6745e79bIf you are purchasing flood insurance for&nbsp;the first time, remember flood insurance has a 30 day waiting period from&nbsp;the date in which the application is&nbsp; written and premium is collected before coverage is in force. Jason MillerMon, 22 Aug 2011 10:01:04 -0500If you are purchasing flood insurance for&nbsp;the first time, remember flood insurance has a 30 day waiting period from&nbsp;the date in which the application is&nbsp; written and premium is collected before coverage is in force.<br /> Jason Millerurn:uuid:c4822484-2299-4c5c-8909-c00f86581af7Property insurance in the Tampa Bay area should be bound today.&nbsp; Many of the property markets are begining to close due to Hurricane Irenes projected path.&nbsp; Stay updated on the latest regarding Irene by loging into our website at WCIG.org.Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:58:57 -0500Property insurance in the Tampa Bay area should be bound today.&nbsp; Many of the property markets are begining to close due to Hurricane Irenes projected path.&nbsp; Stay updated on the latest regarding Irene by loging into our website at WCIG.org.urn:uuid:4cdb4003-d87a-4168-ad99-4e02676d3854Update on Hurricane Irene&nbsp; 8/22/11 - 10am. A HURRICANE WATCH HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE NORTH COAST OF HAITI FROM LE MOLE ST. NICHOLAS EASTWARD TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC BORDER. &nbsp; THE HURRICANE WATCH FOR THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS HAS BEEN DISCO...Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:55:28 -0500<p >Update on Hurricane Irene&nbsp; 8/22/11 - 10am.<br /> <br /> A HURRICANE WATCH HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE NORTH COAST OF HAITI</p> <p>FROM LE MOLE ST. NICHOLAS EASTWARD TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC BORDER.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>THE HURRICANE WATCH FOR THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS HAS BEEN</p> <p>DISCONTINUED.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT...</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A HURRICANE WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR...</p> <p>* PUERTO RICO...VIEQUES...AND CULEBRA</p> <p>* NORTH COAST OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FROM THE HAITI BORDER</p> <p>EASTWARD TO CABO ENGANO</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A HURRICANE WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR...</p> <p>* NORTH COAST OF HAITI FROM LE MOLE ST. NICHOLAS EASTWARD TO THE</p> <p>DOMINICAN REPUBLIC BORDER</p> <p>* CENTRAL BAHAMAS</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR...</p> <p>* U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS</p> <p>* BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS</p> <p>* SOUTH COAST OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FROM SOUTH OF CABO ENGANO</p> <p>WESTWARD TO THE HAITI BORDER</p> <p>* ALL OF HAITI</p> <p>* SOUTHEASTERN BAHAMAS AND THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>HURRICANE CENTER LOCATED NEAR 18.4N&nbsp; 66.4W AT 22/0900Z</p> <p>POSITION ACCURATE WITHIN&nbsp; 20 NM</p>urn:uuid:3dc67774-6f26-47ea-afef-4ecfa85724e6Each July, Citizens is required by statute to file rates with the OIR for approval and implementation. Citizens held an actuarial &amp; underwriting committee meeting to present the work of the in-house and external actuaries for consideration and ap...Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:12:12 -0500<p>Each July, Citizens is required by statute to file rates with the OIR for approval and implementation. Citizens held an actuarial &amp; underwriting committee meeting to present the work of the in-house and external actuaries for consideration and approval. Just a reminder: these rate filings are a recommendation by Citizens to the OIR and are not approved yet. The OIR, once they receive the rate filings from Citizens,&nbsp; has 45 days to review and approve those filings. The actuarial &amp; underwriting committee did approve the rate recommendations by staff and Citizens&rsquo; Board of Governors voted today to recommend the rate filings as well. </p> <br /> <br /> <p>Citizens is still governed by a 10 percent cap except in two areas, sinkhole and A-rates. These two lines of coverage are not subject to the 10 percent glide path; specifically, sinkhole filings allow for actuarially-sound rates to be filed for the peril of sinkhole. Before we get into A-rates and the sinkhole filing, since that is where most of the questions are coming from, let me outline the other types of policies in this rate filing first. </p> <br /> <br /> <p>The statewide average for both commercial and personal lines, including the FHCF build up but not sinkhole and A-rates, is 8.8 percent. All personal lines policies to include multi-peril and wind have an overall rate increase of 8.6 percent. Commercial residential wind has a statewide average of 13.6 percent and commercial residential multi-peril of 6.6 percent. The recommendation for commercial non residential wind is 10 percent. </p> <br /> <br /> <p>Citizens will file some 14 rate filings over the next few weeks, affecting over one million policyholders and adding approximately $200 million dollars of additional premium to Citizens in 2012. If approved by the OIR, the rates will go into affect on January 1, 2012, for multi-peril, with changes to the wind rates beginning February 1, 2012. </p> <br /> <br /> <p>Now, for A-rates. Based on conversations with Citizens&rsquo; senior management, I recently blogged that A-rates will not be adjusted for the remainder of 2011. Once the rate filings for non-A-rates have been submitted to the OIR, Citizens&rsquo; staff will review A-rates for adjustments in 2012. &nbsp;The actuarial &amp; underwriting committee will be reviewing A- rates this year before those recommendations are sent to the full board for approval. Just a reminder A- rates are not subject to OIR approval. </p> <br /> <br /> <p>Last but not least, Citizens&rsquo; rate filings for the peril of sinkhole. SB 408 contained a provision that FAIA supported whereby the peril of sinkhole was not subject to the 10 percent glide path. The peril of sinkhole is one of the main cost drivers that Citizens and other carriers point to when describing the cost of doing business in Florida. The cost to investigate a sinkhole claim coupled with the cost to remediate that loss are a direct reflection on the reduction of surplus each carrier, including Citizens, has to deal with. Sinkhole losses cannot seek reimbursement through the Cat Fund or private reinsurance like the peril of wind. </p> <br /> <br /> <p>With that in mind, Citizens&rsquo; staff recommended actuarially-sound rates for the peril of sinkhole with a statewide average increase of 428.6 percent. As you can imagine, many territories will see very large increases for sinkhole coverage as these rates reflect achieving actuarial soundness for the peril of sinkhole in 2012. &nbsp;Instead of listing a few territories, I have posted the recommended rate increases for all territories including the peril of sinkhole on our home page under the Property Market Resource Center. In addition, when reviewing the recommended rate filings for sinkhole, pay close attention to column 8 &amp; 9, as they indicate the current premium for sinkhole coverage per territory versus the proposed premium in each territory. In column 10 the filing lists the recommended percentage of increase per territory. </p> <br /> <br /> <p>Since most of the sinkhole coverage is purchased in personal lines, questions regarding banks requiring sinkhole coverage have come to the forefront. Citizens acknowledged that Fannie Mae does not require sinkhole coverage, but Freddie Mac does. Some banks are requiring the coverage, but several are not as sinkhole coverage by Citizens has been an option to the policyholder since 2007. Eighty percent of the policyholders in Pasco county currently do not carry sinkhole coverage on there policy. </p> <br /> <br /> <p>As you review those spreadsheets by peril and territory, you will notice that the sinkhole increases are for personal lines only, as the experience on the commercial side does not warrant a rate increase at this time.</p> <br /> <br /> <p>Will continue to monitor the rate filings for Citizens and provide additional information as it becomes available.<br /> <br /> Article by Dave Newall</p>urn:uuid:d6f4270f-c468-4aef-b58f-02f016da4f9bPinellas County hurricane expo will be held on Saturday&nbsp;June 5th&nbsp; from 10 to 3 pm&nbsp;at the the Science Center of Pinellas County, 7701 22nd Ave North in Saint Petersburg,FL&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We will have a booth with hurricane related sa...Thu, 27 May 2010 14:52:06 -0500<span style="background-color: #29210a;">Pinellas County hurricane expo will be held on Saturday&nbsp;June 5th&nbsp; from 10 to 3 pm&nbsp;at the the Science Center of Pinellas County, 7701 22nd Ave North in Saint Petersburg,FL&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We will have a booth with hurricane related safety products such as flash lights, batteries, medical supplies, etc.... Free as supplies last that day.&nbsp; We hope to see many of our neighbors that day for an informative event.&nbsp; </span>urn:uuid:289ce1fa-4168-4add-9709-742135b2b2d6Paula "The Insurance Lady" will be the host at our booth&nbsp; from 7 - 8:30pm May 27th at the Casino building in Gulfport.&nbsp; There will be 10 other booths on hand as well as city officials and weather experts to answer questions regarding this h...Thu, 27 May 2010 14:46:13 -0500Paula "The Insurance Lady" will be the host at our booth&nbsp; from 7 - 8:30pm May 27th at the Casino building in Gulfport.&nbsp; There will be 10 other booths on hand as well as city officials and weather experts to answer questions regarding this hurricane season.....urn:uuid:9dad4fb8-b7d4-4a2c-b395-248a8e99c743Our office had a booth at the Hurricane Expo held at Mosi in Tampa, FL on Saturday May 22.&nbsp; Paula and Tamara hosted our booth.&nbsp; They booth had a great time at the booth.&nbsp; Our theme was "Tis the Season".&nbsp; Hurricane season begins on...Thu, 27 May 2010 14:43:23 -0500<span style="background-color: #29210a;">Our office had a booth at the Hurricane Expo held at Mosi in Tampa, FL on Saturday May 22.&nbsp; Paula and Tamara hosted our booth.&nbsp; They booth had a great time at the booth.&nbsp; Our theme was "Tis the Season".&nbsp; Hurricane season begins on June 1st.....&nbsp;</span>urn:uuid:5bf4d944-3ea8-41b1-9db0-04eddc3f814aStarting in June West Coast Insurance Group will partner with select non-for profit organizations to help raise much needed &nbsp;funds.&nbsp; These organizations will be a select group.&nbsp; West Coast will donate 10.00 for every new auto policy wr...Tue, 18 May 2010 11:40:16 -0500<span style="background-color: #29210a;">Starting in June West Coast Insurance Group will partner with select non-for profit organizations to help raise much needed &nbsp;funds.&nbsp; These organizations will be a select group.&nbsp; West Coast will donate 10.00 for every new auto policy written through our website by linking on the G.P.S. Icon on our Home page.&nbsp;&nbsp; Every time you renew your policy your organization will recieve $5.00.&nbsp;for &nbsp;If your organization is interested in being a part of this program please contact Paula at our office for further information.&nbsp; This is a great way for your church or organization to raise funds easy with no administration word from the organization.&nbsp; </span>urn:uuid:f6e152d1-f364-4c91-b905-2bb66a8b0766Rays are winners and so is West Coast Insurance Group Inc.&nbsp; Let us help you save on all of your insurance.Thu, 06 May 2010 14:58:22 -0500Rays are winners and so is West Coast Insurance Group Inc.&nbsp; Let us help you save on all of your insurance.urn:uuid:a9c9e6b2-7dc3-4999-b92f-ebf772a01f91In the Month of March we saved our new homeowners insurance clients over $496. each.&nbsp; This was accomplished through evaluating existing coverages and properly informing our clients on the coverages they have and should have in place.&nbsp; We qu...Thu, 06 May 2010 14:56:03 -0500In the Month of March we saved our new homeowners insurance clients over $496. each.&nbsp; This was accomplished through evaluating existing coverages and properly informing our clients on the coverages they have and should have in place.&nbsp; We quote homeowners insurance through over 10 of the best home insurance companies writing business in the state of Florida.&nbsp; We only place our clients with secure A rated insurance carriers.urn:uuid:6fa7b9b1-66cc-4b58-beb0-3e575bad961f30 Days Left to Hurricane Season &mdash; Help Your Customers Prepare Now! The clock is already ticking down to the beginning of hurricane season, which also marks the beginning of severe weather that brings with it an increased risk of floods to Amer...Thu, 06 May 2010 14:49:36 -0500<h1 style="margin: auto 0in; background: white;">30 Days Left to Hurricane Season<br /> &mdash; Help Your Customers Prepare Now!</h1> <p style="background: white;"><em>The clock is already ticking down to the beginning of hurricane season, which also marks the beginning of severe weather that brings with it an increased risk of floods to Americans. There is typically a 30-day wait for a flood insurance policy to become effective, so it's important to remind your customers NOW that Hurricane Season IS Flood Season.</em></p>urn:uuid:63261ed0-2a2e-4540-96f3-00566ebd700d30 Days Left to Hurricane Season &mdash; Help Your Customers Prepare Now! The clock is already ticking down to the beginning of hurricane season, which also marks the beginning of severe weather that brings with it an increased risk of floods to Amer...Thu, 06 May 2010 14:49:14 -0500<h1 style="margin: auto 0in; background: white;">30 Days Left to Hurricane Season<br /> &mdash; Help Your Customers Prepare Now!</h1> <p style="background: white;"><em>The clock is already ticking down to the beginning of hurricane season, which also marks the beginning of severe weather that brings with it an increased risk of floods to Americans. There is typically a 30-day wait for a flood insurance policy to become effective, so it's important to remind your customers NOW that Hurricane Season IS Flood Season.</em></p>urn:uuid:46c30733-4ce7-4885-8611-b41f288d43f9<img src='images/logo.png' align='left' /> home  |  about us  |  resources  |  events  |  get involved  |  donate  |  contact us What do we do? WE CARE! The mission of Angels Against Abuse, Inc. is to build awareness &amp; educate the community with regard to existing neglect &amp; abuse ...Mon, 26 Apr 2010 09:05:24 -0500<div id="logo"><a href="default.asp"><img alt="" style="border: 0px solid;" src="images/logo.png" /></a></div> <div id="menu"><a href="default.asp">home</a>  |  <a href="aboutUs.asp">about us</a>  |  <a href="resources.asp">resources</a>  |  <a href="events.asp">events</a>  |  <a href="getInvolved.asp">get involved</a>  |  <a href="donate.asp">donate</a>  |  <a href="contactus.asp">contact us</a> </div> <div id="face"><img alt="" src="images/face.jpg" /></div> <div id="hpText"> <h1>What do we do? WE CARE!</h1> <p>The mission of Angels Against Abuse, Inc. is to build awareness &amp; educate the community with regard to existing neglect &amp; abuse against children.</p> <h1>How do we do it? WE ARE THERE!</h1> <p>From volunteering our time, fundraising, organizing parties &amp; special events for the children &amp; educating the community, the Angels are front &amp; center for the children of our community that have been abused or neglected.</p> <h1>Who helps us do it? YOU! </h1> <p>The local community is imperative to helping the Angels achieve our mission. You help us bring a smile where tears &amp; fears have shaken these children's lives. By working with entities such as the Sallie House &amp; Help A Child, we continue to help &amp; bring joy to these children when all they have known is sadness.</p> <h1>The children of today are the citizens of tomorrow... </h1> </div> <div id="events"> <div id="eventsText"> <h1 style="line-height: 12px; color: navy;">Watch for more events coming soon!</h1> </div> <div id="hpDonate"> <p style="text-align: center;"> <form method="post" action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr"> <input value="_s-xclick" type="hidden" name="cmd" /> <input value="4585595" type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" /> <div style="text-align: center;"><input border="0" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!" src="https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" type="image" name="submit" /></div> </form> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h1 style="text-align: center;">1-800-96ABUSE</h1> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;">Child Abuse Hotline: (1-800-962-2873)<br /> Online Reporting: <a href="http://www.myflorida.com" style="color: #000;" target="_blank">www.myflorida.com </a></p> </div> </div> <div id="spotlight"><img alt="" style="float: left;" src="images/spotlight.jpg" /> <p style="font-size: 16px;"><b>JANUARY 16, 2010 HAS BEEN PR0CLAIMED “MARY WYATT ALLEN DAY”</b></p> <p><i><b>A Community Tribute to an Outstanding Lady – Mary Wyatt Allen</b></i></p> <p>Saturday evening, January 16th, 2010 there was a very special event hosted by the St. Petersburg Museum of History Guild, for a very special lady, one of our Angels, Mary Wyatt Allen. Mary Wyatt has been a volunteer in the community for over fifty (50) years. Her efforts include a variety of causes including child welfare and the arts, but has been particularly focused on the heritage of St. Petersburg. Mary Wyatt passionately cares for the future of our City and the St. Petersburg Museum of History. Mayor Bill Foster proclaimed January 16, 2010 as Mary Wyatt Allen Day!</p> <p>Thank you Mary Wyatt for all you do! We are very blessed to have you on our TEAM! CONGRATULATIONS ON BEHALF OF ANGELS AGAINST ABUSE, </p> </div> urn:uuid:50992dae-fe01-44dc-a0a3-a3671745a3c2Florida Property Insurance Reform Could Happen This Week April 26, 2010 The Florida Senate has got its property insurance reform bill back on the track for the final week of the legislatuve session. After his bill became hung up in debate b...Mon, 26 Apr 2010 09:02:54 -0500<h1>Florida Property Insurance Reform Could Happen This Week</h1> <p class="byline">April 26, 2010 </p> <div class="articletools"> <ul> <li></li> </ul> </div> <p>The Florida Senate has got its property insurance reform bill back on the track for the final week of the legislatuve session.</p> <p>After his bill became hung up in debate by amendments last Thursday, Sen. Garrett Richter ironed out some confusion on a timeline when homeowners would be paid on losses and also agreed to a sinkhole provision. The the bill (SB 2044) then passed the Senate Friday on a 32-4 vote.</p> <p class="pagpag1">While addressing insurers' concerns over claims payments, the Richter measure would not give insurers complete freedom to raise prices but would allow them to raise rates as much as 10 percent a year to pass through their reinsurance costs. The bill also allows insurers to drop some policies if keeping them would threaten their solvency and it gives regulators access to some financial information on the affiliated companies of insurers that report they are losing money.</p> <p class="pagpag1">With only a week to go before lawmakers close this session, the bill must win approval in the House, which has been working on a similar measure (HB 447), and it must avoid a veto by Gov. Charlie Crist, who said he would have vetoed a measure to deregulate rates that has now been taken off the table.</p> <p class="pagpag1">Richter, R-Naples, believes his bill has a good balance for regulators, insurance companies and policyholders.</p> <p>The progress on Richter's bill came after its sponsor withdrew another more controversial proposal that would have deregulated rates for insurers. The sponsor of the deregulation legislation for the second straight year, Bradenton Republican Mike Bennett, decided it was not a good time to push the measure (SB 876) given that Crist had already told lawmakers he'd veto anything he views as increasing insurance costs.</p> <p>The Senate's budget chief, Republican JD Alexander of Lake Wales, said that Crist has the bully pulpit as governor and lawmakers don't want to hand him something he can leverage politically.</p> urn:uuid:0e556185-4bed-4109-9048-86ea85efa27aWINTER HAVEN, Fla. -- State Farm announced Tuesday morning that it has filed plans to "discontinue its Florida property insurance product lines." The company said its weakened financial position was a main reason and blamed an inability to get approv...Mon, 26 Apr 2010 08:58:53 -0500<strong>WINTER HAVEN, Fla. -- </strong>State Farm announced Tuesday morning that it has filed plans to "discontinue its Florida property insurance product lines." The company said its weakened financial position was a main reason and blamed an inability to get approval for rate increases. <p itxtvisited="1">&nbsp;</p> According to the company, "This plan includes insurance coverage for homeowners, renters, condominium unit owners, personal liability, boats, personal articles, and business property and liability policies urn:uuid:5dfa8cba-393b-413f-a846-ca7ecf7799a02010 Hurricane Names Hurricane Alex Hurricane Bonnie Hurricane Colin Hurricane Danielle Hurricane Earl Hurricane Fiona Hurricane Gaston Hurricane Hermine Hurricane Igo Hurricane Julia Mon, 26 Apr 2010 08:55:54 -0500<h2><a name="2010_Hurricane_Names"></a>2010 Hurricane Names </h2> <div class="section-text"> <ol> <li><a href="/hurricane-alex">Hurricane Alex</a></li> <li><a href="/hurricane-bonnie">Hurricane Bonnie</a></li> <li><a href="/hurricane-colin">Hurricane Colin</a></li> <li><a href="/hurricane-danielle">Hurricane Danielle</a></li> <li><a href="/hurricane-earl">Hurricane Earl</a></li> <li><a href="/hurricane-fiona">Hurricane Fiona</a></li> <li><a href="/hurricane-gaston">Hurricane Gaston</a></li> <li><a href="/hurricane-hermine">Hurricane Hermine</a></li> <li><a href="/hurricane-igo">Hurricane Igo</a></li> <li><a href="/hurricane-julia">Hurricane Julia</a></li> </ol> </div> urn:uuid:edc6c104-e2c5-4308-89ac-b68665e12384Latest 2010 Hurricane Forecast Predictions An Above-Average Hurricane Season: On April 7, 2010, Colorado State University issued its annual report on the year's hurricane forecast predictions.http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/07/forecasters-pr...Mon, 26 Apr 2010 08:54:11 -0500<h2 class="h2-padding">Latest 2010 Hurricane Forecast Predictions </h2> <div class="section-text text-padding"> <h3 id="an-above-average-hurricane-season">An Above-Average Hurricane Season:</h3> <ul> <li>On <a href="/april-7">April 7</a>, <a href="/2010">2010</a>, <a href="/colorado-state-university">Colorado State University</a> issued its annual report on the year's hurricane forecast predictions.<ref style="display: none;" jQuery1272290020703="103" />http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/07/forecasters-predict-above-average-atlantic-hurricane-season/<a href="#cite_note-6" class="citation_sup" name="cite_ref-6">⁶</a>University forecasters <i>William Gray</i> and <i>Phil Klotzbach</i> each stated that <a href="/el-nino">El Nino</a> conditions will likely dissipate by summer. In addition they believe that the warm tropical <a href="/atlantic">Atlantic</a> sea surface temperatures will not drop and will remain at the current temperatures. These temperatures have reportedly been much warmer than usual.<ref style="display: none;" jQuery1272290020703="104" />http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/07/forecasters-predict-above-average-atlantic-hurricane-season/<a href="#cite_note-7" class="citation_sup" name="cite_ref-7">⁷</a>Because of this phenomenon, Gray and Klotzbach indicate that the <a href="/2010-hurricane-season-forecast" title="2010 hurricane season forecast">2010 hurricane season</a> will be above-average. Specifically, they said that the warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures will "[lead] to favorable conditions for hurricanes to develop and intensify."<ref style="display: none;" jQuery1272290020703="105" />http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/07/forecasters-predict-above-average-atlantic-hurricane-season/<a href="#cite_note-8" class="citation_sup" name="cite_ref-8">⁸</a></li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3 id="eight-major-hurricanes-expected">Eight Major Hurricanes Expected</h3> <ul> <li><a href="/colorado-state-university">Colorado State University</a>'s forecasters, Gray and Klotzbach, have also reported that eight hurricanes are expected for the <a href="/2010-hurricane-season-forecast" title="2010 hurricane season forecast">2010 season</a>.<ref style="display: none;" jQuery1272290020703="106" />http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/07/forecasters-predict-above-average-atlantic-hurricane-season/<a href="#cite_note-9" class="citation_sup" name="cite_ref-9">⁹</a>Four of the season's hurricanes are expected to strengthen and become <a href="/major-hurricane" title="major hurricane">major hurricanes</a>. This means that these four, if they do in fact become major hurricanes, would ultimately receive a rating of at least a <i>category 3 <a href="/storm">storm</a></i>.<ref style="display: none;" jQuery1272290020703="107" />http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/07/forecasters-predict-above-average-atlantic-hurricane-season/<a href="#cite_note-10" class="citation_sup" name="cite_ref-10">¹⁰</a>Category 3 storms are defined by the <i><a href="/saffir-simpson-scale">Saffir-Simpson scale</a></i>. The <i>Saffir-Simpson scale</i> indicates that such a storm must have winds of at least 111mph; and that these winds be sustained for a period of time. </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3 id="15-named-storms-in-total">15 Named Storms in Total</h3> <ul> <li>Including these predicted eight major storms for <a href="/2010">2010</a>, <i>Gray</i> and <i>Klotzbach</i> have reason to believe there will be a total of 15 named storms.<ref style="display: none;" jQuery1272290020703="108" />http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/07/forecasters-predict-above-average-atlantic-hurricane-season/<a href="#cite_note-11" class="citation_sup" name="cite_ref-11">¹¹</a>Because the eight are included in this number, this would mean that seven of the storms during <a href="/2010">2010</a> will be large enough to be officially named and yet not large enough to be considered a <i>major hurricane</i>. These seven additional storms, then, would each be rated at a level of <i>category 2</i> or below if <i>Gray</i> and <i>Klotzbach's</i> predictions turn out to be correct </li> </ul> </div>