The winter season may bring warm fires, hot chocolate and cozy socks to mind—but residents in the Northeast aren’t strangers to the bitter cold, snowy conditions that accompany the winter months. For 2022, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted that we will see above-average precipitation this year.
What could we see?
The incoming storm. In the next 72 hours, NOAA predicts that the Northeast—including parts of New Hampshire, New York and Vermont—could see snowfall accumulations of up to 23 inches.
Remember, PIA’s Storm Info Central offers resources on topics such as storm damage, frozen pipes and fire safety.
Temperature. According to the U.S. Winter Outlook 2021-22 map, the Northeast is expected to have a warmer winter than usual—specifically, NOAA predicted that there is a 40-50% chance that temperatures will rise above what we typically see in this region.
Precipitation. For some of the Northeast—including parts of New York and Vermont—NOAA predicted that there is a 33-40% chance that there will be more precipitation this year. However, for Connecticut, New Hampshire and New Jersey, it predicts that there is an equal chance that there will be less snow than normal, or more snow than normal.
How do we prepare?
Winter storm season starts when the temperature drops, and lasts until the spring thaw. Last year, the Northeast was hit with a record storm that left parts of New York with nearly 40 inches of snow. So, if parts of the region should expect more precipitation this year, then it’s important to make sure that your insureds are prepared.
A standard homeowners policy or a standard commercial general liability policy generally can protect your personal- and commercial-lines clients, respectively, from winter-related damage like roof collapses, ice dams, frozen pipes and power outages. But, you should talk with your clients so they know exactly what their coverage includes before they have to file a weather-related claim.
Additionally, your insureds need to know that, if they endure flood damage this winter, their standard policies will not cover it. They need to purchase a flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program. You need to remind them that it takes 30 days for a flood policy to go into effect—so the time to start talking to your clients about flood insurance is now.
PIA is here for you
If this winter season is anything like last year’s season, it’s best to be prepared—and PIA can help you educate your clients about their coverage. In addition to Storm Info Central, PIA offers resources through PIA Design & Print.
PIA Design & Print can help agents order materials to help their clients prepare for storm season.. For more information about how this collaborative, custom, cost-effective member benefit can help you and your agency, email Calley Rupp.
Alexandra Chouinard
Alexandra Chouinard has editing, writing, advertising and publishing experience from her Alma Mater, Loyola University, where she earned a dual Bachelor of Arts Degree in Writing and Communication.
