Senator Schumer takes aim at insurers in wake of Hurricane Sandy

Senator Schumer hurricane sandy

Senator Schumer troubled over actions of insurance companies Hurricane Sandy has caused a lot of trouble for insurance companies, consumers, and state governments in the Eastern U.S. New York, in particular, has seen a great deal of these troubles manifest in the wake of the powerful storm. With storm surges causing widespread flooding and damages being done to homes and other properties, the state is reeling from the impact of Hurricane Sandy. Senator Charles Schumer believes that the troubles are just beginning for the state, however, especially as insurers look…

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Crop insurance comes under fire in the midst of U.S. drought

US drought 2012

Drought highlights the controversy surrounding crop insurance The worst drought in 60 years has established a stranglehold in the U.S. The severity and persistence of the disaster is threatening to cause widespread food shortage as the country’s corn and soybean crops begin to suffer. The onset of the drought has brought attention to the country’s crop insurance program. The program was initially formed as a way to provide farmers with the protection they needed but has been subjected to several changes throughout its existence. Now, concerns are rising over the…

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Tropical Storm Alberto puts insurers on alert ahead of hurricane season

Hurricane Season 2012 - Tropical Storm Alberto

Tropical storm forms ahead of official start to hurricane season Hurricane season in the U.S. does not officially begin until June 1, but the season’s first tropical storm has formed off the coast of South Carolina. The storm was reported by the National Hurricane Center in Florida, which noted that the storm boasts of 50mph winds with more powerful gusts at the time it had formed. Though the storm was not expected to gain any strength during its lifespan, it did raise concerns within the insurance industry, which has been…

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U.S. to be a “weather-ready” nation as the federal government takes measures to guard against destructive weather

To date, the cost of natural disasters befalling the U.S. has reached $35 billion. The year is not yet over and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts several turbulent storms crowding the horizon. While there can be no guarantee whether these storms will actually come to pass, the federal government is not willing to suffer more losses at the hands of nature. NOAA, along with the National Weather Service, is now tasked with making the nation “weather-ready.” The initiative aims to provide protection to communities throughout the nation…

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NOAA updates hurricane season forecast, still calls for an active season

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has updated their forecast of this year’s hurricane season. The original outlook was issued in May in which the agency noted that the current season would be more active than usual. Several major storms have already formed in the Atlantic Ocean, with some making landfall in Florida and Texas. None have cause any major damage, thus far, but that may change during this month as NOAA predicts as many as five category 3 hurricanes to form offshore. According to Gerry Bell, Ph.D., the…

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