{"id":114623,"date":"2025-06-04T11:36:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-04T14:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=114623"},"modified":"2025-06-09T15:45:29","modified_gmt":"2025-06-09T18:45:29","slug":"most-hurricane-vulnerable-counties","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/studies\/most-hurricane-vulnerable-counties\/","title":{"rendered":"2025\u2019s Hurricane Forecast: Most (&amp; Least) Affected Counties"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Which U.S. counties are most in harm\u2019s way this hurricane season?&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>With NOAA predicting an \u201cabove-normal\u201d storm season, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/\">LawnStarter<\/a> ranked 2025\u2019s Most (&amp; Least) Affected Counties by Hurricanes using 10 metrics across 4 categories.<\/p>    <p>Some findings? A staggering <strong>$5.8 billion<\/strong> in expected annual hurricane damages is concentrated in just <strong>10 counties<\/strong>, nearly <strong>one-third <\/strong>of the projected nationwide loss.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>Other stormy stats:&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>\ud83d\udd0d <\/strong>Over the past 10 years, <strong>215 of the 318<\/strong> ranked counties saw at least <strong>50% or more<\/strong> of their hurricanes reach Category 3 or stronger.<\/li>    <li>\ud83c\udf00 <strong>43<\/strong> counties have weathered <strong>10 or more<\/strong> hurricanes in the past decade.<\/li>    <li><strong>\ud83c\udf27\ufe0f Nearly 50 <\/strong>counties have endured <strong>4<\/strong> Category 5 storms since 2015.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p>See where over 300 U.S. counties ranked below. To learn how we ranked the counties, see our <a href=\"#methodology\">methodology<\/a>.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contents<\/h2>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"#rankings\">County Rankings<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#top-5\">Top 5 Most Affected Counties<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#key-insights\">Key Insights<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#ask-the-experts\">Ask the Experts<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#methodology\">Methodology<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#final-thoughts\">Hurricane Yard Protection<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"rankings\">County Rankings<\/h2>    <p>See how each county fared in our ranking:<\/p>   <div style=\"position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0px; padding: 93% 0px 0px; overflow: hidden; will-change: transform;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/4edc677d-96d7-4347-94e3-723f7ff19e43?src=embed&amp;embed_type=responsive_iframe\" title=\"LS: Ranking Table - 2025's Top U.S. Counties at Risk for Hurricanes\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"fullscreen\" style=\"position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0px; left: 0px; border: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;\"><\/iframe><\/div>   <div style=\"min-height:600px\" id=\"datawrapper-vis-mY8PR\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\" defer src=\"https:\/\/datawrapper.dwcdn.net\/mY8PR\/embed.js\" charset=\"utf-8\" data-target=\"#datawrapper-vis-mY8PR\"><\/script><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/datawrapper.dwcdn.net\/mY8PR\/full.png\" alt=\"U.S. Map visualizing counties most at risk for hurricanes\" \/><\/noscript><\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"top-5\">Top 5 Most Affected Counties<\/h2>   <div style=\"min-height: 535px;; \" class=\"ub_image_slider swiper-container wp-block-ub-image-slider\" id=\"ub_image_slider_3d4e382f-c204-4f95-b0f9-72f690a0bca1\" data-swiper-data='{\"speed\":300,\"spaceBetween\":20,\"slidesPerView\":1,\"loop\":true,\"pagination\":{\"el\": \".swiper-pagination\" , \"type\": \"bullets\", \"clickable\":true},\"navigation\": {\"nextEl\": \".swiper-button-next\", \"prevEl\": \".swiper-button-prev\"}, \"keyboard\": { \"enabled\": true }, \"effect\": \"slide\",\"simulateTouch\":false}'>             <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Broward-County-Florida-1.png\" alt=\"Grey clouds hover over Broward County, Florida\u2019s coastline.\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 1: <\/strong>Broward County, Florida | <strong>3 Biggest Cities: <\/strong>Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, and Hollywood<br><br><strong>Overall Score: <\/strong>72.95<br><strong>FEMA Hurricane Risk Score: <\/strong>99.91 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 3<br><strong>Total Number of Hurricanes (Last 10 Years): <\/strong>9 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 44 (tie)<br><strong>Number of Category 5 Hurricanes (Last 10 Years): <\/strong>4 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 1 (tie)<br><strong>Expected Annual Loss from Hurricanes: <\/strong>$895 million | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 2<br><strong>Number of National Disaster Debris Recovery Facilities (EPA 2025): <\/strong>18 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 248 (tie)<br><br>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/D43myyp1ksY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jason Dent<\/a> \/ Unsplash \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Palm-Beach-County-Florida-1.png\" alt=\"Bent shrubs, a destroyed building on the right, and other debris line a highway in Boca Raton, Florida, after a hurricane.\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 2: <\/strong>Palm Beach County, Florida | <strong>3 Biggest Cities: <\/strong>West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Boynton Beach<br><br><strong>Overall Score: <\/strong>72.12<br><strong>FEMA Hurricane Risk Score: <\/strong>99.87 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 4<br><strong>Total Number of Hurricanes (Last 10 Years): <\/strong>9 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 44 (tie)<br><strong>Number of Category 5 Hurricanes (Last 10 Years): <\/strong>4 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 1 (tie)<br><strong>Expected Annual Loss from Hurricanes: <\/strong>$864 million | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 3<br><strong>Number of National Disaster Debris Recovery Facilities (EPA 2025): <\/strong>27 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 267 (tie)<br><br>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/danthewebmaster\/2534907991\/in\/photolist-4S14Qc-6dGhe-4iLKM-6dFsy-77Qh5q\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Daniel Tobias<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/danthewebmaster\/2534907991\/in\/photolist-4S14Qc-6dGhe-4iLKM-6dFsy-77Qh5q\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Charleston-County-South-Carolina-1.png\" alt=\"A home is surrounded by flood water in Charleston, South Carolina, after Hurricane Matthew.\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 3: <\/strong>Charleston County, South Carolina | <strong>3 Biggest Cities: <\/strong>Charleston, North Charleston, and Mount Pleasant<br><br><strong>Overall Score: <\/strong>69.97<br><strong>FEMA Hurricane Risk Score: <\/strong>99.64 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 9<br><strong>Total Number of Hurricanes (Last 10 Years): <\/strong>12 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 1 (tie)<br><strong>Number of Category 5 Hurricanes (Last 10 Years): <\/strong>4 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 1 (tie)<br><strong>Expected Annual Loss from Hurricanes: <\/strong>$358 million | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 8<br><strong>Number of National Disaster Debris Recovery Facilities (EPA 2025): <\/strong>27 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 267 (tie)<br><br>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/scguard\/30160060106\/in\/photolist-MX9c7j-MQ4gQW-M3zFFj-Yqa68M-2keUx59-YnxLDA-2id9g8d-My2ZMu-N1bGrt-ztKJkN-N4j5ty-2keUJ7p-YxQdw9-YxQ9gW-YexMis-YC4mei-YxQfM1-YC4kW4-XyFMAJ-YxQeoQ-YC4mQD-XyFM2C-M7fPRm-MYSnAR-YC4mwn-N7q5Si-eFPhBQ-YxQk4Y-YxQgBh-ztJeoU-YxQeVS-2keUdAj-YxQj7N-3GQPK-eFHDBK-eFJwNR-ywS3bS-N4jaCG-eFKwjV-eFHJfk-MEbjHJ-eFR2sj-2heWRpe-eFJzSt-M9KDC4-2keQiEn-2heWRCF-M9KACM-2heXK8v-M9Kxht\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SC National Guard<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ Public Domain<\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Horry-County-South-Carolina-1.png\" alt=\"An aerial shot of residential homes and trees submerged in flood waters in Horry County, South Carolina\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 4: <\/strong>Horry County, South Carolina | <strong>3 Biggest Cities: <\/strong>Myrtle Beach, Conway, and Carolina Forest<br><br><strong>Overall Score: <\/strong>68.23<br><strong>FEMA Hurricane Risk Score: <\/strong>99.55 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 11<br><strong>Total Number of Hurricanes (Last 10 Years): <\/strong>12 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 1 (tie)<br><strong>Number of Category 5 Hurricanes (Last 10 Years): <\/strong>4 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 1 (tie)<br><strong>Expected Annual Loss from Hurricanes: <\/strong>$257 million | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 11<br><strong>Number of National Disaster Debris Recovery Facilities (EPA 2025): <\/strong>10 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 211 (tie)<br><br>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/scguard\/44918321411\/in\/photolist-2brh92r-MFqsH4-N1zHD2-2akGdoG-MFqGSr-MXxQby-2akG8WL-28DE6TW-28FaLuu-PipuBy-P3kY4W-MrvSKM-2bowrmh-2akG6sC-MLqaTY-2bri59e-MFqiCF-MFr6wp-MP3spt-2akGaXu-2brgShR-2bsT6DV-2a3FByz-2bsT6mv-2a29BPH-2a5gi3x-2bsT4Cv-MwmGvE-2a5gjJi-2akGfv7-PjYpcU-28DE9Sm-2a5giMZ-Piohgo-MwmGBG-2akGdYj-29HM9TT-2akGbEb-2akFRrG-2akGagE-28Faidf-2bowt7S-2bow4AJ-2a3EcQ4-2bowrEo-2bowtJ3-28DE7m9-MFqLoK-2akGgGq-2bowrfL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SC National Guard<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ Public Domain<\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/AdobeStock_508116082-1.png\" alt=\"Aerial View of Harbor Town and lighthouse on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 5: <\/strong>Beaufort County, South Carolina | <strong>3 Biggest Cities:<\/strong> Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, and Port Royal<br><br><strong>Overall Score: <\/strong>67.05<br><strong>FEMA Hurricane Risk Score: <\/strong>99.1 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 21<br><strong>Total Number of Hurricanes (Last 10 Years): <\/strong>12 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 1 (tie)<br><strong>Number of Category 5 Hurricanes (Last 10 Years): <\/strong>4 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 1 (tie)<br><strong>Expected Annual Loss from Hurricanes: <\/strong>$221 million | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 18<br><strong>Number of National Disaster Debris Recovery Facilities (EPA 2025): <\/strong>7 | <strong>Rank:<\/strong> 185 (tie)<br><br>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/aerial-view-of-harbour-town-and-lighthouse-on-hilton-head-island-south-carolina\/508116082\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rick Lohre<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/license-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><\/div>             <div class=\"swiper-pagination\"><\/div>             <div class=\"swiper-button-prev\"><\/div> <div class=\"swiper-button-next\"><\/div>         <\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"key-insights\">Key Insights<\/h2>    <p><strong>Florida<\/strong>, <strong>North Carolina<\/strong>, and <strong>South Carolina <\/strong>counties dominate the 2025 ranking, claiming <strong>47<\/strong> of the <strong>top 50<\/strong> spots. All 3 states were impacted by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhc.noaa.gov\/data\/tcr\/AL092024_Helene.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hurricane Helene<\/a> in 2024, which brought <strong>widespread flooding<\/strong> and <strong>damaging winds<\/strong>. <strong>Beaufort County, South Carolina <\/strong>(No. 5), and <strong>Taylor County, Florida <\/strong>(No. 243), recorded some of the highest wind gusts during the storm.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p><strong>Harris County, Texas <\/strong>(No. 16), home to Houston, has the <strong>highest Hurricane Risk Score<\/strong> and <strong>expected annual loss<\/strong> in the country, more than <strong>$1.15 billion<\/strong>, according to FEMA. A recent study found that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.click2houston.com\/weather\/2025\/05\/09\/the-truth-is-more-than-90-of-houston-isnt-ready-for-a-hurricane\/\">91%<\/a> of Houston is <strong>not hurricane-ready<\/strong>, and nearly <strong>all residents<\/strong> lost power during both a recent <a href=\"https:\/\/abc13.com\/post\/new-study-shows-everyone-harris-county-lost-power-between-derecho-hurricane-beryl\/16024070\/#:~:text=A%20new%20Kinder%20Institute%20for,because%20they%20couldn't%20work.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">derecho<\/a> and Hurricane Beryl.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>Despite every county in the ranking facing at least <strong>moderate hurricane risk<\/strong>, places like <strong>Kennebec County, Maine <\/strong>(No. 318), <strong>DeWitt County, Texas <\/strong>(No. 317), and <strong>Bexar County, Texas <\/strong>(No. 315), land at the bottom, with lower storm activity and direct hits in recent years.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p><strong>Louisiana<\/strong> is already bracing for hurricane season, with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationalguard.mil\/News\/Article-View\/Article\/4199314\/louisiana-guard-rehearses-emergency-plans-for-hurricane-season\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">National Guard<\/a> updating emergency response plans, but nature may offer a twist. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shreveporttimes.com\/story\/news\/2025\/05\/30\/will-saharan-desert-dust-reach-louisiana-this-hurricane-season-air-quality-health-weather-impacts\/83899335007\/\">Saharan dust<\/a> drifting across the Atlantic Ocean could<strong> suppress storm development <\/strong>this summer, even as coastal parishes like <strong>Jefferson <\/strong>(No. 63), <strong>Terrebonne <\/strong>(No. 57), and <strong>Orleans <\/strong>(No. 75) rank among the most potentially affected.\u00a0<\/p>    <p><strong>South <\/strong>and<strong> North Carolina <\/strong>now tie <strong>Honolulu County, Hawaii <\/strong>(No. 72), for the <strong>most hurricanes<\/strong> in the past <strong>10 years<\/strong>. While Honolulu has seen more <strong>Category 2 to 4 storms<\/strong>, only <strong>1<\/strong> Category 5 has struck the island in the past decade, and Hawaii\u2019s risk remains lower because of <a href=\"https:\/\/weather.com\/storms\/hurricane\/news\/2024-08-23-tropical-storm-hurricane-hawaii-climatology\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">infrequent landfall<\/a> and reduced financial impact.<\/p>    <p><\/p>    <style> .personal-anecdote {   font-family: Arial, sans-serif;   background-color: #fff8f0;   border-left: 6px solid #FFA500;   padding: 20px;   margin: 30px 0;   border-radius: 6px;   box-shadow: 1px 1px 5px rgba(0,0,0,0.05); } .personal-anecdote h3 {   margin-top: 0;   color: #cc7000;   font-size: 1.2em; } .personal-anecdote p {   margin-bottom: 0;   line-height: 1.6; } <\/style>  <div class=\"personal-anecdote\">   <h3>Editor\u2019s Note<\/h3>   <p>     I lived on the Big Island of Hawaii for a time, and to say I experienced the best weather of my life is an understatement. I remember only hearing thunder and lightning once in the 5 years I lived there. Hawaii\u2019s unique geography keeps most storm drama away, but when a hurricane did start heading our way, it was a different story. Stores emptied fast (unless you were in the market for SPAM), gas stations ran dry, and ATMs were tapped. Everyone prepared like it was a guaranteed hit. I lived on the leeward (or dry) side of the island, shielded by a volcano, and as often happens in Hawaii, the storm veered off at the last minute. In the end, we barely got a breeze.    <\/p> <\/div>    <p>Discover more storm stats <a href=\"#media-resources\">below<\/a>.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Top 10 Counties With the Highest Expected Annual Financial Loss<\/h3>    <style> .loss-grid {   display: grid;   grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(280px, 1fr));   gap: 20px;   font-family: Arial, sans-serif;   margin: 20px 0; }  .loss-card {   border: 1px solid #ddd;   border-left: 6px solid #0AB563;   padding: 16px;   background: #f9f9f9;   box-shadow: 2px 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);   transition: transform 0.2s; }  .loss-card:hover {   transform: translateY(-4px);   background: #fff; }  .loss-card h3 {   margin: 0 0 8px;   font-size: 18px;   color: #0AB563; }  .loss-card p {   margin: 4px 0;   font-size: 14px; }  .loss-card .amount {   font-weight: bold;   font-size: 16px;   color: #333; } <\/style>  <div class=\"loss-grid\">   <div class=\"loss-card\">     <h3>1. Harris County, TX<\/h3>     <p>Houston, Pasadena, Atascocita<\/p>     <p class=\"amount\">$1.15 billion<\/p>   <\/div>   <div class=\"loss-card\">     <h3>2. Broward County, FL<\/h3>     <p>Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood<\/p>     <p class=\"amount\">$894.8 million<\/p>   <\/div>   <div class=\"loss-card\">     <h3>3. Palm Beach County, FL<\/h3>     <p>West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach<\/p>     <p class=\"amount\">$863.8 million<\/p>   <\/div>   <div class=\"loss-card\">     <h3>4. Miami-Dade County, FL<\/h3>     <p>Miami, Hialeah, Miami Gardens<\/p>     <p class=\"amount\">$831.7 million<\/p>   <\/div>   <div class=\"loss-card\">     <h3>5. Hillsborough County, FL<\/h3>     <p>Tampa, Brandon, Riverview<\/p>     <p class=\"amount\">$441.6 million<\/p>   <\/div>   <div class=\"loss-card\">     <h3>6. Lee County, FL<\/h3>     <p>Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Fort Myers<\/p>     <p class=\"amount\">$387.9 million<\/p>   <\/div>   <div class=\"loss-card\">     <h3>7. Brevard County, FL<\/h3>     <p>Orlando, Palm Bay, Melbourne<\/p>     <p class=\"amount\">$365.9 million<\/p>   <\/div>   <div class=\"loss-card\">     <h3>8. Charleston County, SC<\/h3>     <p>Charleston, Mount Pleasant, James Island<\/p>     <p class=\"amount\">$358.2 million<\/p>   <\/div>   <div class=\"loss-card\">     <h3>9. Pinellas County, FL<\/h3>     <p>St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo<\/p>     <p class=\"amount\">$286.7 million<\/p>   <\/div>   <div class=\"loss-card\">     <h3>10. Collier County, FL<\/h3>     <p>Golden Gate, Immokalee, Naples<\/p>     <p class=\"amount\">$281.1 million<\/p>   <\/div> <\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ask-the-experts\"><\/h2>  <div id=\"experts-block\" class=\"experts\">     <h2 class=\"text-2xl font-bold text-black mb-3\">Ask the Experts<\/h2>    <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The U.S. faced <\/span><b>27<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> billion-dollar disasters in 2024, totaling more than <\/span><b>$180 billion<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in damages, well above recent averages. It was also the <\/span><b>hottest<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> year ever recorded globally, according to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/coast.noaa.gov\/states\/fast-facts\/hurricane-costs.html#:~:text=The%2027%20billion%2Ddollar%20disasters,which%20dates%20back%20to%201850.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">NOAA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, fueling more intense and frequent storms.<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">We asked a panel of experts how Americans can better prepare for hurricane season and recover from its aftermath. Read their insights below:\u00a0<\/span><\/p> <ol> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Who is most at risk for financial and emotional distress from hurricanes?\u00a0<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What are the 3 best resources for disaster relief?\u00a0<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What are the top 3 ways to prepare for a severe hurricane?\u00a0<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What are the 3 best ways to help those who were affected by a hurricane?\u00a0<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">How can local governments best prepare for increasingly intensifying hurricanes in the U.S.?<\/span><\/li> <\/ol>    <div id=\"experts-container\" class=\"relative lg:mt-6\" x-data=\"experts()\" x-init=\"init()\">      <style>       .expert-avatars {         scrollbar-width: none;         -ms-overflow-style: none;          \/* momentum scroll on iOS *\/         -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;          \/* disbable vertical scroll for touch *\/         touch-action: pan-x;       }        \/* hide scroll bar *\/       .expert-avatars::-webkit-scrollbar {         display: none;       }        .expert-avatars .item {         width: 125px;         flex-shrink: 0;       }        .expert-avatars .item:not(:last-child) {         margin-right: 10px;       }        \/* hacky fix for padding at the end of the.expert-avatars *\/       .expert-avatars .item:last-child {         position: relative;       }        .expert-avatars .item:last-child::after {         position: absolute;         left: 100%;         height: 1px;         width: 20px;         display: block;         content: \"\";       }        .trim-label {         max-height: 18px;         text-overflow: ellipsis;         overflow: hidden;         display: -webkit-box;         -webkit-line-clamp: 1;         -webkit-box-orient: vertical;         line-height: 1.4;       }        .credentials {         max-height: 18px;         width: 250px;         text-overflow: ellipsis;         overflow: hidden;         display: -webkit-box;         -webkit-line-clamp: 1;         -webkit-box-orient: vertical;         line-height: 1.4;       }        .credentials-small {         max-height: 18px;         width: 110px;         text-overflow: ellipsis;         overflow: hidden;         display: -webkit-box;         -webkit-line-clamp: 1;         -webkit-box-orient: vertical;         line-height: 1.4;       }        [x-cloak] {         display: none;       }     <\/style>      <div class=\"expert-avatars flex overflow-x-scroll overscroll-contain px-2 mb-10 lg:hidden\">                         <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('gregory-s-jenkins', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Gregory-Jenkins.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Gregory Jenkins\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Gregory S. Jenkins <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Professor of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science, Geography, and African Studies<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('joel-cline', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Joel-Cline.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Joel Cline\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Joel Cline <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Tropical Program Coordinator at NOAA National Weather Service<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('jill-c-trepanier-phd', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Jill-Trepanier.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Jill Trepanier\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Jill C. Trepanier, Ph.D. <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Associate Professor, Director of Graduate Studies, and Geography and Anthropology<\/div>           <\/div>                   <\/div>                     <div           id=\"expert-gregory-s-jenkins\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'gregory-s-jenkins', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'gregory-s-jenkins'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('gregory-s-jenkins', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'gregory-s-jenkins', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'gregory-s-jenkins'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('gregory-s-jenkins', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Gregory-Jenkins.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Gregory Jenkins\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'gregory-s-jenkins'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Gregory S. Jenkins <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'gregory-s-jenkins'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science, Geography, and African Studies<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'gregory-s-jenkins'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Pennsylvania State University<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'gregory-s-jenkins'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('gregory-s-jenkins', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'gregory-s-jenkins'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('gregory-s-jenkins')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Gregory-Jenkins.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Gregory Jenkins\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Gregory S. Jenkins <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science, Geography, and African Studies<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Pennsylvania State University<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><b>Who is most at risk for financial and emotional distress from hurricanes?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Those who are living in poverty or are in lower income brackets [are most at risk] because the cost of evacuating and any recovery cost makes these communities highly vulnerable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Resilience is extremely difficult for these communities. Black and Hispanic communities have a higher risk because of historical policies and practices.<\/span><\/p> <p><b>What are the three best resources for disaster relief?<\/b><\/p> <ol> <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> FEMA \u2014 Federal Emergency Management Agency<\/span><\/li> <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Red Cross\u00a0<\/span><\/li> <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Local organizations and nonprofits<\/span><\/li> <\/ol> <p><b>What are the top three ways to prepare for a severe hurricane?<\/b><\/p> <ul> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If it is severe, you should evacuate. However, the key is to know beforehand where valuables are kept in the event of evacuation.<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Keep phone contacts and other important documents in a ziplock bag in the event of flooding.<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Have a hurricane plan in place now.\u00a0<\/span><\/li> <\/ul> <p><b>What are the three best ways to help those who were affected by a hurricane?<\/b><b><\/b><\/p> <ul> <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Determine their emotional, physical, and mental needs \u2014 and if they know where family members are located.<\/span><\/li> <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Help them to get through the short-term stress and shock from the loss of property and life.<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Help them to find resources to address immediate and short-term needs.<\/span><\/li> <\/ul> <p><b>How can local governments best prepare for increasingly intensifying hurricanes in the U.S.?<\/b><\/p> <ul> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Message the community about the power, typical damage of hurricanes, and why evacuation is required.<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Help them to prepare hurricane kits and identify important documents.<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Provide some guidance about how to evacuate and the needed resources for evacuation.<\/span><\/li> <\/ul>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-joel-cline\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'joel-cline', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'joel-cline'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('joel-cline', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'joel-cline', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'joel-cline'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('joel-cline', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Joel-Cline.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Joel Cline\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'joel-cline'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Joel Cline <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'joel-cline'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Tropical Program Coordinator at NOAA National Weather Service<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'joel-cline'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">NOAA National Weather Service<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'joel-cline'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('joel-cline', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'joel-cline'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('joel-cline')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Joel-Cline.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Joel Cline\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Joel Cline <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Tropical Program Coordinator at NOAA National Weather Service<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">NOAA National Weather Service<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><b>What are the top three ways to prepare for a severe hurricane?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I would begin with the basics:<\/span><\/p> <ol> <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Know if you are in an evacuation zone and have a route planned along with keeping all your important documents together to take with you or keep in a safe place that will not be underwater in your house.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li> <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Have supplies, food, water, and medications on hand to last several days to two weeks without power. This includes taking care of animals as well.<\/span><\/li> <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Have a way to get weather alerts from a trusted source such as <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/hurricanes.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">hurricanes.gov<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> or <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/weather.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">weather.gov<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and stay updated on the conditions. Determine and stay in a safe location and be prepared to adhere to the instructions and advice of local officials.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li> <\/ol> <p><b>What are the three best ways to help those who were affected by a hurricane?<\/b><\/p> <ol> <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Often it is the basics that are required after a hurricane affects an area: shelter, water, ice, and food that will not go bad in unrefrigerated conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/li> <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> They are likely to need assistance clearing the area safely and not over-exerting themselves and staying cool in the process as best you can.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li> <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Finally, a lot of people are shocked by what took place and need someone to listen and help them according to what you learned from hearing their talking points.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li> <\/ol> <p><b>How can local governments best prepare for increasingly intensifying hurricanes?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mitigate the impacts wherever possible. If a coastal community perhaps setback laws and restrictions and had post-evacuation routes and shelters that are tested and stocked with food and equipment to house evacuees are some ways [to prepare].\u00a0<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Inland areas that will feel the impacts of hurricanes need to prepare by possibly taking action along known flood areas with the removal of people and perhaps longer-term solutions of dedicating those lands to uses other than living spaces.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This answer could go in many different directions based on whether you are inland or coastal and where you live. The best answer is to contact your local emergency managers for advice for your area.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-jill-c-trepanier-phd\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'jill-c-trepanier-phd', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'jill-c-trepanier-phd'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('jill-c-trepanier-phd', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'jill-c-trepanier-phd', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'jill-c-trepanier-phd'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('jill-c-trepanier-phd', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Jill-Trepanier.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Jill Trepanier\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'jill-c-trepanier-phd'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Jill C. Trepanier, Ph.D. <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'jill-c-trepanier-phd'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Associate Professor, Director of Graduate Studies, and Geography and Anthropology<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'jill-c-trepanier-phd'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Louisiana State University<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'jill-c-trepanier-phd'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('jill-c-trepanier-phd', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'jill-c-trepanier-phd'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('jill-c-trepanier-phd')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Jill-Trepanier.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Jill Trepanier\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Jill C. Trepanier, Ph.D. <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Associate Professor, Director of Graduate Studies, and Geography and Anthropology<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Louisiana State University<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><b>Who is most at risk for financial and emotional distress from hurricanes?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The people most at risk for financial distress are:<\/span><\/p> <ul> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Those without insurance.<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Those living in mobile homes \u2014 simply due to the structure being more vulnerable to damage.<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Those without any savings to assist with the time in between disaster and the receipt of insurance funds.\u00a0<\/span><\/li> <\/ul> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The people at risk for emotional distress are likely those with higher levels of responsibilities \u2014 someone with children, animals, multiple properties, or multiple affected family members.\u00a0<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Emotional distress, however, can be a result of someone who might have been more vulnerable (dealing with stress, etc.) prior to the disaster and now the disaster has been a tipping point. Emotional distress is complicated because it can affect all of us for different reasons.<\/span><\/p> <p><b>What are the three best resources for disaster relief?<\/b><\/p> <ol> <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Local emergency officials<\/span><\/li> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redcross.org\/get-help.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Red Cross<\/span><\/a><\/li> <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> FEMA <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/egateway.fema.gov\/ESF6\/DRCLocator\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Disaster Recovery Centers<\/span><\/a><\/li> <\/ol> <p><b>What are the top three ways to prepare for a severe hurricane?<\/b><\/p> <ol> <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Proactive behavior. Prior to the hurricane season, people should follow the advice of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhc.noaa.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">National Hurricane Center<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and get prepared. Have a &#8220;hurricane kit.&#8221; Pay attention to local officials and, when an event is oncoming, prioritize your preparation. Start with securing energy sources (solar-powered devices are really becoming helpful), making sure you have food that does not require energy to prepare, and securing water supplies.\u00a0<\/span><\/li> <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Then you have to secure the area. Make sure all outside materials are picked up and moved inside. Damages escalate when things become projectiles.<\/span><\/li> <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Only evacuate if told to do so or if experience tells you that your area will flood.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/> <\/span><\/li> <\/ol> <p><b>What are the three best ways to help those who were affected by a hurricane?<\/b><\/p> <ol> <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Provide use of energy.<\/span><\/li> <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Provide food.<\/span><\/li> <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Provide water.\u00a0<\/span><\/li> <\/ol> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you are unable to come into the area, electronic payments can be very helpful to try and offset some of the costs. Venmo is very useful if people can get internet access \u2014 which is often available at Disaster Relief Centers.<\/span><\/p> <p><b>How can local governments best prepare for increasingly intensifying hurricanes in the U.S.?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Identify places with the least amount of protection currently and prioritize those areas for enhanced protection. If we can protect more areas and more people, then the disaster impact is lessened and the state will recover more quickly.<\/span><\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>              <\/div> <\/div>   <p><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"methodology\">Methodology<\/h2>    <p>We identified the 10 most relevant factors for ranking the Top U.S. Counties Most at Risk for Hurricanes and grouped them into four categories:&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Hurricane Risk<\/strong><\/li>    <li><strong>Hurricane History<\/strong><\/li>    <li><strong>Financial Impact<\/strong><\/li>    <li><strong>Disaster Cleanup<\/strong><\/li> <\/ul>    <p>Each factor was assigned a weight based on its impact. The categories, factors, and weights are listed in the table below.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>We then evaluated the 318 U.S. counties with a FEMA-designated Hurricane Risk Score using data from the sources listed below the table. Each county received a score (out of 100) for every factory, category, and overall.&nbsp;<br>A county\u2019s <strong>Overall Score<\/strong> is the average of its score across all metrics. The county with the highest score ranked No. 1 (most affected), while the county with the lowest score ranked No. 318 (least affected).<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-34bb07a3-82b2-452f-af3d-4ce5a4909dde\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"false\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"false\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-34bb07a3-82b2-452f-af3d-4ce5a4909dde\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-34bb07a3-82b2-452f-af3d-4ce5a4909dde\" style=\"color: #000000; \">Notes<\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down open\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-34bb07a3-82b2-452f-af3d-4ce5a4909dde\">  <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>The \u201cWorst\u201d among individual factors may not be No. 318 due to ties.<\/li>    <li>Hurricanes that passed within 100 miles of a county\u2019s center, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.openhazards.com\/faq\/hurricanes-tropical-cyclones-and-typhoons\/what-size-typical-hurricanetropical-cyclone\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">average radius<\/a> of a hurricane, were counted toward that county\u2019s storm history, even if landfall occurred elsewhere.\u00a0<\/li>    <li>FEMA does not provide Hurricane Risk Scores for the Eastern Pacific Basin, so West Coast counties were excluded from this study.<\/li> <\/ul>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>  <div style=\"position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0px; padding: 72% 0px 0px; overflow: hidden; will-change: transform;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/b906f5a6-23b0-4223-9057-fc316584a427?src=embed&amp;embed_type=responsive_iframe\" title=\"LS: Methodology Table - Top U.S. Counties Most at Risk for Hurricanes in 2025\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"fullscreen\" style=\"position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0px; left: 0px; border: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;\"><\/iframe><\/div>    <p><strong><em>Sources:<\/em><\/strong><em> Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Environmental Protection Agency<\/em><\/p>    <p id=\"final-thoughts\"><\/p>    <style> .hurricane-yard-protection {   font-family: Arial, sans-serif;   background-color: #f2fdf7;   border-left: 6px solid #0AB563;   padding: 20px;   margin: 30px 0;   border-radius: 6px; } .hurricane-yard-protection h2 {   margin-top: 0;   font-size: 1.4em;   color: #0AB563; } .hurricane-yard-protection blockquote {   font-style: italic;   color: #333;   border-left: 4px solid #FF9901;   margin: 20px 0;   padding-left: 15px; } .hurricane-yard-protection .tips-grid {   display: grid;   grid-template-columns: 1fr;   gap: 10px; } @media (min-width: 700px) {   .hurricane-yard-protection .tips-grid {     grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;   } } .hurricane-yard-protection li {   margin-bottom: 10px;   list-style: none;   line-height: 1.5;   position: relative;   padding-left: 1.5em; } .hurricane-yard-protection li::before {   content: \"\u2714\ufe0f\";   position: absolute;   left: 0;   top: 0;   color: #0AB563; } .hurricane-yard-protection a {   color: #0AB563;   text-decoration: underline; } .hurricane-yard-protection a:hover {   color: #FF9901; } <\/style>  <div class=\"hurricane-yard-protection\">   <h2>Hurricane Yard Protection<\/h2>   <p>     In 2024, hurricanes were among the most damaging disasters in the U.S., with      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.accuweather.com\/en\/blogs-webinars\/the-2024-hurricane-seasons-explosive-500-billion-price-tag-economic-impact-and-key-insights\/1719392\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">billions<\/a> in property losses and widespread power outages. As storms grow more intense, your yard can be both a hazard zone and a first line of defense.   <\/p>    <blockquote>     \u201cHave a hurricane plan in place now,\u201d advises Gregory S. Jenkins, Professor of Meteorology at Penn State. \u201cKnow where your valuables are kept, and keep phone contacts and important documents in a Ziplock bag in case of flooding.\u201d   <\/blockquote>    <p>     From fencing to fallen trees, hurricane winds can tear through outdoor spaces in minutes. With a few smart moves, you can reduce risks and protect your home\u2019s exterior.   <\/p>    <ul class=\"tips-grid\">     <li>Walk your yard early in hurricane season to identify hazards and create a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/resources\/hurricane-preparedness-guide\/\">prep checklist<\/a>.<\/li>     <li>Secure or store patio items like furniture, grills, and d\u00e9cor before a storm.<\/li>     <li>Remove dead branches and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/cost\/tree-trimming-price\/\">trim trees<\/a> regularly to minimize the risk of downed limbs and roof damage.<\/li>     <li>Use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/hurricane-resistant-landscaping-ideas\/\">wind-resistant landscaping<\/a> with deep-rooted native plants and ground covers.<\/li>     <li>Replace gravel mulch with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/types-of-mulch\/\">bark<\/a> or rubber mulch that won\u2019t become flying debris.<\/li>     <li>Reinforce fencing or <a href=\"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/cost\/fence-repair-price\/#2-cost-by-repair-type:~:text=Cost%20by%20Repair,by%20Repair%20Type\">replace old posts<\/a> to reduce collapse risk.<\/li>     <li>Clean gutters and keep <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/\">drains<\/a> clear to prevent yard flooding.<\/li>     <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/clean-up-yard-after-hurricane\/\">Clean up<\/a> yard debris after a storm to prevent injuries and restore order.<\/li>   <\/ul>    <p>     With the 2025 hurricane season predicted to be especially active, prepping your yard now can limit damage and cleanup when the next storm hits.   <\/p>   <p>     Hire a local <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/\">LawnStarter<\/a> pro to mow your lawn, trim your trees, and for storm cleanup.   <\/p> <\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"media-resources\">Media Resources<\/h2>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-cffd2302-a93d-4a75-b7d0-ed220ef3b421\" data-mobilecollapse=\"true\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"false\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-cffd2302-a93d-4a75-b7d0-ed220ef3b421\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-cffd2302-a93d-4a75-b7d0-ed220ef3b421\" style=\"color: #000000; \">Quotes from LawnStarter Editor-in-Chief Jeff Herman<\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-cffd2302-a93d-4a75-b7d0-ed220ef3b421\">  <p>Before hurricanes and tropical storms, grocery stores are emptied of water, food, and other emergency supplies. Lines form at gas stations as people fuel up to hit the road to evacuate \u2013 or hunker down, knowing that hurricanes can knock out gas stations in the hardest-hit areas.<\/p>    <p>What you might not think to do is to hit an ATM before the winds pick up. Power outages can take banks and ATMs offline, too.\u00a0<\/p>    <p>When I worked at The Tampa Tribune, we lived with the annual threat of hurricanes. Our offices were on the Hillsborough River at the north end of Tampa Bay. If a hurricane makes it into Tampa Bay, we were told it would be like a pinball bouncing all around.<\/p>    <p>Legend has it that education writer Terri Foster once swam across the flooded parking lot to get to the front door to work. I remember bureau chief Chuck Crumbo decked out in a yellow raincoat in the office as he waited for Hurricane Floyd. When the hurricane changed course and was downgraded, Crumbo called the weakened storm Pink Floyd.\u00a0<\/p>    <p>That was then. This is now. These regions, states, and counties face the highest potential hurricane impact this year, our research shows.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>The <strong>Northeast<\/strong> saw more Category 1 hurricanes over the past decade than Florida, with counties like <strong>Middlesex, Massachusetts<\/strong> (No. 162), and <strong>Hillsborough County, New Hampshire <\/strong>(No. 268), leading the count.\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>North Carolina <\/strong>landed <strong>32<\/strong> counties in the <strong>top 50<\/strong>, led by <strong>Onslow County <\/strong>(No. 9) and <strong>New Hanover County <\/strong>(No. 12). The state received nearly <strong>$900 million<\/strong> in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsnationnow.com\/weather\/asheville-north-carolina-recovery-mode-hurricane-helene-mixed-bag-mayor\/\">FEMA aid<\/a> following <strong>Hurricane Helene<\/strong> in 2024, but many communities are still awaiting cleanup support and weighing buyout programs in flood-prone areas.\u00a0<br><\/li>    <li><strong>Florida <\/strong>and hurricanes go hand-in-hand. Most of the state\u2019s counties landed in the <strong>top half<\/strong> of our ranking. But not all Sunshine State regions face the same level of threat. <strong>Gadsden <\/strong>(No. 274), <strong>Hamilton <\/strong>(No. 272), and <strong>Bradford <\/strong>(No. 269) counties fell to the bottom of the ranking, with <strong>fewer recent storms<\/strong> and <strong>under $10 million<\/strong> in projected annual losses.\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Some more rural areas face <strong>less financial fallout<\/strong>. Counties like <strong>Evans, Georgia <\/strong>(No. 227), <strong>Hamilton, Florida <\/strong>(No. 272), and 2 Louisiana parishes, <strong>Evangeline <\/strong>(No. 285) and <strong>Avoyelles <\/strong>(No. 287), each have <strong>under $6 million<\/strong> in estimated hurricane-related property risk.\u00a0<br><\/li>    <li><strong>Harris County, Texas<\/strong> (No. 16), claims the <strong>most<\/strong> national disaster <strong>debris recovery facilities<\/strong>, <strong>200.\u00a0 21 counties<\/strong> in our ranking have <strong>no disaster cleanup facilities<\/strong>.<\/li> <\/ul>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/infogram.com\/ls-ranking-table-2024s-most-hurricane-vulnerable-counties-1h984wvvlpejd2p\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2024\u2019s Most Hurricane-Vulnerable Counties<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/infogram.com\/gg-ranking-table-2023s-most-hurricane-vulnerable-counties-1hdw2jpwwepnp2l\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2023\u2019s Most Hurricane-Vulnerable Counties<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><strong>Main Photo Credit: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/photos\/cyclone-catarina-hurricane-62957\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">WikiImages<\/a><strong> <\/strong>\/ Pixabay \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/service\/license-summary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lice`nse<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Which U.S. counties are most likely to be impacted by tropical cyclones? Discover 2024\u2019s Most Hurricane-Vulnerable Counties.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":111,"featured_media":43544,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[853],"tags":[1472],"class_list":["post-114623","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-studies","tag-studies"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/rsz_cyclone-g3ed698a60_1280.jpg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Kimberly Magerl","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/kimberly-magerl\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>2025\u2019s Hurricane Forecast: Most (&amp; Least) Affected Counties<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/studies\/most-hurricane-vulnerable-counties\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"2025\u2019s Hurricane Forecast: Most (&amp; Least) Affected Counties\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Which U.S. counties are most likely to be impacted by tropical cyclones? 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