Citizens Property Insurance, the state-backed insurer in Florida, has paused the issuance of new policies and alterations in coverage starting Saturday, in light of the looming threat posed by Tropical Storm Imelda. This decision impacts over 771,000 policyholders who rely on this insurer as the last resort in the state.
In an official statement referenced by Florida Politics, the company explained that the move was prompted by the activation of warnings from the U.S. National Hurricane Center. These warnings prevent Citizens from accepting new applications whenever a storm or hurricane watch is issued anywhere within the Floridian territory.
Imelda, previously known as Tropical Depression Nine, gained strength on Sunday, with sustained winds reaching 65 kilometers per hour. It is anticipated to continue intensifying as it heads toward the eastern coast of the United States. Forecasters predict that the storm could make landfall in South Carolina as a hurricane early next week, following its path of heavy rainfalls and disruptions in the Bahamas and surrounding islands.
In South Carolina, Governor Henry McMaster has urged residents to stay alert to the storm's progress, while his counterpart in North Carolina, Josh Stein, has declared a state of emergency to brace for potential impacts.
Meanwhile, in the Atlantic, Hurricane Humberto has slightly weakened but remains a formidable Category 4 hurricane on a path toward Bermuda.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) confirmed on Sunday that Imelda has developed into a tropical storm. The NHC reported on their X account that tropical storm conditions are expected this afternoon and evening over the central and northwestern Bahamas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tropical Storm Imelda
Why did Citizens Property Insurance halt new policies?
Citizens Property Insurance halted new policies due to warnings from the U.S. National Hurricane Center regarding Tropical Storm Imelda, which prevent the company from accepting new applications during storm or hurricane watches.
What is the current status of Imelda?
Imelda has intensified from a tropical depression to a tropical storm, with winds reaching 65 kilometers per hour, and it is expected to strengthen further as it approaches the U.S. East Coast.
What precautions are being taken in South and North Carolina?
South Carolina's Governor Henry McMaster has advised residents to stay vigilant, while North Carolina's Governor Josh Stein has declared a state of emergency to prepare for Imelda's potential impacts.