Calm Storm Season Should Be Used to Prepare for Future Disasters
An opinion piece argues that a quiet Atlantic hurricane season should not lead states and localities to delay resilience projects. It notes that federal disaster policy is shifting more costs onto states, including through possible capped block grants. The author cites New Jersey's denied federal aid after a deadly February blizzard and rising home insurance premiums as signs of growing risk.
NOAA sees a 75% chance this Atlantic season finishes below normal, possibly with seven named storms. Federal disaster aid may shift toward capped block grants; the Urban Institute warns many states lack fiscal room. New Jersey’s February blizzard killed 15 and caused nearly $100 million in damage; its $84 million request and later appeal were denied.
Insurance premiums have risen five years straight and are 46% above 2021 levels, roughly triple inflation. Hoboken used post-Sandy calm years to build over $230 million in flood barriers and stormwater storage, including a 2-million-gallon tank. Mitigation can yield up to $13 for each $1 spent.
The story may influence how state and local officials, homeowners, insurers, and bond investors think about disaster readiness. If federal aid becomes less predictable, communities with limited budgets could face harder choices about infrastructure, taxes, or borrowing. Residents in flood- and storm-prone areas may see insurance and housing costs continue to reflect long-term risk. The piece suggests calm periods could shape future fiscal and physical resilience, though actual outcomes depend on local decisions and future storms.