2023
September 18 - Tropical Storm Nigel
Tropical Storm Nigel intensified into a hurricane on September 18, 2023 in the Atlantic Ocean. The National Hurricane Center indicates that Nigel is located about 875 miles east-southeast of Bermuda and is moving toward the northwest at a speed of 12 mph. This general motion is expected to continue for the next couple of days, and Nigel is forecast to turn northward late Tuesday, then accelerate northeastward through the rest of the week. Maximum sustained winds have increased to 80 mph, with higher gusts. By Tuesday, Nigel is forecast to rapidly strengthen into a major hurricane, with a gradual weakening trend potentially starting by Wednesday. At this time, there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect and no hazards affecting land.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this specific storm under any plans purchased on or after September 18, 2023. Please contact CSA Travel Protection-Generali Global Assistance with questions.
September 12 - Morocco Earthquake
Morocco was struck by a devastating magnitude 6.8 earthquake on September 8, 2023, resulting in a tragic loss of over 2,600 lives, with most casualties in Marrakech and nearby provinces, according to Morocco's Interior Ministry and the Associated Press. This earthquake, the strongest in 120 years, caused widespread damage to historic cities with stone and masonry structures ill-prepared for such tremors. Social media was flooded with videos showing buildings collapsing, including damage to Marrakech's iconic red walls. The National Institute of Geophysics warned of potential aftershocks, leading to evacuations, and a magnitude-4.9 aftershock was recorded just 19 minutes later by the U.S. Geological Survey. The earthquake's impact was felt as far away as Portugal and Algeria. Abderrahim Ait Daoud, the leader of Talat N'Yaaqoub, reported that local authorities were working to clear roads for ambulances while revealing that many homes in nearby towns had collapsed, and power outages occurred in certain areas. Given the vast distances between mountain villages, it may take time to fully assess the extent of the damage and injuries, according to the AP.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this specific event under any plans purchased on or after September 8, 2023.
September 12 - Hurricane Margot
Tropical Storm Margot strengthened into a hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean on September 11, 2023. The National Hurricane Center indicates that Margot is located about 890 miles southwest of the Azores, moving north at a speed of 12 mph. Starting tomorrow, the hurricane is expected to turn toward the north-northwest at a slower forward speed, followed by a gradual northward turn at an even slower speed on Thursday and Friday. Maximum sustained winds are at 85 mph with higher gusts. The hurricane is expected to maintain its current strength for the next several days, although short-term fluctuations, both upward and downward, are possible. The Azores can anticipate the arrival of swells generated by Margot starting on Wednesday, which are likely to create hazardous surf conditions and potentially life-threatening rip currents.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this specific storm under any plans purchased on or after September 11, 2023.
September 6 - Hurricane Lee
Tropical Storm Lee strengthened into a hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean on September 6, 2023. The National Hurricane Center indicates that Lee is located about 1,120 miles east of the northern Leeward Island, moving in a west-northwestward direction at a speed of 14 mph. This general motion is expected to persist for the next few days, with a slight decrease in forward speed over the weekend. Maximum sustained winds have increased to 85 mph, with higher gusts. According to forecast, Lee is expected to undergo steady to rapid strengthening, with expectations that it will become a major hurricane within the next day or two. The swells produced by Lee are anticipated to approach sections of the Lesser Antilles by Friday, and they will likely impact the British and U.S. Virgin Islands as well as Puerto Rico over the weekend. These swells have the potential to create dangerous surf conditions and rip currents that could pose a threat to life.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this specific storm under any plans purchased on or after September 6, 2023.
September 6 - Hurricane Jova
Tropical Storm Jova strengthened into a hurricane during the early hours of September 6, 2023, within the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The National Hurricane Center indicates that Jova is located about 600 miles south off the southern tip of Baja California, moving in a west-northwestward direction at a speed of 13 mph. This general motion is expected to persist through late this week, and Jova is likely to become a major hurricane by tonight. Maximum sustained winds have increased to 105 mph, with higher gusts, and it is expected to continue rapidly strengthening over the next day or so. At this time, there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this specific storm under any plans purchased on or after September 6, 2023.
August 29 - Hurricane Idalia
Tropical Storm Idalia strengthened into a hurricane early Tuesday morning, on August 29, 2023, in the Atlantic Ocean. The National Hurricane Center reports that Idalia is located 120 miles west of the Dry Tortugas and about 275 miles south-southwest of Tampa, Florida. Idalia is moving towards the north at a speed of 14 mph, and it is expected that it will have a faster motion toward the north and north-northeast leading up to early Wednesday while approaching Florida's Gulf coast. By late Wednesday and Thursday, a shift in direction towards the northeast and east-northeast is predicted. This change in course is expected to bring the center of Idalia close to or potentially along the coastlines of Georgia and the Carolinas. Maximum sustained winds have increased to 85 mph with higher gusts. Before the hurricane makes landfall, rapid intensification is expected and Idalia is predicted to be a major hurricane when it reaches the Gulf coast of Florida by Wednesday morning.
At this time, a storm surge warning is in effect for areas ranging from Englewood northward to Indian Pass, as well as for Tampa Bay. A hurricane warning has been issued for the Cuban province of Pinar del Rio, the middle Longboat Key northward to Indian Pass, and Tampa Bay. Additionally, a tropical storm warning is currently in effect for various areas: Isle of Youth in Cuba, Dry Tortugas, Chokoloskee northward to the middle of Longboat Key, west of Indian Pass to Mexico Beach, and from Sebastian Inlet in Florida to South Santee River in South Carolina. A surge watch is also in place for regions stretching from Chokoloskee northward to Englewood, including Charlotte Harbor, and from the mouth of the St. Mary’s River to South Santee River in South Carolina. Meanwhile, a hurricane watch is under effect for the area from Englewood to the middle of Longboat Key. Lastly, a tropical storm watch is in effect for the lower Florida Keys west of the west end of the Seven Mile Bridge, and from South Santee River northward to Surf City, North Carolina.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this specific storm under any plans purchased on or after August 29, 2023.
August 28 - Hurricane Franklin
Tropical Storm Franklin strengthened into a hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean on August 26, 2023. The National Hurricane Center indicates that Hurricane Franklin is located about 455 miles north of Grand Turk Island and 475 miles southwest of Bermuda. Franklin is moving toward the north at a speed of 9 mph, and this northward to north-northeastward motion with a slightly faster forward speed is expected during the next few days. The forecast track shows that the center of Franklin is expected to pass well to the west of Bermuda on Wednesday. Maximum sustained winds have increased to 145 mph with greater gusts. Franklin is already a category 4 hurricane, and while further strengthening is possible today, slow weakening is forecast to begin later Tuesday. The swells, dangerous surf, and rip currents caused by Franklin are beginning to hit Bermuda and the southeast coast of the United States. Over the next few days, it is anticipated to extend northward along the east coast of the United States and Atlantic Canada.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this specific storm under any plans purchased on or after August 26, 2023.
August 22 - Head Fire
The Head Fire started on August 15, 2023 in Siskiyou County, CA, after a series of lightning strikes were caused by thunderstorms in the area. The blaze was found burning in the Klamath National Forest on the north side of the Klamath River near the confluence of the Scott River and has burned about 3,500 with no containment. The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office has issued numerous evacuation orders and warnings, and due to the fire's progress, Highway 96 and the Scott River Road are closed. Hikers and backpackers are requested to avoid the routes in that area since portions of the Pacific Crest Trail were also closed.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this specific event under any plans purchased on or after August 15, 2023.
August 21 - SRF Lightning Complex Fire
The Six Rivers National Forest Lightning Complex Fire was named on August 20, 2023. According to Cal Fire, the fire has burned a total of 4,080 acres and is 15% contained. The fire was named after the complex received about 150 lightning strikes across the forest in Humboldt County on the evening of August 15, 2023. After this significant lightning activity, there have been 27 confirmed fires in the forest, including the 7 fires within the complex.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this specific event under any plans purchased on or after August 20, 2023.
August 21 - Plant Fire
The Plant Fire started Saturday afternoon on August 19, 2023 in Santa Barbara County. The fire has been one of the largest in the county that has burned approximately 5,464 acres near Aliso Park Road and Foothill Road, New Cuyama and is now 60% contained. As of August 20, 2023, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department reported that Highway 166 between Highway 101 and New Cuyama has reopened after being closed on Saturday afternoon. All evacuation alerts and orders issued from Aliso Park Road to Cottonwood Canyon as a result of the fire have also been lifted.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this specific event under any plans purchased on or after August 19, 2023.
August 21 - Happy Camp Complex Fire
The Happy Camp Complex Fires was named on August 16, 2023 after a series of lightning storms ignited the complex that is comprised of 13 fires burning in the Klamath National Forest over a large portion of Siskiyou County. The fires have burned a total of 10,507 acres and have been uncontained since it has posed formidable challenges to firefighting efforts due to its size, varying fire behavior, and the challenging weather conditions. The Klamath National Forest is issuing an emergency closure order for the Happy Camp Ranger, Oak Knoll, and Scott River Ranger Districts. The forest closure prohibits the public from entering portions of the forest in or near the vicinity of ongoing wildfire activity, and also prohibits the use of roads, trails, and developed recreation sites within the closure area.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan documentfor details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this specific event under any plans purchased on or after August 16, 2023.
August 21 - Smith River Complex Fire
The Smith River Complex Fire was named on August 15, 2023 in Del Norte County, CA after experiencing thunderstorms that caused dusty and erratic winds over portions of the area. The complex includes 12 confirmed fires to become the Smith River Complex Fire, which burned approximately 28,712 acres with no containment just south of the Oregon border. The Del Norte County Sheriff's Department, in collaboration with the County Office of Emergency Services and California Interagency Incident Management Team have raised the evacuation level along all of French Hill Road due to a combination of extreme fire and weather behavior. The U.S. Highway 199 is fully closed in Del Norte County from Pioneer Road to Oregon Mountain Road due to the fires, and there is no estimated time of reopening.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this specific event under any plans purchased on or after August 15, 2023.
August 17 - Hurricane Hilary
Tropical Storm Hilary strengthened into a hurricane in the Eastern Pacific Ocean on August 17, 2023. The National Hurricane Center reports that Hilary is now a category 2 hurricane and it's expected to further develop into a major hurricane later today. With maximum sustained winds at 105 mph and higher gusts, additional rapid strengthening is forecast within the next day. Hilary is located about 500 miles south-southeast of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and is currently moving west-northwest at a speed of 14 mph, and this general motion is expected to continue through the night. A shift toward the northwest is expected Friday morning, followed by a turn toward the north-northwest and north on Saturday. According to the projected path, Hilary’s center will approach the Baja California peninsula over the weekend, potentially bringing 3 to 6 inches of rainfall, with isolated areas receiving up to 10 inches by Sunday night. This could lead to locally significant flash flooding. Moreover, the Southwestern United States should expect heavy rainfall from Hilary between Friday and early next week, with rainfall ranging from 2 to 4 inches. Isolated areas in southern California and southern Nevada might experience over 8 inches of rain. The large swells generated by Hilary are likely to result in dangerous surf and rip current conditions along portions of the southwestern Mexico and Baja California coastlines over the next few days.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this specific storm under any plans purchased on or after August 17, 2023.
August 14 - Hurricane Fernanda
Tropical Storm Fernanda rapidly upgraded into a hurricane on August 13, 2023 in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. According to the National Hurricane Center, on August 12, 2023, Fernanda was initially located about 610 miles off the southern tip of Baja California. It was moving west-northwest at 10 mph with maximum sustained winds at 45 mph. As of this morning, Hurricane Fernanda is located about 745 miles southwest off the southern tip of Baja California and is moving west at 8 mph. A general west to west-northwest motion is expected to continue with some increase in forward speed over the next few days and there’s a chance of further intensification today, followed by a weakening trend starting either tonight or early Tuesday. Currently, maximum sustained winds have increased to 130 mph and Fernanda is now considered a category 4 hurricane. At this time, there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect and Fernanda poses no immediate threat to land.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this specific storm under any plans purchased on or after August 13, 2023.
August 9 - Island of Hawaii and Maui Wildfires
Multiple devasting wildfires on the Island of Hawaii and Maui ignited on August 8, 2023 were fueled by strong winds from Hurricane Dora, dry vegetation, and low humidity. Authorities said that people in the town of Lahaina were forced to jump into the harbor waters to avoid fast-moving flames and smoke from a massive brush fire that destroyed much of the historic area, homes, and businesses. The U.S. Coast Guard had rescued dozens of people who entered the ocean to escape the smoke and fire conditions. On Tuesday, the Hawaii National Guard was called in to support emergency workers following a proclamation issued by the acting Lieutenant Governor, Sylvia Luke. Due to the fire being widespread, the fires have forced people to evacuate, multiple schools and roads to close, and power outages in several communities to more than 14,000 people. On the west side of Maui, 911 service was down with resorts, visitors, and commercial districts losing communication due to downed cell towers and hospitals on the island of Maui are overwhelmed with burn patients and people suffering from smoke inhalation. On the Island of Hawaii, county officials said there are brush fires in North and South Kohala and about 400 homes were evacuated in the northern part on Tuesday. As the blaze continues, Maui’s Kahului Airport is sheltering approximately 1,800 travelers from canceled flights and flight arrivals and the state of Hawaii is discouraging any non-essential travel to the island. All of the Hawaiian islands are currently under a red flag warning due to the strong winds and low humidity that can produce an increased risk of fire danger and several shelters and evacuation centers have been opened.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this specific event under any plans purchased on or after August 8, 2023.
August 7 - Almond Fire
The Almond Fire in Kern County started Sunday afternoon August 6, 2023. According to Cal Fire, the fire has burned 5,229 acres near Lost Hills. The Kern County Fire Department said firefighters worked overnight to bring containment up to 90% and the fire and smoke can be seen burning near the intersection of Highway 46 and Highway 33. The cause of the fire is under investigation and Caltrans encourages all motorists to use an alternate route.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this specific event under any plans purchased on or after August 6, 2023.
August 3 - Greece Wildfires
The Greece Wildfires started on July 17, 2023, following a series of heatwaves and multiple wildfires across Europe. The wildfires have subsided on Friday after burning for almost two weeks and forecasters predict that this ongoing heatwave in Greece could potentially become the longest in the country's history, lasting up to 16-17 days. So far, the wildfires have claimed the lives of five people and injured more than 20, and have also destroyed homes, farms, factories, and large areas of forest. It has severely damaged numerous areas in Greece, with over 80 wildfires recorded. Impacted areas, such as Attica and Corfu have been forced to evacuate to safety. On the island of Rhodes, where about 20,000 tourists and locals had to evacuate seaside hotels and houses, the wildfires have dwindled down after scorching approximately 10% of the island's land. Firefighting teams are still active in multiple locations, aiming to fully control all the fronts and the Greek government established a Crisis Management Unit to address the situation. In the hard-hit area of Magnesia, the wildfires reached an air force ammunition depot near the coastal town of Nea Aghialos. The blaze at the depot caused powerful explosions, forcing people to escape by land and sea to Volos. The European Union has deployed over 450 firefighters and seven airplanes to assist in Greece. Specifically, 81 firefighters, 26 vehicles, and three planes have been assigned to help combat the situation in Rhodes.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this specific event under any plans purchased on or after July 17, 2023.
August 2 - Hurricane Dora
Tropical Storm Dora intensified into a hurricane in the Eastern Pacific Ocean Monday afternoon, August 1, 2023. As of this morning, the National Hurricane Center indicates that Dora is located about 575 miles south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California and is moving toward the west near 16 mph and a westward to west-southwestward motion is expected over the next several days. Maximum sustained winds have increased near 105 mph with higher gusts. Dora is undergoing rapid intensification and is expected to reach major hurricane status later today. However, it is predicted to gradually weaken towards the end of the week. Dora is a compact tropical cyclone, with hurricane-force winds limited to a 10-mile radius from the center, and tropical-storm-force winds extending up to 45 miles.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this specific storm under any plans purchased on or after August 1, 2023.
July 31 - York Fire
The York Fire is a large wildfire burning out of control in California’s Mojave National Preserve and is spreading rapidly with high winds and dry brush fueling the flames. The fire started on July 28, 2023 near Caruthers Canyon in the New York Mountains of California and has scorched 77,000 acres. As of Sunday, officials say that the fire is 0% contained and has crossed the state line from California into Nevada while sending smoke further east into the Las Vegas Valley. While firefighters are continuing to battle the fire, they are also observing fire whirls that can be extremely dangerous for them and it could potentially ignite new fires. Firefighters in Clark County, Nevada are facing challenges with limited visibility due to thick smoke that can affect aerial support, grand crews’ movements, and communications among firefighting units. The fire burning in Clark County near Nipton and Searchlight remains some distance from these areas so no evacuation orders have been issued at this time but officials urge anyone who lives in the vicinity of the fire to take necessary precautions.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this specific event under any plans purchased on or after July 28, 2023.
July 31 - Bonny Fire
According to Cal Fire, the Bonny Fire ignited Thursday afternoon on July 27, 2023 in Riverside County near Aguanga and is one of two major blazes burning in California as the region faces hot and dry weather. The fire continued to burn out of control Saturday evening and had swelled to 2,206 acres with 10% containment. An evacuation order remains in effect for the area north of the San Diego County line, east of Bonny Lane, south of Bowers Road, Bailey Road and Ramsey Road and west of Anza Borrego State Park. As the fire threatens 786 structures, the support from Riverside and cooperating agencies includes 1,884 firefighters, five helicopters and numerous air tankers. The fire department says that full containment isn’t expected until August 7, 2023.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this specific event under any plans purchased on or after July 27, 2023.
July 17 - Rabbit Fire
The Rabbit Fire broke out in California’s Riverside county towards the beginning of the weekend on July 14, 2023. The location of the fire is at Gilman Springs Road and Olive Avenue in Moreno Valley. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Rabbit Fire is still burning with 35% containment and has burned nearly 8,000 acres so far. As of Sunday, the fire threatened a number of roads to be closed and 152 structures are threatened and have not been damaged. Firefighters have made progress which downgraded part of the evacuation order to a warning for some areas and the fire is expected to be fully contained by Wednesday. The agency reported the vegetation fire started at 20 acres in Lakeview with a rapid spread and the cause is under investigation.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this specific event under any plans purchased on or after July 14, 2023.
July 14 - Hurricane Calvin
Tropical Storm Calvin upgraded into a hurricane in the Eastern Pacific Ocean Thursday morning, July 13, 2023. According to the National Hurricane Center, Calvin continued to strengthen as of last night and is called to be a major hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph. Hurricane Calvin is currently located about 1080 miles southwest off the southern tip of Baja California and it’s present movement is west at 16 mph. The center says the Calvin is currently a category 3 hurricane and there is a chance of it becoming stronger today. However, starting tomorrow, it is expected to weaken, and this weakening trend is forecasted to persist until early next week.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this specific storm under any plans purchased on or after July 13, 2023.
June 30 - Hurricane Beatriz
Tropical Storm Beatriz upgraded into a hurricane in the Eastern Pacific Ocean Friday morning, June 30, 2023. According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Beatriz strengthened off the Coast of Guerrero, Mexico and is located about 50 miles south of Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico and about 175 miles southeast of Manzanillo, Mexico and is moving northwest at 13 mph with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph. Beatriz is expected to become stronger until tonight while maintaining hurricane status until Saturday, posing a threat of hurricane-force winds and a hazardous storm surge to the southwestern coast of Mexico in the coming days. A Hurricane Warning is currently active for parts of Guerrero, Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco, with hurricane conditions anticipated today and tomorrow. Southern Mexico, from Oaxaca to Nayarit, should prepare for heavy rainfall that could result in dangerous flash floods and mudslides. The hurricane is projected to continue moving with a slightly reduced forward speed until early Sunday. Following that, it is expected to turn towards the west-northwest and slow down even further on Sunday.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this specific storm under any plans purchased on or after June 30, 2023.
June 28 - Hurricane Adrian
Tropical Storm Adrian rapidly intensified into a hurricane in the Eastern Pacific Ocean Wednesday morning, June 28, 2023. According to the National Hurricane Center, Adrian is about 360 miles southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico and is moving west at 8 mph and this general motion is expected to continue through Thursday. On the forecast track, a turn toward the west-northwest with a decrease in forward speed on Friday and hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 10 miles from the center with tropical-storm-force winds extending outward up to 60 miles. Currently, maximum sustained winds have increase to near 75 mph with higher gusts and additional strengthening is forecast during the next couple of days then weakening is expected to begin by late Friday.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this specific storm under any plans purchased on or after June 28, 2023.
June 8 - FAA Grounds Flights in New York
On June 7, 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration grounded flights headed to New York’s LaGuardia Airport due to smoke from the Canadian wildfires that decreased visibility in the area and covered swaths of the U.S. The FAA delayed flights into New York and Newark, New Jersey, and it briefly halted flights bound for Philadelphia International Airport and New York’s LaGuardia airport as smoke from the wildfires continues to spread across the Northeastern United States. The ground stop required planes to remain on the ground at their airport of origin, and according to tracking service FlightAware, there are more than 1,100 flights to, from, and within the U.S. that have been delayed, with 71 of them canceled. On Wednesday alone, there were about 5,600 U.S. flight delays and 162 flight cancellations, although not all were due to the smoke. As of today, airlines in the U.S. have canceled 120 flights and delayed another 1,928. The FAA lifted a ground stop for flights bound for LaGuardia airport today but continues to delay some flights on the ground due to the smoke. We suggest travelers to contact their airlines to determine flight status as the extreme wildfire smoke haze continues to linger over the Northeastern U.S. and could also delay flights through Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this natural disaster under any plans purchased on or after June 7, 2023.
April 3 - Winter Storm Vanessa
Winter Storm Vanessa was named on April 3, 2023. In the early part of this week, certain regions in the West and Northern Plains will experience a powerful winter storm that will bring with it heavy snowfall and strong winds, potentially leading to blizzard-like conditions in some areas. The winter storm is spreading snow across parts of the West and northern High Plains right now and The Weather Channel reports that Vanessa may also produce more severe storms in the central states by Tuesday. The National Weather Service has issued blizzard warnings for certain areas of the Northern Plains, which include Bismarck and Fargo in North Dakota, as well as Rapid City in South Dakota. Additionally, there are several winter storm warnings, watches, and weather advisories spanning from the Pacific Northwest's higher elevations to the Rockies and Northern Plains.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this storm under any plans purchased on or after April 3, 2023.
April 1 - Winter Storm Uriel
Winter Storm Uriel was named on March 31, 2023. According to The Weather Channel, Uriel is expected to bring dangerous winter conditions to parts of the upper Plains and upper Midwest. While the storm has the potential of causing blizzard conditions it is expected in parts of Minnesota and Dakotas. In the Upper Peninsula, Winter Storm Uriel could also produce heavy snowfall and strong winds with gusts up to 50mph. The storm is also said to cause some lake affect snow as it crosses the Great Lakes into interior New England and off to the coast by late Sunday.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this storm under any plans purchased on or after March 31, 2023.
March 10 - Winter Storm Sage
Winter Storm Sage was named on March 10, 2023. An increasingly possible East Coast storm by early next week, which could bring high winds, heavy snow and rain to parts of the Northeast and New England. Winter Storm Sage will first bring heavy rain and snow to the West, including California while being fueled by the atmospheric river pummeling California with heavy rainfall that has already produced flooding, rockslides and mudslides in parts of the state. Then it will spread into the Northern Plains and Midwest into this weekend with snow and gusty winds. Blizzard conditions from Sage are possible in parts of North Dakota and northeastern Montana into early Saturday.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this storm under any plans purchased on or after March 10, 2023.
March 10 - Winter Storm Ricardo
Winter Storm Ricardo was named on March 9, 2023. According to The Weather Channel, the storm tracking the northern tier will spread snow and rain from the Great Lakes into the Northeast to end the week. As of early Friday, around 8 inches of snow has been recorded in parts Wisconsin and northern Illinois, including near Plainville, Wisconsin, and Bull Valley, Illinois. Hudsonville, Michigan, measured 10 inches of snow early Friday. Snow and gusty winds will persist over the Great Lakes, making travel dangerous in Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, and Milwaukee. Winter Storm Ricardo is expected to come to an end by early day Saturday in the Northeast which means possible snow across the interior with rain or a mix of rain and snow near the coast. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories from the Plains into the southern Great Lakes and interior Northeast where travel could be impacted, with the worst conditions expected in locations under warnings, including Milwaukee.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this storm under any plans purchased on or after March 9, 2023.
February 28 - Winter Storm Quest
Winter Storm Quest was named on February 27, 2023. This new coast-to-coast winter storm will bring blizzard conditions to California’s Sierra Nevada before spreading toward the Midwest and Northeast with snow and ice later this week. Winter Storm Quest will bring multiple waves of snow that will impact parts of the Northwest, California’s Sierra and the Rockies from now through Wednesday. The storm is also expected to bring heavy snow and strong winds at times in the Sierra and other mountainous areas while lower elevations of California will see periods of rain. Blizzard warnings are posted in California's Sierra Nevada, where a combination of snow and strong winds will make travel difficult or impossible into Wednesday. Winter storm warnings, winter weather advisories and winter storm watches are in effect from lower elevations of the Pacific Northwest into the Rockies.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this storm under any plans purchased on or after February 27, 2023.
February 23 - Winter Storm Piper
Winter Storm Piper was named on February 23, 2023. In Southern California, rare blizzard warnings have been prompted as a result of this powerful winter storm and could also bring flooding rain, low-elevation snow and record late February cold into the weekend. The high winds from the storm has knocked down trees and left over 100,000 without power, as a cold front accompanied colder air into California on Tuesday. Winter Storm Piper is currently spreading snow and rain showers in Oregon, California, Arizona, and Nevada as it moves southward down the West Coast. In the high country of Southern California, multiple feet of snow and high winds are expected to produce whiteout conditions Friday into Saturday. The bigger threat of heavy rain is in Southern California where there is likely to be flash flooding and also a heighten risk of debris flowing, mud and rockslides, particularly in areas burned by wildfires in recent years. A number of winter storm warnings, watches and winter weather advisories have been issued by the National Weather Service, including in the Sierra.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this storm under any plans purchased on or after February 23, 2023.
February 22 - Winter Storm Olive
Winter Storm Olive was named on February 20, 2023. The worst impacts from Winter Storm Olive are beginning as it spreads heavy snow and blizzard conditions through the Rockies, Plains and upper Midwest, and snow and ice from the Great Lakes into parts of the Northeast. In some areas, that snow is already combining with strong winds to produce whiteout conditions, such as in parts of eastern South Dakota and some pockets of freezing rain have also developed in parts of the southern Great Lakes. Blizzard warnings, winter storm warnings, and winter weather advisories have been issued by the National Weather Service across seven states in the Rockies, Northern Plains, and upper Midwest, as well as into the Northeast. Ice storm warnings are also in effect in parts of eastern Iowa to southern Michigan, with expected dangerous driving and potential power outages. Heavy snow and strong winds may cause whiteout conditions and travel disruptions, particularly in rural areas where roads, including interstates, may close. There is a risk to those stranded on roads due to the bitterly cold air and potential power outages or downed trees due to the snow and strong winds. For areas of the upper Midwest, such as Minneapolis-St. Paul, where the National Weather Service referred to it as a "historic winter storm," this could be one of the heaviest snowstorms in years.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this storm under any plans purchased on or after February 20, 2023.
February 15 - Winter Storm Nova
Winter Storm Nova was named on February 14, 2023. According to The Weather Channel, the storm could cause travel headaches this week as it targets parts of the West, Plains, and upper Midwest with snow. The snow from Winter Storm Nova will spread into the Plains on Wednesday then into parts of the Midwest Wednesday night through Thursday night. The storm will also strike parts of the eastern Great Lakes and northern New England with snow by late Thursday into Friday. The majority of this storm's precipitation will fall as rain in large portions of the Ohio Valley and the Northeast, but as the cold front moves through on Thursday night and Friday, a brief period of wet snow may also occur. Nova could also trigger severe thunderstorms in parts of the South and Ohio Valley which may lead to damaging winds, hail and some tornadoes.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this storm under any plans purchased on or after February 14, 2023.
February 9 - Turkey Earthquake
On February 6, 2023, a catastrophic and deadly 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern and central Turkey. The quake occurred west of the city of Gaziantep, causing widespread damage and thousands of fatalities in the region and was closely followed by numerous aftershocks - including one quake which was almost as large as the first. Due to the severity, the final death toll is anticipated to keep increasing and may not be known for weeks due to the sheer volume of rubble that needs to be sifted. According to the Associated Press and Reuters, more than 11,000 people have been confirmed dead as a result of the earthquake. On Wednesday, rescue teams have continued searching for survivors buried in the rubble of thousands of buildings destroyed by the earthquake and aftershocks. Turkey currently has tens of thousands of aid workers in the earthquake zone, and search teams from more than two dozen other nations have also joined them. However, many people are still waiting for assistance, and the likelihood of finding survivors is decreasing. In some areas, the cold, road closures, and damage in the region have also impeded mobility and access. Adelheid Marschang, a Senior Emergency Officer with the World Health Organization, described the situation as "a crisis on top of multiple crises" and estimated that up to 23 million people could be impacted in the earthquake-affected area.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this natural disaster under any plans purchased on or after February 6, 2023. Generali Global Assistance Travel Insurance plans are unable to provide coverage for travel to Syria or any other expenses related to services connected to Syria, or any other certain OFAC sanctioned destinations.
February 1 - Winter Storm Mara
Winter Storm Mara was named on January 30, 2023. According to The Weather Channel, Mara is causing major travel problems in the Southern Plains, including some major cities in Texas. It has been reported that the storm is affecting millions of people, leaving more than 11,000 homes, businesses, and other utility customers without electricity in Texas. The storm has already canceled, or delayed hundreds of flights and 500 or more flights were canceled to or from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport alone. Numerous car accidents have also been reported close to Dallas, Austin, and along the Tennessee-Arkansas border, and icy roads have played a part in them. Parts of the Southern Plains has already experienced sleet and freezing rain from the storm and up to an inch of sleet has been reported in parts of eastern Oklahoma, including the Tulsa metro area, accompanied by lightning, at times while in Denton, Texas, about a half inch of sleet was reported. An ice storm warning is in effect from central Arkansas to western Tennessee and extreme northwestern Mississippi, including Little Rock and Memphis. Icing in these areas could be heavy enough to cause tree damage and knock out power, and will make most roads hazardous. Winter storm warnings are in effect for a broad area of central, northern and western Texas, including the entire Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex, Austin and Waco. In these areas, widespread hazardous travel is expected with at least some potential for power outages and damage to trees. Winter weather advisories extend from other parts of Texas to parts of the Mississippi and Ohio valleys while some of these areas could see disruptions to daily life, including slippery travel.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this storm under any plans purchased on or after January 30, 2023.
January 27 - Winter Storm Leona
Winter Storm Leona was named on January 27, 2023. This winter storm will bring heavy snow to parts of the Northern Plains and Rockies and will be followed by arctic air. Slippery travel conditions are possible as Winter Storm Leona moves through the Midwest on Saturday and by Sunday the South will experience heavy rain that could lead to potential flooding this weekend. The rainfall from the storm will be widespread in the South where one to two inches of rain in some places and other areas can see upwards of 3 inches of rain.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this storm under any plans purchased on or after January 27, 2023.
January 25 - Winter Storm Kassandra
Winter Storm Kassandra was named on January 23, 2023. Over 1300 miles of winter alerts were issued due to this cross-country winter storm and Kassandra will delay travel as it spreads snow through portions of the Midwest, Great Lakes and Northeast. The storm is currently impacting areas from the mid-Mississippi Valley into the Great Lakes and Northeast with snowfall and has brought several inches of snow to the Southern Plains and Ozarks. Southern Missouri and northern Arkansas have experienced tree damage and power outages as a result of the area receiving up to a foot of heavy, wet snow. At least moderate snow and gusty winds will impact the Great Lakes and mid-Mississippi Valley on Wednesday. The interior of the Northeast can anticipate the most snowfall, but some areas on the southern edge of the wintry weather may eventually change to a wintry mix or even rain. This combination will affect travel in Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, and St. Louis. Winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories have been issued by the National Weather Service along the current and future path of Kassandra. Those alerts stretch from the Midwest into New England. Due to the snowfall, expect some of these areas to present hazardous travel conditions.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this storm under any plans purchased on or after January 23, 2023.
January 25 - Winter Storm Jimenez
Winter Storm Jimenez was named on January 21, 2023 and is spreading snow across the Northeast. Jimenez dumped snow over the weekend from parts of the Plains and Midwest and will continue to spread snow across parts of New England and the interior Northeast before it winds down. The Weather Channel reports that snow from Jimenez is ongoing from Maine into the central Appalachians, and that rain will turn to snow as far south and east as the Interstate 95 corridor in southeast New England. Winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories have been posted by the National Weather Service for many of the areas that are expected to see snowfall from Jimenez today and the worst travel conditions are expected in areas that are under winter storm warnings.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this storm under any plans purchased on or after January 21, 2023.
January 18 - Winter Storm Iggy
Winter Storm Iggy was named on January 17, 2023. In the Southwest, Winter Storm Iggy is producing mountain snow and lower elevation rain right now and the storm will blanket parts of the Rockies, Plains and upper Midwest with significant snow this week. At least 6 inches of snow is expected from Colorado to Michigan while much of the Northeast will mostly see rain instead of snow. The exception to this is parts of upstate New York and northern New England where there could be at least 6 inches of snow. Winter storm watches, warnings and advisories have been issued by the National Weather Service along the current and future path of Iggy, from the Southwest into the upper Mississippi Valley.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this storm under any plans purchased on or after January 17, 2023.
January 4 - Winter Storm Hudson
Winter Storm Hudson was named on January 2, 2023. The storm is currently moving across the Plains and upper Midwest where it will continue to bring snow, ice, and strong winds into Wednesday. The Weather Channel says that the storm is also producing severe weather in the South. The worst travel conditions will generally be in areas under winter storm warnings, including Minneapolis-St. Paul. An ice storm warning is in effect from northeast Nebraska into northwest Iowa and south-central Minnesota. This is where there is a heightened risk of icing that could be significant enough to cause tree damage and knock out power. The storm will impact much of the upper Midwest and parts of the Northern and Central Plains, including Minneapolis-St. Paul and Sioux Falls, South Dakota with snow and winds strong enough to cause blowing snow and low visibility. Winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories have been issued by the National Weather Service and stretch from the Northern and Central Plains into the upper Mississippi valley and northern Great Lakes.
Customers are strongly encouraged to read their state specific Plan document for details regarding their available coverage. For plans that do offer coverage for adverse weather and natural disasters, please note that there is no coverage for this storm under any plans purchased on or after January 2, 2023.