Latest news with #HazardHub
Business Wire
29-07-2025
- Climate
- Business Wire
Millions of U.S. Homes at Risk During 2025 Hurricane Season
SAN MATEO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following an intense hurricane season in 2024, experts are projecting above-average storm activity this year. According to forecasts from NOAA and North Carolina State University (NCSU), warmer-than-average Atlantic waters and shifting El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions will contribute to heightened risk across key coastal states. In response, insurers and communities can rely upon high-resolution insights from Guidewire HazardHub to better understand which properties and communities are most vulnerable to hurricane wind and storm surge. The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season saw 18 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and 5 major hurricanes, including multiple Category 5 events. For the 2025 hurricane season, NOAA forecasts 19 to 25 named storms, 7 to 11 hurricanes, and 3 to 6 major hurricanes (Category 3+). Colorado State University predicts a 125% increase in activity over historical averages. Warmer Atlantic sea surface temperatures and climate patterns, specifically the expected transition to neutral ENSO conditions in August, drive these forecasts. Hurricane Trends: Rising Intensity and Risk Long-term trends underscore hurricane risks. According to the National Climate Assessment, there has been a measurable increase in the intensity and duration of North Atlantic hurricanes over the past two decades. Rapid intensification events, storms escalating from Category 1 to major hurricane strength within 24 hours, have more than doubled since the 1990s, according to AP News. Research from NASA and other climate organizations links warming sea surface temperatures and climate risks to stronger winds, more intense rainfall, higher base sea level, and higher storm surges. While overall storm frequency has held steady, the proportion of major hurricanes (Cat 3+) has steadily increased, according to the EPA. Guidewire HazardHub Hurricane Risk Scores offer the highest-resolution insights and visibility into hurricane vulnerability. These insights are powering smarter decisions for insurers, communities, and homeowners. HazardHub Insights by U.S. Region Florida: Epicenter of Hurricane Risk Florida has the highest overall concentration of 'D' and 'F' rated properties in the U.S. for hurricane vulnerability, according to the HazardHub Hurricane Risk Score. 3 million homes in Florida are at risk of storm surge flooding. 34% of all housing units in the state are vulnerable to surge flooding. Texas: Under Increased Threat HazardHub identifies Texas as a high-risk state for future hurricane landfalls, with the Houston-Galveston corridor facing particularly elevated exposure. Approximately 5% of homes in Texas are vulnerable to storm surge flooding. Due to the state's large population, this equates to millions of properties and residents at risk. Gulf Coast States: Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama Louisiana leads the nation in surge vulnerability, with 52% of homes at risk, approximately 910,000 properties. Mississippi (9% of homes at high risk) and Alabama (3%) also show significant exposure along the coast. These states are frequently affected by both Category 1+ hurricane activity and slow-moving, flood-producing systems. Southeast Corridor: South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina South Carolina: 21% of housing units are at risk of storm surge. Georgia: 4% of homes are at risk, mostly in coastal zones like Savannah. North Carolina: 7% of homes face hurricane-related surge threats and wind damage. Mid-Atlantic & Northeast: Delaware, Virginia, New Jersey, New York Delaware: 20% of homes are exposed to storm surge. Virginia: 13% surge exposure rate. While New York and New Jersey are not among the most exposed states by percentage, HazardHub flags specific coastal regions, including Long Island and the Jersey Shore, as vulnerable to surge flooding and hurricane wind damage in the event of northern-shifting storms. Top States for Hurricane Risk The top ten states for hurricane risk, based on the percentage of properties rated as 'D' (high) or 'F' (very high) risk for hurricane damage in the Guidewire HazardHub Hurricane Risk Model, are: Florida Louisiana South Carolina Texas Mississippi North Carolina Delaware Georgia Alabama Virginia These states face the highest hurricane risk, based on factors such as the likelihood of Category 1 or stronger hurricanes, coastal proximity, and the frequency of tropical and subtropical systems. States at Risk of Storm Surge The percentage of housing units at risk of storm surge flooding in high-risk hurricane states, based on an 'F' rating in the HazardHub SurgeMax Storm Surge Flooding Model, are: Louisiana - 52% Florida - 34% South Carolina - 21% Delaware - 20% Virginia - 13% Mississippi - 9% North Carolina - 7% Texas - 5% Georgia - 4% Alabama - 3% The HazardHub SurgeMax Score is designed to help assess the risk associated with storm surge events, which can be a significant threat in coastal areas, particularly during severe hurricanes. Building Resilience While HazardHub highlights where risks are highest, it also empowers proactive resilience. Across the U.S., many high-risk states are taking bold steps to mitigate flood threats—investing in stormwater retention systems, flood barriers, green infrastructure, and voluntary buyout programs. Leading the way are states like Louisiana, Florida, South Carolina, Virginia, and New York, each implementing measurable and innovative solutions: Louisiana – Coastal Master Plan: A nationally recognized blueprint that integrates levees, marsh restoration, and storm surge barriers. One standout example is the Barrier Island and Ridge Restoration initiative, which rebuilds protective natural features using dredged sediment to strengthen defenses against hurricanes and coastal erosion. Florida – Resilient Coastlines Program: Provides grants to support vulnerability assessments and infrastructure adaptation. The Adaptation Planning Grant Program helps communities design and implement projects such as stormwater management systems and shoreline stabilization to reduce flood risk. South Carolina – Office of Resilience (SCOR): Coordinates statewide efforts to manage floodplains, upgrade infrastructure, and reduce community risk. A key initiative is the Voluntary Buyouts Program, which acquires flood-prone properties and converts them into open green spaces that absorb floodwaters and reduce future losses. New York – NY Rising and Resiliency Institute: Created in response to Hurricane Sandy, this initiative led to citywide zoning reforms that support flood-resilient construction. Notably, new codes enable the elevation of buildings and promote the use of flood-resistant designs in vulnerable coastal zones. AboutHazardHub HazardHub is an advanced property risk assessment solution from Guidewire that equips insurers with the highest resolution insights on wildfires, floods, earthquakes, hailstorms, hurricanes, and other perils. HazardHub provides access to more than 1,000 data points and 50 peril scores for every property across the United States, as well as property risk data for more than 20 countries across the Americas, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. For more information, visit the HazardHub page. About Guidewire Guidewire is the platform P&C insurers trust to engage, innovate, and grow efficiently. More than 570 insurers in 42 countries, from new ventures to the largest and most complex in the world, rely on Guidewire products. With core systems leveraging data and analytics, digital, and artificial intelligence, Guidewire defines cloud platform excellence for P&C insurers. We are proud of our unparalleled implementation record, with 1,700+ successful projects supported by the industry's largest R&D team and SI partner ecosystem. Our marketplace represents the largest solution partner community in P&C, where customers can access hundreds of applications to accelerate integration, localization, and innovation. For more information, please visit and follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter) and LinkedIn.
Business Wire
24-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Guidewire Announces Subscription Service Through Milliman Appleseed to Speed Insurers' Access to Regulator-Approved HazardHub Property Risk Scores, Enhancing Underwriting Accuracy
SAN MATEO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Guidewire has announced a service that gives insurers faster access to advanced, regulator pre-approved property risk scores and models, reducing the time and effort required to secure approvals. Offered as a subscription service through Milliman Appleseed, an advisory organization licensed to file loss costs, rating factors, and risk scores with state insurance regulators across the U.S., this service provides pre-approved or accepted filings of Guidewire HazardHub risk scores. Insurers that use the service can now adopt these risk scores in their rate submissions, starting with HazardHub Fire Suppression Score (FSS) 2.0. Empowering Insurers with Pre-Approved Risk Scores HazardHub provides insurers with comprehensive property risk scores and insights across more than 70 perils, drawing from over 1,000 data points. Once subscribed to Milliman Appleseed, insurers can reference HazardHub's approved filings in their rate submissions, significantly reducing the cost, time, and effort required for regulatory review. New insurer subscribers are reported to state regulators confidentially, ensuring privacy and compliance. 'Access to affordable and sustainable insurance coverage is more critical than ever,' said Tammy Nichols Schwartz, Senior Director, Analytics at Guidewire. 'Advancements in fire science and data are equipping insurers and property owners with deeper insights into risk and opportunities for mitigation. By leveraging more data and risk scores directly correlated with loss, insurers can enhance risk selection, reduce loss ratios, and help build more resilient communities.' Guidewire is offering HazardHub Fire Suppression Score (FSS) 2.0 as the first risk score available through Milliman Appleseed. FSS assesses the likelihood of damage from a structure fire at the address level, incorporating key factors such as the fire department and fire suppression resources available near the property. FSS helps insurers differentiate between properties with varying levels of fire risk, enabling more precise underwriting and pricing decisions. Learn more about FSS here. A Subscription Service for Faster Implementation Through this subscription service, insurers gain ongoing access to HazardHub risk scores with the confidence that comes from known pre-approved model filings. Subscribers also benefit from continuous updates and improvements. This service enables insurers to: Adopt new risk models quickly with fewer regulatory delays Enhance underwriting accuracy with property risk insights Improve customer experience through faster policy approvals 'We're thrilled to provide insurers with fast, regulator-approved access to HazardHub risk scores through Milliman Appleseed,' said Christina Hupy, Vice President, HazardHub, Guidewire. 'This collaboration supports more efficient underwriting and pricing decisions, helping insurers streamline operations to better serve their customers.' To learn more about HazardHub and pre-filed risk scores, visit the Guidewire website or contact us at info@ For media inquiries, please contact Melissa Cobb at mcobb@ Milliman can be reached at appleseed@ About Guidewire Software Guidewire is the platform P&C insurers trust to engage, innovate, and grow efficiently. More than 570 insurers in 42 countries, from new ventures to the largest and most complex in the world, rely on Guidewire products. With core systems leveraging data and analytics, digital, and artificial intelligence, Guidewire defines cloud platform excellence for P&C insurers. We are proud of our unparalleled implementation record, with 1,700+ successful projects supported by the industry's largest R&D team and SI partner ecosystem. Our marketplace represents the largest solution partner community in P&C, where customers can access hundreds of applications to accelerate integration, localization, and innovation. For more information, please visit and follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter) and LinkedIn.
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Guidewire Announces Subscription Service Through Milliman Appleseed to Speed Insurers' Access to Regulator-Approved HazardHub Property Risk Scores, Enhancing Underwriting Accuracy
Accelerated access to HazardHub Fire Suppression Score (FSS) 2.0 reduces regulatory hurdles, enabling insurers to seamlessly integrate these tools into their risk, underwriting, and pricing workflows SAN MATEO, Calif., July 24, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Guidewire has announced a service that gives insurers faster access to advanced, regulator pre-approved property risk scores and models, reducing the time and effort required to secure approvals. Offered as a subscription service through Milliman Appleseed, an advisory organization licensed to file loss costs, rating factors, and risk scores with state insurance regulators across the U.S., this service provides pre-approved or accepted filings of Guidewire HazardHub risk scores. Insurers that use the service can now adopt these risk scores in their rate submissions, starting with HazardHub Fire Suppression Score (FSS) 2.0. Empowering Insurers with Pre-Approved Risk Scores HazardHub provides insurers with comprehensive property risk scores and insights across more than 70 perils, drawing from over 1,000 data points. Once subscribed to Milliman Appleseed, insurers can reference HazardHub's approved filings in their rate submissions, significantly reducing the cost, time, and effort required for regulatory review. New insurer subscribers are reported to state regulators confidentially, ensuring privacy and compliance. "Access to affordable and sustainable insurance coverage is more critical than ever," said Tammy Nichols Schwartz, Senior Director, Analytics at Guidewire. "Advancements in fire science and data are equipping insurers and property owners with deeper insights into risk and opportunities for mitigation. By leveraging more data and risk scores directly correlated with loss, insurers can enhance risk selection, reduce loss ratios, and help build more resilient communities." Guidewire is offering HazardHub Fire Suppression Score (FSS) 2.0 as the first risk score available through Milliman Appleseed. FSS assesses the likelihood of damage from a structure fire at the address level, incorporating key factors such as the fire department and fire suppression resources available near the property. FSS helps insurers differentiate between properties with varying levels of fire risk, enabling more precise underwriting and pricing decisions. Learn more about FSS here. A Subscription Service for Faster Implementation Through this subscription service, insurers gain ongoing access to HazardHub risk scores with the confidence that comes from known pre-approved model filings. Subscribers also benefit from continuous updates and improvements. This service enables insurers to: Adopt new risk models quickly with fewer regulatory delays Enhance underwriting accuracy with property risk insights Improve customer experience through faster policy approvals "We're thrilled to provide insurers with fast, regulator-approved access to HazardHub risk scores through Milliman Appleseed," said Christina Hupy, Vice President, HazardHub, Guidewire. "This collaboration supports more efficient underwriting and pricing decisions, helping insurers streamline operations to better serve their customers." To learn more about HazardHub and pre-filed risk scores, visit the Guidewire website or contact us at info@ For media inquiries, please contact Melissa Cobb at mcobb@ Milliman can be reached at appleseed@ About Guidewire Software Guidewire is the platform P&C insurers trust to engage, innovate, and grow efficiently. More than 570 insurers in 42 countries, from new ventures to the largest and most complex in the world, rely on Guidewire products. With core systems leveraging data and analytics, digital, and artificial intelligence, Guidewire defines cloud platform excellence for P&C insurers. We are proud of our unparalleled implementation record, with 1,700+ successful projects supported by the industry's largest R&D team and SI partner ecosystem. Our marketplace represents the largest solution partner community in P&C, where customers can access hundreds of applications to accelerate integration, localization, and innovation. For more information, please visit and follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter) and LinkedIn. View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Melissa CobbDirector, Public RelationsGuidewire Software, Inc.+1.650.464.1177mcobb@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Spring Storm Season Brings Escalating Risks: HazardHub Reveals U.S. Hotspots for Tornadoes, Hail, and Flooding
SAN MATEO, Calif., April 25, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Guidewire (NYSE: GWRE) today released its updated spring weather and climate risk assessments to help insurers and homeowners better understand property vulnerabilities to tornadoes, hail, lightning, and flooding. Each spring, particularly across the central and southeastern United States, a volatile mix of warm, moist air and cold, dry systems can quickly escalate into violent tornadoes, damaging hailstorms, and dangerous flooding. According to Guidewire HazardHub, these seasonal perils account for a growing share of property damage and insured losses nationwide. Tornadoes: The Most Destructive Spring Threat Spring is the peak season for tornadoes, including the most violent events rated EF4 and EF5. According to the HazardHub Tornado Risk Score, approximately 4.8 million housing units in the U.S.—or 3.4% of all homes—are located in areas classified as high or very high risk for tornadoes. HazardHub's analysis of NOAA data shows the U.S. experienced 1,796 tornadoes in 2024, the second-most active year on record, following 2004. Over the past 15 years, April, May, and June have consistently been the most active months for tornadoes, accounting for the highest total number and the most severe events (EF4 and EF5). According to HazardHub analysis: April: 4,180 tornadoes (monthly average), including 30 EF4 or EF5 tornadoes May: 4,244 tornadoes (monthly average), including 24 EF4 or EF5 June: 2,900 tornadoes (monthly average), including 17 EF4 or EF5 The United States typically experiences more violent tornadoes than any other country, with the greatest concentration in the central region known as Tornado Alley. While traditionally defined as northern Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, this high-risk zone has expanded eastward in recent years to include much of the Southeast and Ohio Valley. Top States for Tornadoes (5-Year Average, 2020–2024): Mississippi (115/year) Texas (96/year) Alabama (90/year) Tornadoes caused $1.37 billion in property damage nationwide in 2023. Their destructive power often results in severe infrastructure damage and long-term community disruption. Severe Convective Storms (SCS) and Hail: Driving Billions in Damages According to Swiss Re, a global reinsurer offering insurance and risk management for large-scale events, in 2023, Severe Convective Storm (SCS) events led to a record $65 billion in insured losses—hail was the primary culprit. HazardHub's Enhanced Hail Risk Score reveals that 99.72% of U.S. housing units are located in areas with at least some hail risk, though less than 1% are in high-risk zones. Wind and hail are the top causes of homeowners insurance claims, with hail alone accounting for about 20% of all P&C insurer payouts. Flooding: America's Most Costly Climate Risk According to FEMA and the U.S. Senate Joint Economic Committee, flooding remains the most costly natural disaster in the U.S. in terms of total economic impact. According to FEMA and HazardHub: 90% of all natural disasters involve flooding 75% of presidential disaster declarations are flood-related Only 4% of U.S. homeowners carry flood insurance—despite growing risk from extreme rainfall and outdated FEMA maps HazardHub identifies Texas, Louisiana, and California as the states with the greatest riverine flood loss potential and New Jersey, New York, and Virginia as the most vulnerable to coastal flood impacts. In terms of total flood losses, Texas, New Jersey, and Louisiana rank the highest. A Season of Escalating Risk Spring weather events are becoming increasingly destructive. Gallagher Re notes that insured losses from Severe Convective Storms in the U.S. have grown at a 9.6% annual rate since 2000, driven by factors like suburban expansion and increased property exposure in high-risk areas. "Spring no longer means just warmer weather—it signals the start of the most destructive season for homeowners," said Tammy Nichols Schwartz, CPCU and Senior Director of Data and Analytics at Guidewire. "With HazardHub's property-specific risk scores, insurers can better assess exposure, and policyholders can take proactive steps to protect their homes." Severe Convective Storms (SCS) can cause extensive property damage through wind, hail, lightning, heavy rainfall, and tornadoes. These events can also trigger secondary perils, such as mudslides—especially in wildfire burn areas—where subsequent storms pose heightened risks. Common springtime losses include structural damage, fallen trees, shattered windows, power outages, water intrusion, and even mold or food spoilage, all of which may lead to additional living expenses. Seasonal increases in property transactions can also lead to more vacant homes, which are particularly vulnerable to undetected damage and often result in higher claims severity. HazardHub delivers high-resolution data to help insurers evaluate these spring-related risks across multiple perils, including wind, hail, flooding, lightning, and power outages. Risk scores are accessible through Guidewire PolicyCenter, InsuranceNow, API integrations, and directly by consumers via About HazardHub HazardHub is an advanced property risk assessment solution from Guidewire. HazardHub equips P&C insurers and others with the highest resolution insights available across three dimensions, including spatial, time, and detail, specific to wildfires, floods, earthquakes, hailstorms, hurricanes, and other perils. HazardHub provides access to more than 1,000 data points and 50 peril scores for every property across the United States, as well as property risk data for more than 20 countries across the Americas, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. For more information, visit the HazardHub page. About Guidewire Guidewire is the platform P&C insurers trust to engage, innovate, and grow efficiently. More than 570 insurers in 42 countries, from new ventures to the largest and most complex in the world, rely on Guidewire products. With core systems leveraging data and analytics, digital, and artificial intelligence, Guidewire defines cloud platform excellence for P&C insurers. We are proud of our unparalleled implementation record, with 1,700+ successful projects supported by the industry's largest R&D team and SI partner ecosystem. Our marketplace represents the largest solution partner community in P&C, where customers can access hundreds of applications to accelerate integration, localization, and innovation. For more information, please visit and follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter) and LinkedIn. NOTE: For information about Guidewire trademarks, visit View source version on Contacts Melissa CobbDirector, Public RelationsGuidewire Software, Inc.+1.650.464.1177mcobb@ Sign in to access your portfolio
