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T.S. Rafael Forms, Expanded Help for Self-Employed

The storm may have limited impacts on Florida as recovery efforts for Hurricanes Milton and Helene continue and independent contractors get more FEMA aid.

MIAMI, Fla. — Tropical Storm Rafael, the 17th named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, is expected to intensify into a hurricane this week with possible impacts on Florida’s Gulf coast, meteorologists said.

While Florida is not expected to see a direct hit from the storm, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued a tropical storm warning for the lower and middle Florida Keys from Key West to west of the Channel 5 Bridge, near Layton. Tropical storm conditions are expected in the lower and middle Florida Keys beginning Wednesday and Wednesday night, the NHC said.

AccuWeather forecasters said the storm could make landfall anywhere from the Florida Panhandle to the Texas coast, with the highest probability along the central Louisiana coast, but it’s too soon to tell with exact certainty. The storm is not expected to strengthen into a major hurricane. Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected for the lower and middle Florida Keys but could expand across the state.

“Rafael could enhance rainfall in Florida and other parts of the Southeast U.S. beginning Wednesday by pulling tropical moisture northward. It's too early to nail down any other specifics,” The Weather Channel said.

At the same time, Floridians are continuing their recovery from Hurricanes Milton and Helene.

FEMA assistance for independent contractors

Following the hurricanes, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) expanded assistance to include self-employed workers and independent contractors to repair or replace disaster-damaged tools and equipment required for their jobs. Click here for more information.

“You may now receive money for a personal or family computer that is damaged by a disaster. You may also receive money for additional computers required for work, school or access and functional needs,” FEMA said.

When applying for FEMA self-employment assistance, include the following:

  • Documentation that proves you’re self-employed, such as a tax return
  • Insurance documents for all potential coverages and benefits
  • Itemized receipts or estimates for repairing or replacing the requested items
  • A written statement that explains you need the items for self-employment

Milton, Helene insurance claims

Hurricane Milton

Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key on Oct. 9 as a Category 3 storm. As of Nov. 4:

Total estimated insured losses: $2,991,233,513

Total claims: 272,377

Residential property: 217,358

Commercial property: 10,063

Private flood: 1,683 (most flood claims are processed under the National Flood Insurance Program, not private flood insurance)

The counties among those with the highest number of reported claims include:

Hillsborough 55,291

Pinellas        39,169

Manatee       28,048

Sarasota       20,587

Polk              18,326

Pasco           15,296

Volusia         12,841

Lake             10,651

Orange         9,836

Lee               8,375

To date, 34,175 residential property claims have been closed with payment and 44,861 have been closed without payment. Of the claims closed without payment, 2,143 were due to non-covered flood damage, 13,291 due to damage below the deductible and 26,433 due to other reasons (including the customer withdrawing the claim or the insured not being reachable). Overall, 36.9%of all claims have been closed.

Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene made landfall near the Big Bend region on Sept. 26 as a Category 4. As of Nov. 1:

Total estimated insured losses: $1,603,633,087

Total claims: 130,859

Residential property: 58,834 

Commercial property: 3,762          

Private flood: 3,923 (most flood claims are processed under the National Flood Insurance Program, not private flood insurance)

The counties among those with the highest number of reported claims include:

Pinellas          45,950

Hillsborough   16,435

Pasco             9,379

Manatee         7,768

Sarasota         7,214

Charlotte         5,014

Duval              4,113

Lee                 2,937

Suwannee      2,427

Alachua          2,270

To date, 13,195 residential property claims have been closed with payment and 23,942 have been closed without payment. Of the claims closed without payment, 4,821 were due to non-covered flood damage, 6,308 due to damage below the deductible and 12,813 due to other reasons (including the customer withdrawing the claim or the insured not being reachable). Overall, 52.0% of all claims have been closed.

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