I apologize to all who live along the Gulf Coast. When I mentioned in the ol' blog's November tax moves column there to the right that we'd already hit the range of hurricanes predicted this year by Uncle Sam's forecasters, it crossed my mind I might jinx things.
Not that I think I have that kind of power, but just days later Tropical Storm Rafael formed. This evening, he strengthened to Hurricane Rafael, so make of it what you will.
Also get ready for a Rafael landfall, probably in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico coast.
Moving northwest: Hurricane Rafael currently is south of Cuba, where hurricane warnings have been issued for the eastern portion of that island nation.
Rafael is expected to move into the Gulf of Mexico, and the National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued hurricane warnings for the Florida Keys, which could feel effects, including tornadoes, from the storm’s outer bands.
Right now, it looks like Louisiana is the prime target. But that possibility is still days away. As weather professionals and storm watchers know, things can, and often do, change.
Storm prep time: So, if you live along the Gulf Coast and haven’t yet made your storm preparations, do so now. My post before the 2024 hurricane season officially began on June 1 has some suggestions on how to accomplish that, as well as information on alert systems that can help ensure you get the latest storm updates.
In addition, below are some blog posts and other items to help you prepare for and deal with any major disaster.
- Internal Revenue Service FAQs for disaster victims
- IRS.gov’s disaster assistance and emergency relief for individuals and businesses page
- IRS Publication 547, Casualties, Disasters, and Thefts
- IRS Publication 584, Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook (Personal-Use Property)
- IRS and other government resources can help you deal with a natural disaster
- IRS Publication 584-B, Business Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook
- Considerations in making a major disaster tax claim
- Hurricane preparation tips for those who are older, have special needs
- 7 tips to ensure your pets' safety during a disaster
- Storm Warnings: Preparing for, recovering from, and helping those affected by natural disasters
The main thing always is to ensure your and your family’s safety. Keep an eye on storm reports, and if Rafael’s landfall is in your area, be ready.
When Hurricane Rafael does come ashore, check back for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and IRS relief news.
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