Authored by Sara Weathers
As the calendar turns toward June, residents along the Atlantic coast are gearing up for another potentially dangerous hurricane season. According to AccuWeather Inc., the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is already expected to bring above-average activity. The season, which officially begins on June 1 and runs through November 30, could bring a mix of tropical storms and hurricanes, including some that may develop into major storms.
AccuWeather's forecast indicates that between 13 and 18 storms are expected to reach at least tropical storm strength this year. Seven to ten storms are anticipated to develop into hurricanes, with winds of 74 mph (119 km/h) or more. Notably, this year's predictions highlight the potential for three to five of these hurricanes to become major storms, characterized by sustained winds of 111 mph (178 km/h) or greater.
These numbers suggest a season that could significantly impact areas across the Atlantic. For comparison, the typical hurricane season sees around 14 storms, a balance of tropical storms, hurricanes, and the occasional major storm.
The 2024 hurricane season was a stark reminder of the power of these storms. Several hurricanes made landfall across the Gulf Coast, including the deadly Hurricane Helene. The storm killed at least 249 people across the southeastern U.S. and southern Appalachians, making it the deadliest storm to strike the contiguous U.S. since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Preparing for Hurricane Season
With these forecasts in mind, residents of hurricane-prone areas must prepare for the worst while hoping for the best. Preparation starts long before a storm makes landfall. Here are a few tips to help you get ready:
- Create an Emergency Kit: Ensure you have enough supplies, including food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and other essentials, to last at least 72 hours after a storm.
- Know Your Evacuation Routes: Familiarize yourself with local evacuation plans and routes. Be ready to leave at a moment’s notice if authorities order an evacuation.
- Secure Your Home: If you live in a coastal area, ensure your home is fortified. This could mean installing storm shutters, reinforcing windows and doors, and securing loose objects in your yard.
- Stay Informed: Follow official weather forecasts and warnings. Sign up for weather alerts from local authorities or use a weather app to track storm development in real time.
- Property Insurance: Many hurricane-related damages result from flooding and wind. Check your insurance policy to ensure you have the coverage you need for water damage.
- Prepare for Aftermath: Even if your area isn’t directly impacted by a hurricane, power outages, flooding, and other storm-related disruptions could affect your community. Plan for the possibility of being without power for several days and prepare for delays in essential services.
For those in hurricane-prone areas, staying informed, preparing ahead of time, and having a solid evacuation and emergency plan in place can make all the difference when disaster strikes. Have questions about your property insurance? Contact our AdvoCap Insurance team – we’re here to help!
Photo Credit: 123rf.com, lachim251
