Tracking The Tropics: FOX 35 2025 Hurricane Season Preview
The start of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is days away. In fact, the 6-month season begins June 1 and runs through November 30, 2025.
Are you ready? Are you prepared?
From your cell phone to your roof, things are changing fast — and staying ahead of it all could make a big difference when the next tropical system starts spinning.
Watch FOX 35's 2025 Atlantic hurricane season preview – Tracking The Tropics: 2025 Season Preview -- in the player above.
The Next Big Thing: Direct-to-Cell Satellite ServiceIt's not science fiction — it's already happening. For the first time, satellites are being designed to connect directly to smartphones. That means when the cell towers are knocked out — and we all know that happens — your phone might still be able to reach out. Emergency calls. Family check-ins. Weather alerts. Even basic text messages could still get through. It's a major leap forward in communication, especially for hurricane-prone areas like Central Florida, where staying connected can mean everything during and after a storm. We break down how it works and when this tech might be available in your area.
Ocean Clues and an Unpredictable SeasonThe Atlantic is already warmer than normal. A lot warmer. And when ocean temps spike, so does storm activity. Add in some unusual shifts in upper-level winds, and you've got a recipe for what could be one of the most unpredictable hurricane seasons in years. The science behind it is complex — but the impact could be very real. Our meteorologists are watching it all closely – and explain what's driving the early signs of concern.
Not Just a Coastal Problem
Storm surge is still one of the biggest concerns along the coast, but this year, there's another message: don't let your zip code fool you. Tornado outbreaks linked to landfalling hurricanes and heavy inland flooding are emerging as major threats even far from the beaches. Our team maps out where the risks are greatest and which areas — often overlooked — could face the brunt of the damage when the wind and rain push farther inland..
How Florida Is Getting Ready
Some neighborhoods are facing a unique challenge in prepping for hurricane season this year, recently ravaged by a tornado in March. We check in on the hardest hit area, as homeowners rush to reinforce their roofs and rebuild. Beyond the residential preps, Orlando's theme parks are also reviewing emergency plans and backup systems. It's not just about bracing for impact — it's about being ready to bounce back quickly when the inevitable happens. We take you behind the scenes to see how the pros are stepping up.
Built Different: A Community Designed to Withstand the Storm
In the middle of Florida's construction boom, one new development is standing out — not for how it looks, but for how it's built. Think hurricane-resistant design from the ground up: impact windows, wind-resistant roofs, elevated foundations, and more. We toured the site and talked to engineers and planners about what makes this place virtually stormproof. It could be a glimpse at the future of building in storm country.
Is Florida due for a hurricane landfall on the East Coast?
FOX 35's Noah Bergren looks at the data of storms making landfall on Florida's west coast vs. east coast. Notable, more major hurricanes made landfall on Florida's west coast. Bergen explains why – and the weather impacts that need to happen for a storm to strike Florida's eastern side.
Inside the Hurricane Hunter's 'Kermit' plane
FOX 35 meteorologist Laurel Blanchard visits NOAA's Aircraft Operations Center in Lakeland, Florida, which is home to NOAA's special aircraft. Each one -- Kermit and Piggy, specifically -- are named after the famous Muppets characters. The data and observations from these aircrafts help determine the power and intensity of a tropical storm or hurricane -- and make a better forecast for people to prepare in the days ahead of a potential landfall.
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