NOAA Warns of an 'Above-normal Hurricane' Season This Year With 19 Projected Storms—What Travelers Should Know

Travel + Leisure

3 days ago

With the 2025 hurricane season officially kicking off, experts are sounding the alarm that this year could bring the "strongest" of potential storms.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently published its annual forecast for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, and the data shows a 60 percent chance of an above-normal season. As part of the forecast, the agency predicts as many as 19 named storms, including five major storms that are category three or higher, according to the report.
'This hurricane season also features the potential for a northward shift of the West African monsoon, producing tropical waves that seed some of the strongest and most long-lived Atlantic storms,' the NOAA report details.
The good news is that as of June 5, the NOAA forecasters have not seen any potential tropical cyclone formation within the next seven days, however the situation could change at any time.
NOAA also recently introduced the names for the 2025 season. Andrea, Barry, and Chantal will be the first three names of the season. Additional storm names include Dexter, Jerry, Karen, Van, and Wendy.
"Season forecasts are hedging toward a slightly busier than average hurricane season,' Matt Sitkowski, The Weather Channel's science editor-in-chief, shared in a statement to Travel + Leisure. 'Atlantic Basin ocean temperatures are largely warmer than average and strong upper-level winds, which can limit tropical storm development, are not forecast to be significantly stronger than usual.' Sitkowski advises all residents in hurricane-prone areas to carefully prepare now, as it just takes one storm to have devastating results.
Experts advise it is helpful to prepare a first aid kit and obtain backup medications in advance of any named storm. Most importantly, forecasters encourage people to stock up on fresh water, which can be used for drinking, cleaning, and medical needs such as washing a cut or injury.
"One gallon, per person, per day, for as much as seven days," Weather Channel hurricane expert Rick Knabb previously shared in a hurricane preparation segment. The guidance also encourages people to stock up on medications, water, and food for pets as well.
As for travelers, they should stay on top of hurricane news especially for destinations that are typically vulnerable and consider looking into travel insurance.