2025 hurricane season guide: Here's how to prepare
The Brief
Hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30.
NOAA is predicting 13 to 19 named storms, including 6 to 10 hurricanes, with 3 to 5 expected to become major hurricanes.
This guide offers information on what to watch as we enter into hurricane season and how you can prepare.
TAMPA, Fla. - After the 2024 storms, few Floridians want to think about hunkering down and preparing for the 2025 season, but it is that time of year again.
The 2025 hurricane season begins on Sunday, June 1 and runs through Nov. 30.
By the numbers
In May, NOAA released its annual outlook for the upcoming hurricane season, predicting 13 to 19 named storms, including 6 to 10 hurricanes, with 3 to 5 expected to become major hurricanes, with sustained winds of at least 111 mph.
A month earlier, Colorado State University released its initial extended range forecast for the upcoming season.
The team is calling for 17 named storms, nine of which are expected to become hurricanes. Four of those hurricanes could reach major status, with winds of at least 111 mph (Category 3 or higher).
Unlike institutions such as Colorado State University, which provides specific numbers for each formation category, NOAA issues a range to reflect the uncertainty in long-term forecasting.
If the lower end of the NOAA forecast holds true, many may view 2025 as a relatively quiet season, but, if the upper end materializes, it could be just as busy as last year.
READ:Hurricane Season 2025: Duke Energy gives inside look at control center
Big picture view
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, early outlooks from various weather organizations suggest an average to slightly above-average season. However, experts caution that early predictions are prone to errors.
The status of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, or what is commonly referred to as the ENSO, is in flux. This plays a significant role in shaping tropical activity in the Atlantic Basin.
In late 2024, the world entered a La Niña phase. This climate pattern is often linked to greater storm activity in the Atlantic basin, but the pattern is expected to wane in 2025. This will lead the world back to a neutral status of ENSO.
READ: New Florida bill aims to prepare local governments for better hurricane response
Historically, neutral ENSO years have produced a range of hurricane activity, from a below-average number of cyclones to well above-average seasons, depending on variables such as sea surface temperatures, wind patterns and other atmospheric factors.
According to research conducted by experts at Florida State University, impacts from hurricanes during neutral years are heightened for the Florida Peninsula and the Gulf Coast, similar to what's produced by La Niña sequences.
The East Coast tends to experience reduced tropical cyclone activity during neutral events, while the Caribbean sees impacts that are considered to be about average.
The first named storm of the 2025 Atlantic season will be Andrea, followed by Barry, Chantal and newcomer Dexter. The name Dexter replaces Hurricane Dorian, which was retired after the 2019 season.
Here are the 2025 hurricane names with pronunciations:
Andrea (AN-dree uh)
Barry (BAIR-ree)
Chantal (shahn-TAHL)
Dexter (DEHK-ster)
Erin (AIR-rin)
Fernand (fair-NAHN)
Gabrielle (ga-bree-ELL)
Humberto (oom-BAIR-toh)
Imelda (ee-MEHL-dah)
Jerry (JEHR-ee)
Karen (KAIR-ren)
Lorenzo (loh-REN-zoh)
Melissa (meh-LIH-suh)
Nestor (NES-tor)
Olga (OAL-guh)
Pablo (PAHB-lo)
Rebekah (reh-BEH-kuh)
Sebastien (sus-BASH-chuhn)
Tanya (TAHN-yuh)
Van (van)
Wendy (WEN-dee)
What to pack in hurricane kit
Keep important documents — such as birth certificates, social security cards, copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records — in a safe place and/or create password-protected digital copies.
READ:Online survey focuses on Bay Area residents' decision to evacuate or not during Helene, Milton
Keep a list of important contacts, such as Emergency Management Offices, county law enforcement, county public safety fire/rescue, local hospitals, local utilities, local media (such as TV and radio stations) and your property insurance agent.
Assemble a disaster supply kit that will help you meet all your basic needs. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) suggests including:
Water — one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days to be used for drinking and for sanitation
Food — at least three days-worth of non-perishable foods
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
Flashlight
First aid kit
Extra batteries
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Manual can opener for food
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
Prescription medications
Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
Glasses and contact lens solution
Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream
Pet food and extra water for pets
Cash or traveler's checks
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water
Fire extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
Paper and pencil
Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
It's important to keep your emergency kit updated, so check in annually to replace any expired medications or food and to update the kit with additional items your family may need.
If you have pets, it's important to plan for their needs as well, and you may want to create a separate emergency kit just for them. FEMA offers suggestions for what to place in that kit to ensure your pet's best chance of getting through the emergency safely.
FEMA also recommends keeping your pet's microchip information up to date in case they get lost, and creating a buddy system with neighbors or nearby friends and family to help your pet in the case that you aren't home. Familiarize yourself with pet-friendly hotels and shelters along your evacuation routes in the case that you must leave your home — many emergency shelters cannot take in animals that are not service animals for health and safety reasons.
Your home is almost certainly going to take a beating during a hurricane, but here are steps you can take to fortify your residence:
Keep drains and gutters free of debris and clutter
Install check valves in your plumbing to prevent backups
If you don't have hurricane shutters, consider getting them
Review your insurance policies
If you need to drive away from a hurricane in an evacuation, having important items ready in an separate emergency kit in your car can make leaving much more efficient. Prepare items such as:
Flares
Physical maps
Jumper cables
Extra cans of gas
Warm blanket(s)
Evacuation zones
If you live in a zone that has been ordered to evacuate, get out. However, that doesn't mean you have to leave the state, or even the county where you live.
Evacuation orders are given for storm surge zones in order to keep residents safe from the risk of storm surge flooding. The flooding typically subsides after the storm passes and residents will be allowed to return to their homes.
Click here to see your evacuation zone.
STAY CONNECTED:Download the free FOX 13 News app for Live SkyTower Radar, forecast videos, and more weather coverage
What is Means
This type of statement is issued when significant weather is happening or forecast, but no widespread impacts are expected.
What you Should Do
Prepare for the type of inclement weather that is indicated in the advisory.
What it Means
This type of statement is issued when dangerous weather is forecast to occur and widespread impacts to life and property are expected. It means forecasters believe conditions are right for severe weather to happen. You can think of this as the National Weather Service's way of saying, "Be on the lookout for severe weather."
What you Should Do
Prepare for the type of severe weather that is indicated in the watch. This means reviewing your safety plans so that you are ready to take action if a warning is issued.
What it Means
This type of statement is issued when severe weather is occurring and poses an immediate danger to life and property.
What you Should Do
Take action, meaning you should immediately execute your safety plan for the type of severe weather that is indicated in the warning.
The Source
This story was written with information from NOAA, FEMA, previous FOX 13 news articles and FOX Weather articles.
STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA:
Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV
Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android
Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines
Download the SkyTower Radar app
Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Follow FOX 13 on YouTube
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Washington Post
an hour ago
- Washington Post
No hurricane season? Acting FEMA chief's remark was a joke, DHS says.
The acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency was joking when he said that he didn't know the United States had a hurricane season, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, which includes FEMA, said on Monday. David Richardson's comment to staff at a briefing on Monday was first reported by Reuters and drew swift, concerned reactions from Democratic lawmakers. The Atlantic hurricane season began Sunday and ends Nov. 30, with a 60 percent chance of above-normal activity this year and three to five major hurricanes expected, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Northern lights might be visible in several states tonight: See map
States in the U.S. may be able to see the northern lights for a second night in a row on Monday, June 2, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, may be visible in northern states, according to the NOAA. Most of Canada will also have a chance to see the lights. While the likelihood of seeing the northern lights will be low for most of the U.S. on Monday, Alaska, as well as parts of states near the Canadian border, will have a higher chance of seeing the lights. The spectacular light show may also be visible on Tuesday, but the likelihood of seeing the northern lights in the U.S., outside of Alaska, will be lower. Here's what to know. The northern lights could be visible at night on Monday, June 2, and Tuesday, June 3. States as far south as Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska may have a chance to see the lights, according to NOAA. But the following states have the highest likelihood of seeing the light show in the sky on Monday: Alaska Montana North Dakota Minnesota Wisconsin Michigan The states listed above could also see the northern lights on Tuesday, but with the exception of Alaska, the states' chances of seeing the lights are lower. Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Which states could see northern lights June 2? See map
USA Today
5 hours ago
- USA Today
Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1: Here's what to know
Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1: Here's what to know In the Atlantic Basin, hurricane season lasts from June 1 until Nov. 30. Historically, 97% of all tropical cyclones in the Atlantic will form between those two dates. Show Caption Hide Caption NOAA predicts at least three hurricanes this season NOAA predicts the three major hurricanes in the 2025 hurricane season. It's here. The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season begins Sunday, June 1. Forecasts say the season will bring months of danger for millions of Americans, and the time to prepare starts well before the storms form. In the Atlantic Basin, which includes storms that form in the Atlantic, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of America (formerly known as Gulf of Mexico), hurricane season lasts from June 1 until Nov. 30. Historically, 97% of all tropical cyclones in the Atlantic will form between those two dates. In the eastern Pacific Basin, hurricane season started on May 15 and lasts until Nov. 30. (Tropical Storm Alvin formed in the the eastern Pacific Ocean on May 29, becoming the first named storm anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere this year.) Officials with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said the most dangerous storms can quickly explode in intensity, so understanding forecasts, hurricane dangers and preparedness should be top-of-mind for residents well before storms start forming. Here's a primer on what to know as hurricane danger ramps up in 2025. When does hurricane season peak? The peak of the Atlantic season is typically from mid-August until mid-October. Hurricane season forecasts: How many storms are expected? NOAA, FEMA cuts will impact hurricane season, experts warn The Trump administration's budget cuts at NOAA and FEMA will have an adverse affect on how the U.S. responds to hurricanes, experts warn. Federal forecasters on May 22 predicted a 60% chance of an above average season. (A typical year averages about 14 tropical storms, seven of which spin into hurricanes, based on weather records that date from 1991 to 2020.) Specifically, NOAA is forecasting a range of 13 to 19 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 6 to 10 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 5 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). Experts from Colorado State University said in their initial forecast released in early April that an active Atlantic hurricane season is likely. They predicted as many as 17 storms. Of those 17 storms, researchers said that nine will become hurricanes. A forecast from AccuWeather, which also came out in April, called for 13-18 named storms, of which 7-10 will be hurricanes. Last year, 18 storms formed, including devastating Hurricanes Helene and Milton. What state has the most hurricanes? Florida, by a wide margin. Since accurate hurricane records began in 1851, more than 120 hurricanes have made landfall in the state of Florida. Texas is second, with 66 hits. And according to NOAA, 40% of all U.S. hurricanes have hit Florida. How can you prepare for hurricane season? Check with your local government to see if you live in an evacuation zone. Have a plan for where you would go if you need to evacuate and share that plan with friends or loved ones. Plan to travel only as far as you need to. Write a family emergency plan with your family and/or close friends to decide how you would contact each other in an emergency, where you will go and what you will do. Keep copies on your phone, in your emergency supplies and share with family. Put together a basic emergency kit, with water and shelf stable foods for up to a week, flashlights, back up batteries, a first aid kit and moist towelettes. Review your insurance policies to ensure if you have adequate coverage, including flood coverage. Store insurance policies, photos of your home and its contents and other important papers in a safe place, in electronic files and/or share copies with family members. For more suggestions, visit NOAA's hurricane preparations page. What is rapid intensification? A rapid strengthening of a hurricane, when wind speeds increase by at least 35 mph in 24 hours. It occurs when a tropical storm or hurricane encounters an extremely conducive environment for strengthening, according to Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach. That environment consists of very warm water, low vertical wind shear and high levels of midlevel moisture. What is storm surge? Storm surge, the massive amount of water that builds up and comes ashore during a hurricane, is often the deadliest and most destructive threat from these storms. It is characterized by water being pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds moving around the storm, NOAA said. Storm surge has accounted for about half of all the deaths in hurricanes since 1970, according to the National Hurricane Center. It caused most of the 1,800 deaths in Hurricane Katrina in 2005. What are the Atlantic hurricane names for 2025?
