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6 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
The 2025 hurricane season kicks off. Here's what you need to know
BATON ROUGE, La. (LouisianaFirstNews) – The 2025 hurricane season is officially underway. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting above-normal hurricane activity. NOAA is forecasting a range of 13 to 19 total named storms. Six to ten of those are forecast to become hurricanes, and out of those, three to five are predicted to become major hurricanes. Louisiana GOHSEP encourages everyone to have a plan ready, well before a hurricane or tropical storm threatens the state. Researchers at Colorado State University have also predicted an above-average hurricane season for 2025. What are the 2025 storm names? This year's names, chosen by the World Meteorological Organization, are: Andrea Barry Chantal Dexter Erin Fernand Gabrielle Humberto Imelda Jerry Karen Lorenzo Melissa Nestor Olga Pablo Rebekah Sebastien Tanya Van Wendy The hurricane season will last until November 30. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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14 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
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
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Climate
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2025 hurricane season starts: This year's outlook, how Florida residents can prepare
The Brief The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1, with NOAA and CSU predicting above-average activity due to warm oceans and favorable conditions. Forecasts call for up to 19 named storms, 10 hurricanes, and 5 major hurricanes. How likely will a hurricane or tropical storm make landfall in the U.S. this year? CSU explains. ORLANDO, Fla. - The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1, and much like last year, the FOX 35 Storm Team expects a lot of ocean heat content to fuel the potential for an above-average season. Experts at both the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Colorado State University (CSU) share a similar outlook: What we know NOAA's hurricane forecast: 13-19 named storms 6-10 hurricanes 3-5 major hurricanes (Cat. 3 or higher) CSU's hurricane forecast: 17 named tropical storms Of which, 9 become hurricanes Of which, 4 reach "major" hurricane strength (Cat. 3 or higher) Big picture view According to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center, an average Atlantic hurricane season sees: 14 named tropical storms 7 hurricanes 3 "major" hurricanes (Category 3 or higher) Dig deeper There are a multitude of factors in the atmosphere that will heighten the chance of an above-average season. The climate pattern has been shifting, and it's looking like we're going to remain in the Neutral Phase of ENSO. With that, we typically see reduced wind shear in the Atlantic Basin which means storms can form and strengthen rapidly. That strengthening is only exacerbated by the warmer than average ocean temperatures. That along with more active Western African Monsoon can help spin-up more tropical systems. Colorado State University also looks at the probability of whether a "major" hurricane – Category 3, 4, or 5 storm – will make landfall in the U.S., along Florida's Coast, or within the Gulf Coast. 51% for the entire U.S. coastline (average from 1880–2020 is 43%). 26% for the U.S. East Coast, including the Florida peninsula (average from 1880–2020 is 21%). 33% for the Gulf Coast from the Florida panhandle westward to Brownsville, Texas(average from 1880–2020 is 27%). 56% for the Caribbean (average from 1880–2020 is 47%) Here are the tropical cyclone names for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. Click here to view the pronunciation guide. Andrea Barry Chantal Dexter Erin Fernand Gabrielle Humberto Imelda Jerry Karen Lorenzo Melissa Nestor Olga Pablo Rebekah Sebastien Tanya Van Wendy It's never too early to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season – or any emergency. It's important to have a plan, have ways to communicate and get emergency information, save and protect important documents, medication, and have extra food and water. Click the links below for helpful guides on what to pack in your emergency kit: Florida Disaster Supply Kit Checklist emergency kit Here are a few other key ways to prepare for hurricane season in Florida: Know your evacuation zone and route by checking Stay informed by downloading weather apps, signing up for local alerts, and monitoring trusted news sources. Plan for pets and vulnerable family members, including elderly relatives or those with medical needs. Back up important digital files and contacts in case of power outages or loss of access. The FOX 35 Storm Team and newsroom will be with you every step of the way during hurricane season. Download the free FOX Local app to your smart phone for the latest breaking news, weather updates, and tropical forecasts. Download the FOX 35 Weather app to track the latest weather forecasts and tropical cones on your cell phone. Install the FOX Local app to your smart TV to stream FOX 35 newscasts. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the FOX 35 Storm Team on June 1, 2025.
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Climate
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With a busy hurricane season expected, Palm Beach encourages residents to prepare early
With the 2025 hurricane season set to begin June 1, the town is advising residents and businesses to prepare now. Assistant Chief Joe Sekula, Fire-Rescue spokesman, told the Daily News that knowing evacuation routes, shelter options, and re-entry procedures is critical for storm preparedness. "With hurricane season running from June 1 to November 30, the Town of Palm Beach — situated on a vulnerable barrier island — is urging residents, property owners, and visitors to prepare early," Sekula said. "Hurricanes can bring destructive winds, heavy rain, storm surge, and flooding, so advance planning is essential." The 2025 hurricane season is expected to be another busy one. In its forecast released May 22, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted a 60% chance of an above-average season. The agency called for 13 to 19 named storms, with winds of 39 mph or higher. Of those, six to 10 are forecast to become hurricanes, with winds of 74 mph or higher. They include three to five major hurricanes — Category 3, 4 or 5 — with winds of 111 mph or higher. Experts from Colorado State University — among the nation's top seasonal hurricane forecasters — predict 17 named tropical storms will form in 2025, of which nine will become hurricanes. Based on records from 1991 to 2020, a typical hurricane season brings roughly 14 tropical storms, with seven reaching hurricane strength. More: The other season — hurricane — has arrived; being prepared is key | Editorial Last year, 18 storms formed, including destructive Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The busy forecast stems from warmer-than-usual Atlantic Ocean temperatures and the expected absence of El Niño conditions, unusually warm temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific that can limit hurricane development. When residents take proactive measures to prepare for storms, it protects them and also contributes to the broader community's ability to withstand and recover from extreme weather events, Sekula said. Those measures include stocking emergency essentials, protecting important paperwork, establishing clear communication plans with family and neighbors, and knowing where and when to evacuate. The town offers links to websites that assist with hurricane preparation, including those managed by the town, county and state. To access the information on the town's website, go to or contact storm@ The town lies in Evacuation Zone B, which includes most of Palm Beach County's barrier islands east of the Intracoastal Waterway. Along with Zone A, which includes mobile homes and low-lying areas, Zone B typically is among the first to be evacuated when a major storm approaches. In the event of a mandatory evacuation and a declaration by the town's chief of police that a state of emergency exists within the town as a result of a hurricane impact, town police will establish roadblocks at each of the access points and bridges leading into the town. The roadblocks prevent access to the island while conditions are unsafe, the town said. As part of their storm preparation, residents and business owners also are encouraged to review the town's re-entry program, which is conducted in five phases following the passage of a storm. Out-of-town residents, owners and lease holders, as well as business owners or property representatives, must complete a re-entry list program application in order to gain access to the town after an emergency. Applicants must have a government-issued ID to be placed on the re-entry list, which expires Dec. 31, 2026. To complete an application, visit the town's website at For information, contact the town's Crime Scene Evidence Unit at 561-838-5466. Early preparation measures for extreme weather events also include the town's emergency alert and news release platform, which was updated in December 2023 to provide more targeted communication with residents. The system allows for the distribution of vital information through location-specific communications with residents, who must opt in to receive them. Communications include town alerts on weather hazards, police activity, traffic delays, road closures and other situations that affect certain parts of the town, as well as news releases on upcoming events and activities. In order to opt in for location-specific communications, subscribers can visit the town's website at and click the "Sign Up" button. For additional information, visit the town's hurricane page at "Act early and prepare now," Sekula said. "Your safety depends on it." Jodie Wagner is a journalist at the Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at jwagner@ Help support our journalism. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Palm Beach urges early preparation as hurricane season begins
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Hurricane Season 2025 has arrived: What to expect
AUSTIN (KXAN) – The 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season is officially off and running with Sunday marking the very first day of the season. Multiple factors go into determining our season, including El-Niño and La-Niña, sea surface temperatures, Saharan dust, and more. So, with multiple forecasts out there, the First Warning Weather Team has put together a few key details you need to know for the hurricane season. Track tropical development on The Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on Sunday, June 1, and runs through Sunday, November 30. On average, the beginning of the hurricane season and the end of the season usually see lower activity with the peak of hurricane season landing on September 10 when sea surface temperatures are the warmest. Remember, the key ingredients for a tropical cyclone to develop are: sea surface temperatures at 80° or above, low upper-level wind shear, abundant moisture, and a pre-existing disturbance. Colorado State University released their annual forecast on Thursday, April 3, calling for an above-average season with 17 named storms, with 9 of them becoming hurricanes and 4 of those becoming major hurricanes, or Category 3 or stronger. This is just above average, which is 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 4 of those becoming major hurricanes. Over the past 5 years, only one season was right at average, with each of the other 4 years marking an above-average season. CSU cites a warmer-than-normal tropical Atlantic along with ENSO neutral conditions. They are predicting a potential La Niña farther into the season, which would favor storm formation and intensification. CSU forecasts above average Atlantic hurricane season The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its forecast on Thursday, May 22, and is also calling for an above-average season. Their forecast calls for 13-19 named storms, 6-10 of those becoming a hurricane, and 3-5 of those becoming a major hurricane. They are calling for a 60% chance of the season of an above-average season overall. They looked at warmer-than-average ocean temperatures, forecasts for weak wind shear, and the potential for more activity from the West African Monsoon. They have also announced an upgrade to the Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System, which will give a 5% improvement to their tracking and intensity forecasts. NOAA releases 2025 Atlantic hurricane season outlook While storms develop over water and make landfall on the coast, Texas should always be weather aware and stay prepared should a storm hit the Texas Coast. While your area may be outside the cone of uncertainty, the effects of a tropical development can be felt for hundreds of miles away. Meteorologist Kristen Currie breaks down what you need to know now in order to stay safe during the hurricane season. The list of names is recycled every six years, with the most destructive storm names being retired from future years. Names such as Katrina, Harvey, Ian, and Sandy are just a few of the names no longer used. This year, the list begins with Andrea and ends with Wendy. Based on conditions through the Atlantic, Caribbean, and the Gulf, during the first two months of the season, development is more likely along the East Coast of the United States and around the Gulf. While the development of storms during this time is less frequent, all the ingredients are there for some type of development. As we move into the peak of the season, conditions become more favorable throughout the Atlantic, including a reduction in Saharan dust and an increase in ocean temperatures along with weaker wind shear. The number of storms and their intensity dramatically increase. The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season was one for the books as it was an above-average season, but one storm in particular was of interest. In June of 2024, Beryl began its journey in the Atlantic, through the Lesser Antilles and into the Caribbean, becoming a Category 5 storm. As it approached and crossed the Yucatan Peninsula, the storm lost steam and was downgraded to a Tropical Storm before rapidly intensifying into a Category 1 hurricane before making landfall near Matagorda, Texas. This was the earliest-forming Category 5 hurricane on record for the Atlantic Ocean. Tropical tracker: Timeline of storms in the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Hurricanes Kirk and Helene intensified into Category 4 hurricanes during their development, with Rafael becoming a Category 3 storm late in the season. The best way to think of the season is that it only ever takes one to hit near you for it to be considered an active season. Download the KXAN Weather App Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
