Latest news with #tropicalstorms
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Atlantic hurricane season begins
The Atlantic Basin hurricane season began June 1. The Atlantic Basin includes the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf and the Caribbean. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its forecast for the upcoming season, which runs through November 30. They are predicting 13 to 19 named storms, six to 10 of which may become hurricanes. Forecasters are predicting a 60 percent chance of an above-average season. The development zones for tropical development are typically the Gulf, down into the Caribbean between the Yucatan and Cuba, and the Eastern seaboard. Here's a look at the names for the 2025 Atlantic Basin hurricane season: The prediction of an above-average season has to do with ENSO-neutral conditions expected, along with an enhancement in the West African monsoon. They're also expecting above-average sea-surface temperatures and weaker wind shear in the development zones. This helps aid in tropical cyclone development. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days 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.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Residents met with urgent warnings after alarming hurricane season forecast: 'This outlook is a call to action'
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is upon us, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting what it's calling another year of "above-normal hurricane activity." The director of the National Weather Service says it's time to prepare. NOAA officials say a combination of factors — including a neutral El Niño-Southern Oscillation, above-average ocean temperatures, and weak wind shear — is set to fuel the 60% chance that we'll see an "above-normal" Atlantic hurricane season, according to CBS News. The outlet reported that forecasters may have reason to be even more confident in their predictions this year. A planned upgrade to NOAA's modeling is expected to boost the accuracy of tracking tropical systems and predicting their intensity by around 5%. To improve preparedness and response, NOAA has also expanded its Global Tropical Hazards Outlook from a two-week to a three-week forecast window, the agency said, providing earlier warnings of possible tropical cyclone activity. "In my 30 years at the National Weather Service, we've never had more advanced models and warning systems in place to monitor the weather," said NWS director Ken Graham in a statement, per CBS. "This outlook is a call to action: be prepared. Take proactive steps now to make a plan and gather supplies to ensure you're ready before a storm threatens." The agency is forecasting between 13 and 19 named storms (compared to an average of around 14) and six to 10 hurricanes (compared to the average of seven). CBS cited Colorado State University as another highly regarded source of hurricane predictions. The university's team concurs that the season will be a busy one, estimating a total of 17 named storms, including nine hurricanes. Even if the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season defies all these expectations and falls short of average, storm experts are quick to their refrain: "It only takes one." And we don't have to think far back at all to find an example of just how destructive a hurricane can be. Hurricane Helene struck the U.S. in late September last year. After the initial damage it inflicted on the Gulf Coast, the storm surged north, bringing strong winds to the Southeast and wringing out historic rainfalls in North Carolina. The storm killed at least 250 people in the U.S., becoming the deadliest hurricane to hit the country's mainland since Katrina in 2005. It also caused financial devastation for many families and municipalities. Scientists have said that the overheating of our planet supercharged Helene, increasing the storm's rainfall by 10% and wind strength by 11%. An analysis of the 2024 hurricane season conducted by Climate Central found that "human-caused global warming" contributed to every named storm last year. What would you do if natural disasters were threatening your home? Move somewhere else Reinforce my home Nothing This is happening already Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Angela Colbert at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory didn't disagree with this thinking in a 2022 post. "Due to global warming, global climate models predict hurricanes will likely cause more intense rainfall," Colbert wrote, "and have an increased coastal flood risk due to higher storm surge caused by rising seas." Ditching dirty energy sources in favor of clean, renewable options can help cool down our planet and mitigate its effects, like extreme weather events and rising sea levels. A study by researchers at Cornell University has suggested that repurposing only 3.2% of U.S. cropland, currently used to grow corn for ethanol, could result in a more than threefold increase in solar power output nationwide. Learning more about critical climate issues, especially together in affinity groups with the potential for local action, can help normalize the adoption of renewables and facilitate the pro-environment policies that can make scaled-up transition more realizable. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
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.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Atlantic primed to spew hurricanes, NOAA forecast says: What to know in Louisiana
Atlantic hurricane season 2025 is almost here and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says a "confluence of factors" are set to fuel tropical cyclones in coming months. NOAA officials said to prepare for danger now as they released a forecast that predicts a 60% chance of an above average season. 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). A typical year averages about 14 tropical storms, seven of which spin into hurricanes, based on weather records that date from 1991 to 2020. Before announcing the 2025 outlook, NOAA's acting administrator Laura Grimm said last year's outlook was "right on the money." In 2024, 18 named storms formed, including devastating Hurricanes Helene and Milton. With more than 400 fatalities, 2024 was the nation's deadliest hurricane season since 2005, said National Hurricane Center Director Michael Brennan. It was also the third-costliest on record, after 2017 and 2005. The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and continues through November 30. The first storm name will be Andrea. The season is expected to be above average due to a "confluence of factors, including continued ENSO-neutral conditions, warmer than average ocean temperatures, forecasts for weak wind shear, and the potential for higher activity from the West African Monsoon, a primary starting point for Atlantic hurricanes," NOAA said in a media release. What's ENSO? Major climate pattern shifts ahead of hurricane season, bringing new risks ("ENSO" is short for "El Niño - Southern Oscillation," the overall term for the El Niño / La Niña climate cycle that affect weather worldwide. "ENSO-Neutral" means neither El Niño nor La Niña conditions are present.) "All of these elements tend to favor tropical storm formation," NOAA said. Meteorologist Andy Hazelton of the University of Miami, writing on X, said that it was a "pretty reasonable outlook for the season from NOAA. I'm a little surprised they are this confident that we will be above average but the fact that we seem likely to be cool neutral ENSO at worst for peak season means that (wind) shear should be pretty low." He added that the Atlantic Ocean temperatures will probably determine if the season is closer to the lower numbers or the higher numbers of storms in the prediction. Other top forecasters are predicting an active season. Colorado State University's hurricane forecasting team, led by Phil Klotzbach, predicted 17 total named storms, of which 9 will be hurricanes, in its April forecast. AccuWeather's forecast, which came out in March, calls for 13-18 named storms, of which 7-10 will be hurricanes. The record for most actual named storms in a season is 30, set in 2020. Though no tropical cyclones have formed in the Atlantic or Pacific so far this year, the National Hurricane Center says a tropical depression could form in late May in the eastern Pacific Ocean south of Mexico. It's too soon to say if the system would impact any land areas. The best time to prepare for a hurricane is before hurricane season begins, the National Hurricane Center said. It is vital to understand your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding, and wind. Here is your checklist of things to do before hurricane seasons begins. Here are some USA TODAY links to bookmark on how to prepare your home for a hurricane and how to prepare a go-bag in case you need to evacuate. Here's what you should do: Prepare now for hurricanes, Trump warns. With a U.S. death toll of at least 241, Helene was the continental United States' deadliest single storm since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, when about 1,400 people died. Other deadly storms in 2024 included Hurricanes Beryl and Milton, each of which killed over 40 people in the United States. NOAA forecasters also released their prediction for the eastern Pacific Basin, saying that a below-average season was most likely. An average eastern Pacific hurricane season produces 15 named storms. Eastern Pacific storms and hurricanes primarily stay out to sea and seldom affect the U.S. mainland, although some storms do hit the west coast of Mexico. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NOAA hurricane season 2025 forecast says Atlantic primed for storms
