Hurricane Preparedness Guide

Prep now to stay safe during hurricane season 2025

Hurricane season officially starts on June 1st, and runs until November 30th, and even though storms in the Atlantic don’t usually pop up until late summer, now is the time to make a plan to stay safe this season. Hurricanes, also referred to as tropical cyclones, are large, swirling storms that form when the ocean is especially warm. They produce powerful sustained winds of 74 to 157+ mph, as well as heavy rainfall, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and potentially catastrophic storm surge. If you live in coastal or low-lying areas, or areas that frequently flood, you must be prepared for water intrusion – and if the storm is heading your way, no matter how high your elevation, high winds can be equally as damaging as rising waters. Plus, hurricanes form fast, with warnings and watches being issued only 36-48 hours before the storm hits. With climate change resulting in warmer waters every year, this year is predicted to have a 60% chance of an above-normal hurricane season, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasting a range of 13 to 19 total named storms, of which 6-10 are forecast to become hurricanes, including 3-5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). To stay safe, it’s imperative to have a plan – and this guide will help you prepare.

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