On May 22, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season outlook during a press conference at the Jefferson Parish Emergency Operations Center in Gretna, Louisiana. NOAA also issued seasonal hurricane outlooks for the eastern Pacific and central Pacific hurricane basins.
NOAA forecasts a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season and a 10% chance of a below-normal season.
The forecast calls for between 13 to 19 total named storms with winds of 39 mph or higher. Of those, 6-10 are forecast to become hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or higher, including three to five major hurricanes of category 3, 4 or 5 with winds of 111 mph or higher. NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges.
This yearly outlook is an important preparedness tool to help people to understand the potential for tropical storms. It’s also a reminder that everyone has the responsibility to prepare before a hurricane.
The first step to hurricane preparedness is understanding the risks where you live. If you live near the coast, you are most at risk for extreme wind and storm surge. However, the hazards don’t stop just because a storm has moved inland. Inland communities can be hit the hardest due to the severe rainfall even when the hurricane category decreases.
Next, people should think about what they can do to protect themselves and their property. It’s important to know your area’s evacuation routes and procedures and learn how to make sure their homes and businesses can withstand hurricane-related hazards. Local emergency management agencies have a wealth of information on location-specific hazards and best practices to keep people safe. Visit Ready.gov/hurricanes and Ready.gov/business for practical advice on staying safe before, during and after a hurricane.
Third, make sure you have the insurance coverage you need for high winds and flooding. It takes 30 days for flood insurance to take effect, so now is the time to make sure you have the coverage you need. Visit Floodsmart.gov today to get a flood insurance policy today.
Finally, listen to local officials. They are the first line of defense to keeping individuals and communities safe. Know your community’s evacuation plan, possible evacuation routes and how to sign up for local alerts.