As many as six storms are expected to hit the U.S.
of ConsumerAffairsThe upcomingAtlantic hurricane seasonis shaping up to be more active than usual, with as many assix storms expected to impact the United States, according to a new forecast fromAccuWeather Inc.
AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva warns it could be another year with volatile hurricanes, with 13 to 18 named storms in the Atlantic basin betweenJune 1 and November 30, the official hurricane season window. Of those,seven to 10are expected to strengthen intohurricanes, meaning sustained winds of at least74 miles per hour.
Even more concerning, AccuWeather projects thatthree to five of those hurricanescould becomemajor storms, reachingCategory 3 or higher, with wind speeds of111 mph or greater.
The forecast comes after a devastating 2024 season, in which several powerful hurricanes battered the U.S. Gulf Coast, leaving widespread damage fromTexas to Floridaand well into thesouthern Appalachians.
This years indicators point to another above-average season, AccuWeather said in its announcement Wednesday. A typical Atlantic season produces around14 named storms, making this years projection notably higher.
One of the biggest factors for tropical development in 2025 is the abundance of warm water available to fuel storms. Water temperatures across the ocean, as well as in the Gulf and Caribbean, are already well above historical averages, and they will continue to run warm throughout most of the year. This will prime storms for explosive development, AccuWeather warned.
"A rapid intensification of storms will likely be a major story yet again this year as sea-surface temperatures and ocean heat content (OHC) across most of the basin are forecast to be well above average," DaSilva said. The OHC measures not only the temperature of the water but also how deep the warm water extends. A deep pool of warm water provides much more fuel for hurricanes than a shallow layer of warmth near the ocean's surface.
Not just the coast
The Atlantic hurricane season is closely watched not just for its impact on coastal communities, but for its ability todisrupt energy, agriculture, and financial markets. The economic ripples can extend far beyond areas directly hit by storms.
Storms also present majorpolitical challengesfor elected officials at all levels of government, who are often judged by how quickly and effectively they respond to disasters.
Deadly history remains fresh
Last yearsHurricane Heleneserved as a tragic reminder of the danger these storms pose. With at least249 lives lostacross the southeastern U.S. and the southern Appalachian region, Helene became thedeadliest hurricane to strike the continental United States since Katrina in 2005, according to theU.S. National Hurricane Center.
Emergency management officials are urging residents in hurricane-prone areas tobegin preparations now, ahead of what could be another intense season.
As the start date ofJune 1approaches, agencies and communities alike are bracing for what Mother Nature may have in store.
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Posted: 2025-03-28 17:08:22
