Marking the official June 1 start of hurricane season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has released its 2025 hurricane forecast, projecting another above-normal season for the Atlantic basin. It’s the second consecutive year of heightened activity, reinforcing the urgent need for communities to take action. In response, leading disaster relief nonprofits—including the volunteers and veteran-led Team Rubicon—are amplifying their hurricane preparedness tips to help Americans brace for the months ahead.
Key Predictions for 2025
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center forecasts a 60% likelihood of an above-average hurricane season this year. The agency is predicting a range of 13 to 19 total named storms. Of those, six to 10 are forecast to become hurricanes, and three to five are predicted to be major hurricanes—Category 3, 4, or 5 hurricanes.
In 2024, NOAA predicted eight to 13 tropical storms would become hurricanes, and that four to seven would become major hurricanes. In actuality, there were 18 tropical storms, 11 hurricanes, and five major hurricanes in 2024, and the year produced five billion-dollar tropical storm events.
Colorado State University researchers have also released an early 2025 hurricane forecast, citing warm sea surface temperatures and low wind shear as key factors behind their projection of nine hurricanes.
Warm Oceans and Weak Wind Shear Driving Factors Behind 2025 Hurricane Forecast
Several climate indicators are contributing to the active 2025 hurricane forecast, including a neutral position between El Niña and El Niño, warmer than average ocean temperatures, forecasts for weak wind shear, and the potential for higher activity from the West African Monsoon which is a primary starting point for Atlantic hurricanes.
Warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures across much of the Atlantic Ocean continue to provide the energy needed for storm formation and intensification. These elevated temperatures create an environment conducive to more frequent and potentially stronger hurricanes. Meanwhile, lower wind shear allows storms to strengthen more efficiently and maintain their intensity. And, the West African monsoon is expected to remain active, potentially generating more of the tropical waves that often develop into Atlantic hurricanes. Additionally, reduced atmospheric stability over key development regions supports enhanced tropical cyclone activity.
What the 2025 Hurricane Forecast Could Mean for the American South
While no forecast can predict specific landfalls, the implications of the 2025 hurricane forecast are significant for the American South and East Coast. The above-normal forecast indicates elevated risk for all Atlantic coastal areas, from the Caribbean islands through the Gulf of Mexico and up the Eastern Seaboard—and not only in coastal regions.
In 2024, it was inland communities that took the greatest hit from hurricanes. Hurricane Helene became a $78.7 billion dollar disaster last year. Helene caused billions of dollars in damage to Georgia’s agriculture sector, though its most severe impacts were from historic rainfall and flooding across much of western North Carolina. It also heavily impacted Southwestern Virginia and extreme eastern Tennessee.
Hurricane Preparedness Tips from Team Rubicon
With more storms expected, preparedness is critical. Team Rubicon, which spent over 200 days aiding communities after Hurricane Helene, emphasizes that adhering to some fundamental hurricane preparedness tips can save lives—even before a single storm forms.
Must-Do Hurricane Preparedness Tips
- Create and regularly update an emergency plan
- Build a hurricane emergency kit
- Stay informed through reliable weather and emergency alert systems
- Know your evacuation zone and nearest shelter
“Knowing when and how to evacuate, having a way to receive warnings, knowing your evacuation zone, knowing where your nearest emergency storm shelter is is essential,” says Team Rubicon’s Director of Branch Operations, Drew Hannah. “Having your go bag packed and ready to go—including if you need medication or if you have a pet that you’re incorporating those things into your planning is critically important.”
Stockpile Supplies Before the First Hurricane Threatens
For those who can’t evacuate, Hannah says it’s still essential to have a plan—and even a checklist of basic essentials.
- Build a hurricane emergency kit with:
- 3–5 days of non-perishable food
- One gallon of water per person per day
- Essential medications and pet supplies
“We know some folks may not be able to evacuate or maybe are in an area that’s impacted unexpectedly, so we recommend that everybody have on hand some emergency supplies to carry them through if they’re impacted by the storm,” says Hannah. “That includes having a gallon of water per person per day for at least three to five days worth of supplies, as well as non-perishable food items so that people can survive any unexpected disruptions to their lives.”
Final Word: Prepare Now, Not Later
Meteorologists will continue updating the 2025 hurricane forecast throughout the season, but one thing is certain: preparation matters. Whether this season brings 13 storms or 25, the right actions today could protect lives and property tomorrow.
Team Rubicon urges all Americans—especially those in the South and coastal areas—to take hurricane preparedness seriously. From building a kit to planning an evacuation, small steps now can prevent devastating losses later.
