An upcoming active hurricane season is anticipated for the Atlantic basin in 2025, as indicated by a recent forecast from Colorado State University's Department of Atmospheric Science. Phil Klotzbach, Ph.D., a senior research scientist at CSU and a non-resident scholar at the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), led the forecast. The research team expects 17 named storms, including nine hurricanes and four major hurricanes during the season starting June 1 through November 30. Historically, a typical season witnesses 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.
“The tropical Atlantic is warmer than normal, although thankfully not as warm as last year at this time,” Klotzbach noted. He also mentioned that they expect either a neutral El Niño - Southern Oscillation (ENSO) or possibly weak La Niña conditions, which in combination with warm waters, could lead to an above-average hurricane season.
Reflecting on the previous year, 2024 saw 18 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and five of those reaching major hurricane status. Of the five hurricanes that made landfall in the U.S. last year, three were in Florida, causing extensive damage, particularly Hurricane Helene, which severely affected the southeastern U.S.
Sean Kevelighan, CEO of Triple-I, emphasized the significance of insurance preparedness in light of last year's damages. “As we saw with Hurricane Helene and its impacts across the Southeast, severe damage can occur well beyond where a tropical cyclone makes landfall. All it takes is one storm to make it an active season for you and your family, so it is time to prepare as the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season’s start nears,” Kevelighan stated.
Kevelighan advised homeowners and businesses to review their insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage, including exploring the need for flood coverage, which is usually not included in standard policies. He recommended implementing measures such as roof tie-downs and drainage systems to enhance property resilience to storms.
Flood coverage is available through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program and private insurers. Triple-I also encourages taking steps such as installing wind-rated garage doors and storm shutters to bolster windstorm protection, potentially reducing insurance costs.
Preparing for the hurricane season involves creating an inventory of possessions and securing a two-week supply of essential goods. It's crucial to have an evacuation plan before any storm warnings. Predictions by CSU include a 51% probability of major hurricanes affecting the entire U.S. coastline and a 56% chance for the Caribbean. These figures are above historical averages, underscoring the importance of preparation and adequate insurance coverage.