SOURCE: NEWS CHANNEL 8- The 2025 hurricane season begins in just one month.
After hits from back-to-back hurricanes last year, which came just weeks apart from each other, many Gulf Coast residents are still clearing out the damage and repairing their homes.
Researchers predict above-average 2025 hurricane season: Here’s how many storms we could see
Here’s what you need to know ahead of the season:
Experts are predicting another above-average hurricane season
In their April outlook, Colorado State University researchers said they expect the Atlantic basin to experience more tropical activity than usual, in part, due to record-warm ocean waters.
CSU predicted that there will be 17 named storms, with nine of those being hurricanes. Four of those hurricanes are predicted to strengthen into Category 3, 4, or 5 storms, otherwise known as major hurricanes.
Researchers also projected an above-average chance for major hurricanes to make landfall along the continental U.S. and in the Caribbean. Beryl, Helene and Milton retired from list of hurricane names
What are this year’s hurricane names?
While no one can predict exactly when the first storm will appear, we’ve known its name for years: Andrea.
Here are the names of the storms we could see in 2025:
| Andrea | Humberto | Olga |
| Barry | Imelda | Pablo |
| Chantal | Jerry | Rebekah |
| Dexter | Karen | Sebastien |
| Erin | Lorenzo | Tanya |
| Fernand | Melissa | Van |
| Gabrielle | Nestor | Wendy |
Ever wondered how hurricanes get their names, or what it takes for meteorologists to retire them after a deadly storm? Here’s everything you need to know about naming hurricanes.Milton one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record, NHC report says
How to prepare your home and family for hurricane season
When a hurricane is bearing down on the coast, threatening to strike, fear and anxiety can send anyone within “the cone” into chaos. You can mitigate this by preparing your family and your home before a storm even forms.
Here are some things you can do to get prepared.
Make an evacuation plan
You’ve probably heard the saying, “run from the water, hide from the wind.” Tropical cyclones bring potentially deadly surge and winds, meaning coastal residents need to be able to evacuate with little notice.
Before the season begins, consider where you would go if told to evacuate, and how you would get there. Experts at NOAA urge residents to remember that they do not need to travel hundreds of miles to escape the worst of the storm.
Be sure to take note of your evacuation zone. Here’s how to find it if you live in Tampa Bay.
When evacuating, seek out a well-built home or other accommodations outside of flood prone areas. If you have nowhere else to go, plan to stay at a local shelter. Those staying in shelters typically have to bring their own bedding, food and other supplies.
Additionally, make sure to have a plan for your pets. They’re a part of the family, and it could soon be against Florida law to leave them behind in the path of danger.Helene ‘the deadliest hurricane … since Katrina’: NHC
Stock up on storm supplies and build a disaster kit
Last-minute trips to the grocery store could mean facing crowds and empty shelves. Experts recommend stocking up on water, non-perishable food, batteries and other supplies before the season begins.
The state of Florida holds two Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays each season. The first runs the first two weeks of hurricane season – from June 1 to June 14 – and the second comes amid peak seasons the season reaches its peak – Aug. 24 to Sept. 6.
For more information about what is covered under the sales tax holiday, visit the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday webpage.
Whether they’re evacuating or riding out the storm, residents should assemble a storm kit. Here is what FEMA recommends you keep on hand:
- Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
- Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape (to shelter in place)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Local maps
- Cellphone with chargers and a backup battery
- Prescription medications
- Cash
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
Prepare your home for a potential storm
NOAA recommends contacting your home insurance company to ask for an insurance check-up, making sure you have enough insurance to repair, or even replace, your home or belongings before the season begins.
Document your possessions with photos, serial numbers or anything else that you may need to provide your insurance company when filing a claim.
Ahead of hurricane season, trim back trees and seal off any outside wall openings. Remove yard debris, furniture or anything that could become a dangerous projectile during the storm.
If needed, keep your hurricane shutters handy and stock up on plywood, sandbags and anything else you would use to fortify your home.Tracking the Tropics: A look back at the 2024 hurricane season
Remember: Prepare, don’t panic
It can feel chaotic and scary ahead of an oncoming storm, but experts say being prepared and having a plan in place will give you some peace of mind.
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, but storms could still pop up outside of these dates
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