(The Center Square) – Three hurricanes in 66 days landed in Florida in 2024.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts 2025 in the Atlantic Basin will be above normal, not good news for America’s southeastern tip that hopes to duck everything from Andrea to Wendy.
“NOAA and the National Weather Service are using the most advanced weather models and cutting-edge hurricane tracking systems to provide Americans with real-time storm forecasts and warnings,” said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. “With these models and forecasting tools, we have never been more prepared for hurricane season.”
The season begins Saturday and runs through Nov. 30.
Debby made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane near Steinhatchee on Aug. 5, Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Dekle Beach on Sept. 26, and Milton made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane near Siesta Key on Oct 9.
Helene more infamously did about $60 billion in damage to North Carolina, where 107 were killed.
NOAA forecasts 13 to 19 named storms in a season with 60% chance to be above normal. Named storms means winds will reach 39 mph or higher. Six to 10 of those are expected to reach 74 mph winds, meaning they become hurricanes. Another three to five would have wind of 111 mph or higher, the benchmark to hit Category 3.
NOAA, in its preseason release on Thursday, says its confidence level is 70%.
The Atlantic tropical cyclone names this season are Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dexter, Erin, Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Imelda, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van and Wendy.
