The Shadow
RICHMOND, VA (VR) — The elements that tend to favor tropical storm formation are already in place at the start of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
While Virginians can’t control climate forces, preparation can help them protect their property and loved ones from whatever nature has in store.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s outlook for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, predicts a 30% chance of a near-normal season and a 60% chance of an above-normal season.
The agency is forecasting 13 to 19 total named storms with winds of 39 mph or higher. Of those, six to 10 are forecast to become hurricanes, including three to five major hurricanes at categories 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher.
“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 U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.
The higher-heat content in oceans provides more energy to fuel storm development, while weaker trade winds allow the storms to develop in the Atlantic Basin without disruption. A northward shift of the West African monsoon may churn tropical waves that seed some of the strongest Atlantic storms.
Southwest Virginia is still recovering from Hurricane Helene’s unexpected flood and wind damage in September 2024.
“We may think of hurricanes as strictly a coastal problem, but Hurricane Helene proved otherwise,” said Laurie Gannon, vice president of claims for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. “This season’s hurricane outlook is a call to action. Preparation can minimize property damage and protect your family, pets or livestock.”
Consult VFBMIC’s Virginia Hurricane Preparedness Central for tips on what to do before and after a storm, which include:
- Assessing your risk if a hurricane warning is issued.
- Making a family safety plan to keep in book bags and in each family vehicle.
- Putting together an emergency kit with first aid items, flashlights and extra batteries, nonperishable food, pet food, medicines and bottled water.
- Filling up your car with a tank of gas.
- Having cash on hand in case of a power outage.
- Securing your home or business.
“It’s also wise to take the time to do a household inventory, to have on hand in case a claim needs to be filed,” Gannon said. “And consider reviewing your insurance policies with your agent beforehand to ensure you’re properly covered.”
Visit bit.ly/VaHurricane25 to see more hurricane resources from Farm Bureau.
