****

The Atlantic hurricane season, commencing on June 1, is expected to surpass the average storm frequency, according to forecasters. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted that between 13 and 19 named storms will occur from June 1 to November 30, exceeding the average of 14 storms per year recorded from 1991 to 2020. This increase in storm activity is attributed to rising ocean temperatures, which provide the additional heat needed to fuel these natural phenomena.

Experts are emphasizing the importance of early preparations for both coastal and inland residents. Professor Michael Bell of Colorado State University’s Tropical Cyclones team highlighted that a single significant storm can make the season impactful for any community. Even non-hurricane storms can lead to deadly flooding, with water-related hazards being the primary cause of hurricane-related fatalities when storms make landfall.

Jon Porter, AccuWeather’s chief meteorologist, warned about the potential for severe inland impacts, including flooding, wind, and tornadoes. He urged people to take this time to prepare adequately. The issue has become even more pressing with the increasing effects of climate change, causing storms to carry more water and inflict greater damage away from the coast.

During a recent press conference, Michael Brennan, director of NOAA’s National Hurricane Center, stressed the need to inform inland communities about the significant threats posed by freshwater flooding. This type of flooding has become a substantial source of fatalities in recent years.

However, there are challenges looming over the accuracy and effectiveness of the forecasting system. The Trump administration has previously targeted NOAA with substantial budget cuts and staff reductions. This included firing hundreds of NOAA employees and proposing significant reductions in funding for climate research and satellite data collection. These cuts have raised concerns about the sustainability of current forecasting capabilities.

Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, former National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Brian LaMarre pointed out that many of the 122 NWS offices are short-staffed, which he believes is a potential recipe for disaster. Despite these challenges, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick assured that NOAA and NWS are equipped with the most advanced weather models and hurricane tracking systems to provide real-time forecasts and warnings.

NOAA anticipates that six to ten storms in 2025 could develop into full-blown hurricanes, with winds of at least 74 mph, while three to five of these could escalate into major hurricanes with winds exceeding 111 mph. These predictions align with other forecasters, including Colorado State University and AccuWeather.

Last year, the Atlantic saw 18 named storms, with five making landfall in the U.S. Notably, Hurricane Helene caused over 200 fatalities and severe flooding across the southeastern U.S., while Hurricane Milton's storm surge and tornadoes wreaked havoc in southern Florida, resulting in $34.3 billion in damages.