Hurricane Season 2025: Family Preparation Guide

Hurricane season officially began on June 1st, and NOAA is predicting an above-normal season with a 60% chance of above-normal activity. The forecast calls for 13-19 total named storms, with 6-10 expected to become hurricanes and 3-5 reaching major hurricane status (Category 3 or higher). This year, however, families need to be especially prepared due to significant staffing cuts at key weather monitoring agencies that could impact storm warnings and emergency response.

Critical Changes to Weather Monitoring This Year

Recent budget cuts and hiring freezes have significantly reduced staffing at the National Weather Service (NWS) and related agencies. More than 15 NWS forecast offices along the Gulf Coast from Texas to Florida are currently understaffed, with some offices lacking a third of their required meteorologists. The National Hurricane Center in Miami is short five specialists, despite government assurances of full staffing.

What this means for families: You may receive less advance warning of approaching storms, and local weather offices may have reduced capacity to provide detailed, localized forecasts. Some weather stations are no longer operating 24/7, and the release of weather balloons has been scaled back.

Essential Hurricane Supplies Checklist

With potentially reduced warning times, having supplies ready before storm season is more critical than ever. Stock up on these essentials now:

Water and Food

• Water: One gallon per person per day for at least 3-7 days

• Non-perishable food: 3-7 day supply for each family member

• Manual can opener

• Baby food and formula (if needed)

• Pet food and supplies

Power and Communication

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio preferred)

• Flashlights (one per family member)

• Extra batteries for all devices

• Portable phone chargers/power banks

• Solar chargers (if available)

First Aid and Medications

• First aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers

• Prescription medications (7-day supply minimum)

• Personal hygiene items

• Sanitation supplies

Important Documents

• Copies of insurance policies, identification, bank records

• Store in waterproof container or upload to secure cloud storage

• Cash in small bills

Tools and Supplies

• Duct tape and plastic sheeting for emergency repairs

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

• Local area maps

• Matches in waterproof container

• Paper plates, cups, plastic utensils

Family Emergency Plan

Create and practice your family emergency plan before a storm threatens:

1. Identify evacuation routes and practice driving them

2. Choose meeting places both near your home and outside your neighborhood

3. Designate an out-of-state contact person for family members to check in with

4. Know your evacuation zone and shelter locations

5. Plan for pets - identify pet-friendly shelters or boarding facilities

   
   

Stay Informed Despite Reduced Services

With weather service cutbacks, it's crucial to have multiple information sources:

• Sign up for local emergency alerts on your phone

• Follow multiple weather sources including local news, weather apps, and social media

• Monitor NOAA Weather Radio regularly during storm season

• Check local emergency management websites frequently

• Don't rely on a single source for storm information

Act Early

Given the potential for reduced warning times and emergency response capacity, don't wait for official evacuation orders if you feel unsafe. If you're in a vulnerable area and a storm is approaching, consider leaving earlier rather than later.

Financial Preparation

• Review your insurance coverage now, before storm season peaks

• Document your belongings with photos or video

• Keep receipts for emergency supplies (may be tax-deductible)

• Have emergency cash available in case ATMs and card systems fail