0:00
The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins next Saturday, June 1st
0:04
and this year forecasters are sounding the alarm. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric
0:09
Administration, NOAA, released its annual outlook Thursday, predicting an above-normal season. Meteorologist Ken Graham, director of the National Weather Service, said NOAA expects 13 to 19 storms
0:23
compared to the seasonal average of 14. Of those, 6 to 10 could become hurricanes
0:29
and 3 to 5 may reach Category 3 strength or higher with sustained winds of at least 111 miles an hour
0:36
Specifically, there's a 60% chance of above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season
0:42
and only a 10% chance to be below normal. So we're really looking at an above-normal season once again
0:48
Last year, NOAA tracked 18 storms, five of them major hurricanes. causing more than $100 billion in damage
0:56
Two of the deadliest, Helene, which slammed North Carolina and Florida in late September
1:02
killing more than 230 people in massive flooding. And Milton, which hit just weeks later, pummeling the Tampa area and Gulf Coast
1:10
knocking out power to millions. This year's above-average outlook is fueled by warmer ocean temperatures
1:16
a major driver of hurricane formation. NOAA held its announcement in Louisiana
1:21
ahead of the 20-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which slammed New Orleans and left the city underwater
1:27
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season runs through November 30th. For more unbiased updates, download the Straight Arrow News app
