Wells Insurance Blog

2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast: What Coastal NC Boaters Should Know

Written by Wells Insurance | Jun 17, 2025 4:32:27 PM

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season officially began June 1 and runs through November 30. Following a quiet start, meteorological agencies now expect an above-average season, with several forecasts echoing similar warnings:

  1. NOAA projects 13–19 named storms, 6–10 hurricanes, and 3–5 major hurricanes—placing it in the above-normal category with 60% probability

  2. Colorado State University forecasts 17 named storms, 9 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes

  3. Tropical Storm Risk (TSR) puts its estimate at around 16 named storms, 8 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes 

Why an Active Season?

  1. Warm sea-surface temperatures
    The Gulf of Mexico and Main Development Region are approximately 2 °F above average, fueling storm formation and intensification

  2. ENSO-neutral conditions
    With no strong El Niño or La Niña presence, wind shear remains favorable for cyclone development

  3. Strong West African Monsoon
    Elevated tropical wave activity off West Africa increases the likelihood of storm genesis in the Atlantic

What This Means for Coastal NC

  1. Delayed but ominous start: The season has been unusually calm so far—a rarity mirrored only a few times since 1991. The delay doesn’t signal a lull; instead, it emphasizes the need for readiness heading into peak months (August to October) .

  2. Greater rapid intensification risk: Warm waters and favorable conditions could lead to sudden storm strengthening—sometimes in less than 24 hours

  3. Hazardous timing: Even one landfalling major hurricane can cause years of damage and disruption

✅ Steps for a Resilient Hurricane Season

  1. Review and update coverage

    • Assess your commercial and residential policies early. Ensure natural disaster provisions are current and adequate.

  2. Pre-storm risk mitigation

    • Have your roofing inspected, sandbags stocked, flood barriers prepared, and preparations for potential loss mitigation sites.

  3. Build a response plan

    • Establish clear communication protocols, evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and business continuity procedures.

  4. Monitor official forecasts

    • Use upgraded NOAA tools (like HAFS) for real-time alerts

  5. Stay alert in peak season

    • Even after a slow start, anticipate increased storm activity from August through mid-October.

Wells Insurance: Your Coastal Resilience Partner

At Wells Insurance, we’re dedicated to helping you prepare, respond, and recover from storm events. Whether reviewing coverage, coordinating risk mitigation, or advising on business continuity, our team is here to assist at every turn.

🔗 Explore our Coastal NC Hurricane and Boating Resources:

Questions about how this season’s forecast affects your coverage or vulnerability? Contact us anytime.

Navigating the 2025 hurricane season with confidence takes preparation, awareness, and resilient insurance. Let Wells Insurance be your ally—helping protect what matters most.