Preparing for the peak of hurricane season in Alabama

It’s been a slow start to the official hurricane season which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30 but peak season is just around the corner.

Some smaller storms have already been identified in the Atlantic Ocean over the last couple of weeks—Tropical Storm Dexter made landfall this week—but there has been relatively little impact on the region and even less on Alabama as a whole.

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared for heavier storms that could be on their way. Earlier this year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) projected above-normal hurricane activity for this season.

“As we witnessed last year with significant inland flooding from hurricanes Helene and Debby, the impacts of hurricanes can reach far beyond coastal communities. NOAA is critical for the delivery of early and accurate forecasts and warnings, and provides the scientific expertise needed to save lives and property.” 

Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm

So keep reading to find out everything you need to know as we get closer to peak season which usually starts in August.

2025 Atlantice Hurricane season

The NOAA is forecasting a range of 13 to 19 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 6-10 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3-5 major hurricanes (category 3-5 with winds of 111 mph or higher).

Many experts remain convinced of an above-average season, in large part due to warmer waters in the Atlantic Ocean. Other factors include:

• Continued ENSO-neutral conditions
• Forecasts for weak wind shear
• Potential for higher activity from the West African Monsoon

The National Weather Service has also already selected the names for this year’s storms. After Dexter, storm names will include:

• Erin
• Fernand
• Gabrielle
• Humberto
• Imelda
• Jerry
• Karen
• Lorenzo
• Melissa
• Nestor
• Olga
• Pablo
• Rebekah
• Sebastien
• Tanya
• Van
• Wendy

How to be prepared

Even though we’re six weeks into hurricane season, peak season will run roughly from mid-August to mid-October. Storms like Helene (2024), Katrina (2005), Sally (2020) and Ivan (2004) all hit Alabama during that timeframe.

Preparation is the key during hurricane season. It only takes one storm to drastically change an entire community.

NOAA has quite a few tips for that, including:

• Keeping a 3-day supply of clean drinking water and non-perishable foods in your home
• Have at least 2 ways to get weather alerts without power (weather radios, portable chargers for phones, etc.)
• Know your evacuation route + never let you gas tank dip below 1/4 full during hurricane season
• Get a water + fire-proof box to store all important documents for yourself, your children + your pets
• Have an evacuation plan that includes your pets
• Take the full hurricane preparedness quiz here

The most important thing to know in a hurricane is when to evacuate and when to hunker down. Storms can change routes and intensity at any moment.

That’s why it’s crucial to listen to the experts at NOAA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency + the NWS when a storm is approaching.

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