Latest news with #KenGraham
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
NOAA predicts plenty of hurricanes in 2025: What to know at a glance
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its predictions for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season on Thursday, May 22, and if you live along the coast or anywhere hurricanes impact, you may want to consider preparing for it now as we're looking at the potential for another season of above average activity. "Warm sea surface temperatures are probably the No. 1 contributor to the whole thing," said Ken Graham, director of the National Weather Service. "Not much wind shear. "Wind shear tears the storms apart. We don't expect a lot of wind shear and the African monsoons, conducive spots to be able to launch out the waves, launch out the storms — everything's in place for an above average season." The season is expected to be much like last year. There were 18 named storms in 2024 with six hurricanes and five major hurricanes including Hurricane Helene which caused destruction in five states and became one of the deadliest storms in recent history. Colorado State University is predicting the following for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season: 17 named storms 9 hurricanes 4 major hurricanes AccuWeather is predicting the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season could bring: Direct U.S. impacts: 3-6 Named storms: 13-18 Hurricanes: 7-10 Major hurricanes: 3-5 NOAA is predicting a 60% chance of an above average season, a 30% chance of it being average and a 10% chance of it being below average season. Here are the predicted numbers. Named storms: 13-19 Hurricanes: 6-10 Major hurricanes: 3-5 More: Five things to know about Katrina, one of the nation's worst natural disasters Named storms: 14 Hurricanes: 7 Major hurricanes: 3 Here are the names for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season and how to pronounce them. Andrea: AN-dree uh Barry: BAIR-ree Chantal: shahn-TAHL Dexter: DEHK-ster Erin: AIR-rin Fernand: fair-NAHN Gabrielle: ga-bree-ELL Humberto: oom-BAIR-toh Imelda: ee-MEHL-dah Jerry: JEHR-ee Karen: KAIR-ren Lorenzo: loh-REN-zoh Melissa: meh-LIH-suh Nestor: NES-tor Olga: OAL-guh Pablo: PAHB-lo Rebekah: reh-BEH-kuh Sebastien: se-BAS-tee-en Tanya: TAHN-yuh Van: van Wendy: WEN-dee The best time to prepare for a hurricane is before the season begins on June 1. It's vitally important to understand your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding, and wind. Here is a checklist of things to do before hurricane seasons begins. Know your zone: Do you live near the Gulf or Atlantic Coasts? Find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation area by contacting your local government/emergency management office or by checking the evacuation site website. Put Together an Emergency Kit: Put together a basic emergency. Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, generators and storm shutters. Write or review your Family Emergency Plan: Before an emergency happens, sit down with your family or close friends and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go, and what you will do in an emergency. Keep a copy of this plan in your emergency supplies kit or another safe place where you can access it in the event of a disaster. Start at the emergency plan webpage. Review Your Insurance Policies: Review your insurance policies to ensure that you have adequate coverage for your home and personal property. Understand NWS forecast products, especially the meaning of NWS watches and warnings. Preparation tips for your home from the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes Cheryl McCloud of the USA Today Network contributed to this report. Do you have a story idea? Contact Brian Broom at 601-961-7225 or bbroom@ This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Hurricane season 2025: What to know about the weather forecast
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
This Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be above average
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted an above-average Atlantic hurricane season this year, spanning from June 1 to Nov. 30. A variety of environmental conditions have increased the chances of strong storms, and damages are only expected to worsen as agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency and NOAA are defunded by the Trump administration. The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to have between 13 and 19 named storms. Among these could be three to five major hurricanes that are Category 3 or higher. The season usually peaks in September. "Some experts are concerned that the current setup may resemble something closer to the 2017 season, the year of hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria," said The New York Times, when the storms reached the upper limit of their forecast. "This outlook is a call to action: be prepared," NOAA's National Weather Service Director Ken Graham said in a statement. "Take proactive steps now to make a plan and gather supplies to ensure you're ready before a storm threatens." The prediction is based on a "confluence of factors," the NOAA statement said, including neutral El Niño–Southern Oscillation conditions. When there are El Niño or La Niña conditions, they "change atmospheric circulation and push the jet streams around in specific ways," the NOAA said. In neutral conditions like now, "less predictable weather and climate patterns can be more important." Other predictive factors include "warmer than average ocean temperatures, forecasts for weak wind shear and the potential for higher activity from the West African Monsoon, a primary starting point for Atlantic hurricanes," said the statement. These elements together contribute to a higher likelihood of hurricanes and tropical storms forming. "I would not be surprised if we see early-season activity well ahead of the peak," Marshall Shepherd, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Georgia, said to Scientific American. While there is a 60% chance of an above-average season, there is also a 30% chance of a near-normal season and a 10% chance of a below-normal season, according to the NOAA. While "climate change is not expected to increase the number of these storms globally," warming temperatures are "thought to increase the chances of them reaching the highest wind speeds, bringing heavier rainfall and a higher likelihood of coastal flooding," said the BBC. Warm oceans are a particular threat. "Over 60% of the Gulf is at record or near-record warmth for the time of year, and waters east of Florida and around the Bahamas are as warm as we've seen them for the start of any hurricane season in the satellite era," Michael Lowry, a hurricane specialist at WPLG Local 10 News in Miami, said to Scientific American. Damages are also expected to be worse this season because both the NOAA and FEMA have faced budget cuts from the Trump administration. "Places in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas are still recovering from Helene, Milton and Debby," Shepherd said in reference to the worst storms of the 2024 season. And proper forecasting is necessary to allow areas to prepare for storms. "The impacts of hurricanes can reach far beyond coastal communities," acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm said. "NOAA is critical for the delivery of early and accurate forecasts and warnings and provides the scientific expertise needed to save lives and property."
CNBC
05-06-2025
- Climate
- CNBC
With an ‘above normal' hurricane season forecast, check these 3 things in your home insurance policy
It's officially hurricane season, and early forecasts indicate it's poised to be an active one. Now is the time to take a look at your homeowners insurance policy to ensure you have enough and the right kinds of coverage, experts say — and make any necessary changes if you don't. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a 60% chance of "above-normal" Atlantic hurricane activity during this year's season, which spans from June 1 to November 30. The agency forecasts 13 to 19 named storms with winds of 39 mph or higher. Six to 10 of those could become hurricanes, including three to five major hurricanes of Category 3, 4, or 5. Hurricanes can cost billions of dollars worth of damages. Experts at AccuWeather estimate that last year's hurricane season cost $500 billion in total property damage and economic loss, making the season "one of the most devastating and expensive ever recorded." "Take proactive steps now to make a plan and gather supplies to ensure you're ready before a storm threatens," Ken Graham, NOAA's national weather service director, said in the agency's report. Part of your checklist should include reviewing your insurance policies and what coverage you have, according to Charles Nyce, a risk management and insurance professor at Florida State University. "Besides being ready physically by having your radio, your batteries, your water … you should pay close attention to your insurance policies," said Nyce. More from Personal Finance:How child tax credit could change as Senate debates Trump's mega-billThis map shows where seniors face longest drivesSome Social Security checks to be smaller in June from student loan garnishment You want to know four key things: the value of property at risk, how much a loss could cost you, whether you're protected in the event of flooding and if you have enough money set aside in case of emergencies, he said. Bob Passmore, the department vice president of personal lines at the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, agreed: "It's really important to review your policy at least annually, and this is a good time to do it." Insurers often suspend policy changes and pause issuing new policies when there's a storm bearing down. So acting now helps ensure you have the right coverage before there's an urgent need. Here are three things to consider about your home insurance policy going into hurricane season, according to experts. First, take a look at your policy's limits, which represents the highest amount your insurance company will pay for a covered loss or damage, experts say. You want to make sure the policy limit is correct and would cover the cost of rebuilding your home, Passmore said. Most insurance companies will calculate the policy limit by taking into account the size of your home and construction costs in your area, said Nyce. For example, if you have a 2,000 square foot home, and the cost of construction in your area is $250 per square foot, your policy limit would need to be $500,000, he said. You may risk being underinsured, however, especially if you haven't reviewed your coverage in a while. Rising building costs or home renovations that aren't reflected in your insurer's calculation can mean your coverage lags the home's replacement value. Repair and construction costs have increased in recent years, experts say. In the last five years, the cost of construction labor has increased 36.3% while the building material costs are up 42.7%, the APCIA found. Most insurance companies follow what's called the 80% rule, meaning your coverage needs to be at least 80% of its replacement cost. If you're under, you risk your insurer paying less than the full claim. Take a look at your deductibles, or the amount you have to pay out of pocket upfront if you file a claim, experts say. For instance, if you have a $1,000 deductible on your policy and submit a claim for $8,000 of storm coverage, your insurer will pay $7,000 toward the cost of repairs, according to a report by NerdWallet. You're responsible for the remaining $1,000. A common way to lower your policy premium is by increasing your deductibles, Passmore said. Raising your deductible from $1,000 to $2,500 can save you an average 12% on your premium, per NerdWallet's research. But if you do that, make sure you have the cash on hand to absorb the cost after a loss, Passmore said. Don't stop at your standard policy deductible. Look over hazard-specific provisions such as a wind deductible, which is likely to kick in for hurricane damage. Wind deductibles are an out-of-pocket cost that is usually a percentage of the value of your policy, said Nyce. As a result, they can be more expensive than your standard deductible, he said. If a homeowner opted for a 2% deductible on a $500,000 house, their out-of-pocket costs for wind damages can go up to $10,000, he said. "I would be very cautious about picking larger deductibles for wind," he said. Floods are usually not covered by a homeowners insurance policy. If you haven't yet, consider buying a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program by the Federal Emergency Management Agency or through the private market, experts say. It can be worth it whether you live in a flood-prone area or not: Flooding causes 90% of disaster damage every year in the U.S., according to FEMA. In 2024, Hurricane Helene caused massive flooding in mountainous areas like Asheville in Buncombe County, North Carolina. Less than 1% of households there were covered by the NFIP, according to a recent report by the Swiss Re Institute. If you decide to get flood insurance with the NFIP, don't buy it at the last minute, Nyce said. There's usually a 30-day waiting period before the new policy goes into effect. "You can't just buy it when you think you're going to need it like 24, 48 or 72 hours before the storm makes landfall," Nyce said. "Buy it now before the storms start to form." Make sure you understand what's protected under the policy. The NFIP typically covers up to $250,000 in damages to a residential property and up to $100,000 on the contents, said Loretta Worters, a spokeswoman for the Insurance Information Institute. If you expect more severe damage to your house, ask an insurance agent about excess flood insurance, Nyce said. Such flood insurance policies are written by private insurers that cover losses over and above what's covered by the NFIP, he said.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Georgians 'be prepared': NOAA predicts above-normal Atlantic hurricane season for 2025
Some Georgians are still haunted by the destruction of Hurricane Helene. But it wasn't the first storm and it won't be the last. On Thursday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its outlook for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season (June 1 through Nov. 30). It doesn't look good: NOAA is predicting a 60% chance of above-normal hurricane activity, 30% chance of near-normal conditions, and 10% chance of below-normal conditions. The agency is forecasting 13 to 19 named storms (which happens when winds reach 39 mph). Of those, 6-10 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of at least 74 mph) including 3-5 major hurricane (at least a category 3 with winds of 111 mph or higher). Experts at NOAA have 70% confidence in these forecasts, with National Weather Service Director Ken Graham saying in his 30 years at NWS, they have never had more advanced models and warning systems in place. "This outlook is a call to action: Be prepared," Graham said. "Take proactive steps now to make a plan and gather supplies to ensure you're ready before a storm threatens." To get into the technical aspects, NOAA says this is due to a "confluence of factors" including ENSO-neutral conditions (essentially meaning average sea surface temperatures), warmer than average ocean temperatures, weak wind shear, higher activity from the West African Monsoon. This all tends to favor tropical storm formations. Andrea: AN-dree uh Barry: BAIR-ree Chantal: shahn-TAHL Dexter: DEHK-ster Erin: AIR-rin Fernand: fair-NAHN Gabrielle: ga-bree-ELL Humberto: oom-BAIR-toh Imelda: ee-MEHL-dah Jerry: JEHR-ee Karen: KAIR-ren Lorenzo: loh-REN-zoh Melissa: meh-LIH-suh Nestor: NES-tor Olga: OAL-guh Pablo: PAHB-lo Rebekah: reh-BEH-kuh Sebastien: se-BAS-tee-en Tanya: TAHN-yuh Van: van Wendy: WEN-dee Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on X and Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@ This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: NOAA predicts above-normal 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. What we know
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Residents met with urgent warnings after alarming hurricane season forecast: 'This outlook is a call to action'
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is upon us, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting what it's calling another year of "above-normal hurricane activity." The director of the National Weather Service says it's time to prepare. NOAA officials say a combination of factors — including a neutral El Niño-Southern Oscillation, above-average ocean temperatures, and weak wind shear — is set to fuel the 60% chance that we'll see an "above-normal" Atlantic hurricane season, according to CBS News. The outlet reported that forecasters may have reason to be even more confident in their predictions this year. A planned upgrade to NOAA's modeling is expected to boost the accuracy of tracking tropical systems and predicting their intensity by around 5%. To improve preparedness and response, NOAA has also expanded its Global Tropical Hazards Outlook from a two-week to a three-week forecast window, the agency said, providing earlier warnings of possible tropical cyclone activity. "In my 30 years at the National Weather Service, we've never had more advanced models and warning systems in place to monitor the weather," said NWS director Ken Graham in a statement, per CBS. "This outlook is a call to action: be prepared. Take proactive steps now to make a plan and gather supplies to ensure you're ready before a storm threatens." The agency is forecasting between 13 and 19 named storms (compared to an average of around 14) and six to 10 hurricanes (compared to the average of seven). CBS cited Colorado State University as another highly regarded source of hurricane predictions. The university's team concurs that the season will be a busy one, estimating a total of 17 named storms, including nine hurricanes. Even if the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season defies all these expectations and falls short of average, storm experts are quick to their refrain: "It only takes one." And we don't have to think far back at all to find an example of just how destructive a hurricane can be. Hurricane Helene struck the U.S. in late September last year. After the initial damage it inflicted on the Gulf Coast, the storm surged north, bringing strong winds to the Southeast and wringing out historic rainfalls in North Carolina. The storm killed at least 250 people in the U.S., becoming the deadliest hurricane to hit the country's mainland since Katrina in 2005. It also caused financial devastation for many families and municipalities. Scientists have said that the overheating of our planet supercharged Helene, increasing the storm's rainfall by 10% and wind strength by 11%. An analysis of the 2024 hurricane season conducted by Climate Central found that "human-caused global warming" contributed to every named storm last year. What would you do if natural disasters were threatening your home? Move somewhere else Reinforce my home Nothing This is happening already Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Angela Colbert at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory didn't disagree with this thinking in a 2022 post. "Due to global warming, global climate models predict hurricanes will likely cause more intense rainfall," Colbert wrote, "and have an increased coastal flood risk due to higher storm surge caused by rising seas." Ditching dirty energy sources in favor of clean, renewable options can help cool down our planet and mitigate its effects, like extreme weather events and rising sea levels. A study by researchers at Cornell University has suggested that repurposing only 3.2% of U.S. cropland, currently used to grow corn for ethanol, could result in a more than threefold increase in solar power output nationwide. Learning more about critical climate issues, especially together in affinity groups with the potential for local action, can help normalize the adoption of renewables and facilitate the pro-environment policies that can make scaled-up transition more realizable. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
