2025 hurricane season: Unseen floods, lightning-fast storms, and inland fury threaten millions in US beyond the coastline

National Hurricane Center (NHC) Director Michael Brennan urges Americans to prepare as the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season begins, emphasizing that understanding personal risk is crucial. Reflecting on the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in 2024, which resulted in 251 deaths and approximately $78.7 billion in damages, Brennan highlights the importance of early planning and awareness.

"Getting ready for hurricane season is all about knowing that risk and starting the hurricane season ready for what that risk might be and how it might present itself to you," Brennan said.

Key Takeaways for Hurricane Preparedness:

• Know Your Risk: Determine if you live in a storm surge zone and have an evacuation plan. Evacuating just tens of miles inland can significantly reduce danger.
  
• Understand Flood Risks: Flooding can occur far from the storm's landfall and is often the deadliest aspect of hurricanes. Helene's aftermath demonstrated that heavy rainfall can lead to catastrophic flooding even in inland areas.
  
  
• Avoid Complacency: Do not base your response on previous storms. Each hurricane is unique, and conditions can change rapidly. Helene intensified quickly, leaving little time for preparation.
  
• Prepare in Advance: Have plans for pets, elderly relatives, and those with medical needs. Ensure you have the necessary supplies and know how to use equipment like generators safely.
  
• Stay Informed: Follow trusted sources such as local government websites, the National Weather Service, and the NHC for updates and evacuation orders.
  

The scars from Hurricane Helene are still evident, particularly in places like Chimney Rock Village, North Carolina, where a third of businesses were destroyed, and recovery efforts continue. The storm's impact extended beyond immediate damage, with significant tree loss in Asheville increasing vulnerability to future climate events.

As the season progresses, Brennan emphasizes the need for vigilance: "You could have a storm really develop and threaten you within just a couple of days, and that’s not the time to develop your hurricane plan. That’s when you want to put [the plan] into practice."

With forecasts predicting an above-average hurricane season due to warmer ocean temperatures, the call to action is clear: understand your risks, prepare early, and stay informed to protect yourself and your community.