This week marks 20 years since Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, killing nearly 1,400 people. Today, some communities are still struggling to recover. Kati Weis reports from Alabama’s Gulf Coast.
Erin is now an extra-tropical cyclone as it moves through the North Atlantic.
Elsewhere, we’re watching two other areas of interest in the Atlantic with development potential in the coming days.
What You Need To Know
Two disturbances are being watched, one with high chances to develop
There is no immediate concern for the U.S.
The next name on the list is Fernand
A tropical depression or storm could form this weekend southeast of Bermuda as the system turns north in the Atlantic. It has high odds (90%) to develop over the next couple of days.
Another tropical wave that emerged off the African coast will continue to move westward with with much lower odds for tropical development. Conditions will be more favorable once it reaches the Caribbean Sea.
Neither of these disturbances pose a threat to the U.S. right now.
August is one of the busier months in the hurricane season, so activity will likely pick up in the coming weeks. The next name on the list is Fernand.
More Storm Season Resources
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
Hurrricane Erin is expected to bring life-threatening surf and dangerous rip currents along the U.S. East Coast this week.
We’re watching three other areas of interest in the central and eastern Atlantic behind Erin with development potential in the coming days.
What You Need To Know
Three disturbances are being watched, one with high chances to develop
Conditions will become more favorable later this week
The next name on the list is Fernand
A tropical wave in the central tropical Atlantic is moving westward producing some disorganized showers and storms. Conditions will become more favorable for development in the next couple days.
A tropical depression could form late this week or this weekend as the system continues to move westward near the Leeward Islands. It has high odds (70%) to develop this week.
Another tropical wave that has emerged off the African coast will continue to move westward with medium odds for tropical development. A short-lived tropical depression could form by late week into the weekend, but conditions will become unfavorable after that.
An area of low pressure in the central tropical Atlantic has low odds for development over the next seven days.
Neither of these disturbances pose a threat to the U.S. right now.
August is one of the busier months in the hurricane season, so activity will likely pick up in the coming weeks. The next name on the list is Fernand.
More Storm Season Resources
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
As Hurricane Erin hovered over the Atlantic Ocean, the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season was spotted from above by a camera on the International Space Station.
The SpaceTV-1 camera system, which livestreams up to 4K resolution footage of Earth from space, captured Hurricane Erin at 12:29 p.m. EDT Wednesday as it moved north of the Caribbean, a few hundred miles off the U.S. East Coast.
The camera is mounted on the International Space Station in low Earth orbit, according to Sen, the company that began streaming space footage late last year.
In an aerial view from the SpaceTV-1 camera system in space, Hurricane Erin, Atlantic Ocean, can be seen from space on Aug. 20, 2025.
Sen via Getty Images
NASA on Tuesday also released video of Hurricane Erin as seen from the ISS at a different angle.
Hurricane Erin as seen from the International Space Station on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025.
NASA
Erin rapidly intensified over the weekend, strengthening from a Category 1 to a Category 5 hurricane in around 24 hours, NASA said Wednesday, sharing a 3D model of the storm.
See Hurricane Erin in 3D 🌀
Erin went through a period of rapid intensification, strengthening from a Category 1 to a Category 5 hurricane in around 24 hours.@NASA’s GPM Core Observatory passed over Hurricane Erin at 6:23a.m. EDT on August 16th, while it was intensifying. pic.twitter.com/1cjErVekCy
It has since weakened as it churned over the Atlantic, but forecasters warned it would bring on life-threatening surf and rip currents in several states.
Mandatory evacuations were ordered for Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina ahead of the expected flooding.
Despite not making landfall, Hurricane Erin is forcing mandatory evacuation orders in parts of North Carolina and is expected to cause rip currents for days along the U.S. East Coast. CBS News meteorologist Rob Marciano has more on its path in the Atlantic.
Hurricane Erin is still a strong hurricane and is expected to grow even larger, expanding its wind field. Erin is expected to produce life-threatening surf and rip currents along the beaches of the Bahamas, the U.S. East Coast, Bermuda and Atlantic Canada this week.
Erin formed on Aug. 11 and strengthened into a hurricane on Aug. 15. Just one day later, it rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane on Aug. 16. It brushed past the northern Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico and Hispaniola, bringing heavy rain, gusty winds and dangerous surf, but it has avoided any direct impacts to land.
What You Need To Know
Erin is a Category 2 hurricane with 100 mph winds
It will bring life-threatening surf and dangerous rip currents to the East Coast
Erin will remain a hurricane through late week
Erin is a Category 2 hurricane with maximum winds of 100 mph. It’s moving steadily northwest at 13 mph across the western Atlantic.
During the next few days, Erin is forecast to take a turn to the north, and eventually the northeast. It’s expected to stay offshore of the U.S. East Coast, moving in between Bermuda and the U.S.
Erin is expected to remain a hurricane through late week. Cooler waters and increasing wind shear will weaken this storm by the weekend.
The cone of uncertainty displays where the center of a storm could be located. It does not predict which areas may feel the storm’s impact. Anyone outside but near the cone should be on alert and make storm preparations.
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:
Beaufort Inlet to Duck, N.C.
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for:
Bermuda
North of Duck, N.C. to Cape Charles Light to Chincoteague, Va.
Storm Surge Warnings are also in effect from Cape Lookout to Duck, N.C. The combination of storm surge and tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline.
The water could reach up to 2 to 4 feet above ground level from Cape Lookout to Duck, N.C., and 1 to 3 feet southward to parts of South Carolina, and northward to the Delmarva Peninsula.
The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast.
The primary impacts across these areas will occur late tonight into Thursday as Erin passes closest offshore, especially during high tide.
While the strongest winds will stay over the Atlantic, it’s likely that some strong wind gusts will impact the Outer Banks, and possibly the Canadian Maritimes.
We will continue to bring you the latest updates for Erin and the rest of the tropics.
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
Hurricane Erin is still a strong hurricane and is expected to grow even larger, expanding its wind field. Erin is expected to produce life-threatening surf and rip currents along the beaches of the Bahamas, the U.S. East Coast, Bermuda and Atlantic Canada this week.
Erin formed on Aug. 11 and strengthened into a hurricane on Aug. 15. Just one day later, it rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane on Aug. 16. It brushed past the northern Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico and Hispaniola, bringing heavy rain, gusty winds and dangerous surf, but it has avoided any direct impacts to land.
What You Need To Know
Erin is a Category 2 hurricane with 100 mph winds
It will bring life-threatening surf and dangerous rip currents to the East Coast
Erin will remain a hurricane through late week
Erin is a Category 2 hurricane with maximum winds of 100 mph. It’s moving steadily northwest at 13 mph across the western Atlantic.
During the next few days, Erin is forecast to take a turn to the north, and eventually the northeast. It’s expected to stay offshore of the U.S. East Coast, moving in between Bermuda and the U.S.
Erin is expected to remain a hurricane through late week. Cooler waters and increasing wind shear will weaken this storm by the weekend.
The cone of uncertainty displays where the center of a storm could be located. It does not predict which areas may feel the storm’s impact. Anyone outside but near the cone should be on alert and make storm preparations.
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:
Beaufort Inlet to Duck, N.C.
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for:
Bermuda
North of Duck, N.C. to Cape Charles Light to Chincoteague, Va.
Storm Surge Warnings are also in effect from Cape Lookout to Duck, N.C. The combination of storm surge and tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline.
The water could reach up to 2 to 4 feet above ground level from Cape Lookout to Duck, N.C., and 1 to 3 feet southward to parts of South Carolina, and northward to the Delmarva Peninsula.
The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast.
The primary impacts across these areas will occur late tonight into Thursday as Erin passes closest offshore, especially during high tide.
While the strongest winds will stay over the Atlantic, it’s likely that some strong wind gusts will impact the Outer Banks, and possibly the Canadian Maritimes.
We will continue to bring you the latest updates for Erin and the rest of the tropics.
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
Holly Andrzejewski hadn’t yet welcomed her and her family’s first guests to the Atlantic Inn on Hatteras Island when she had to start rescheduling them — as Hurricane Erin neared North Carolina’s Outer Banks on Tuesday and threatened to whip up wild waves and tropical force winds.
Andrzejewski and her husband purchased the bed-and-breakfast, known as the oldest inn on the island, less than a week ago. By Monday they had brought in all the outdoor furniture and made sure their daughter and her boyfriend, who are the innkeepers, had generators, extra water and flashlights as they stayed behind to keep an eye on the property.
“It’s just one of those things where you know this is always a possibility and it could happen, and you just make the best out of it. Otherwise you wouldn’t live at the beach,” said Andrzejewski, who will also remain on the island, at her home about a 15 minutes’ drive away.
Although the season’s first Atlantic hurricane is expected to stay offshore, evacuations were ordered on barrier islands along the Carolina coast as authorities warned the storm could churn up dangerous rip currents from Florida through the Mid-Atlantic to the New England coast. Tropical storm and surge watches were issued for much of the Outer Banks. Coastal flooding was expected to begin Tuesday and continue through Thursday.
Cars lined up to evacuate via ferry from Ocracoke Island to Hatteras Island, N.C., Aug. 18, 2025, due to the expected impact of Hurricane Erin.
North Carolina Department of Transportation/AP
The evacuations on Hatteras Island and Ocracoke came at the height of tourist season on the thin stretch of low-lying barrier islands that jut into the Atlantic Ocean and are increasingly vulnerable to storm surges. In 2019, Hurricane Dorian caused record amounts of damage in Ocracoke. Last year, Hurricane Ernesto stayed offshore but created high surf and swells.
Tommy Hutcherson, who owns the community’s only grocery store, said the island has mostly bounced back. He’s optimistic this storm won’t be as destructive.
“But you just never know. I felt the same way about Dorian and we really got smacked,” he said.
With Hurricane Erin, there are concerns that several days of heavy surf, high winds and waves could wash out parts of the main highway. Some routes could be impassable for days.
“Don’t go in the water”
Meanwhile, ocean conditions are dangerous off the Outer Banks and the East Coast. The Wrightsville Beach Fire Department, near Wilmington, North Carolina, said officials rescued between 60 and 70 swimmers on Monday. There were no injuries or fatalities recorded.
Beaches along the East Coast have closed to swimming, citing rough waters. Belmar, Bay Head and Island Beach State Park, all in New Jersey, banned swimming because of dangerous surf conditions and strong rip currents.
“I would just say to you, flat out, don’t go in the water,” New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said Tuesday. “The fact of the matter is going in the ocean for the next number of days is something you’ve got to avoid.”
The National Weather Service issued a high rip current risk through at least midweek. Wave heights are expected to reach eight to 15 feet, with conditions worsening as the storm moves closer.
Hurricane Erin will be moving through the western Atlantic this week, causing life-threatening surf, dangerous rip currents and coastal storm surge along the East Coast. Watch live cameras from the beaches as Erin moves offshore.
Hurricane Erin will be moving through the western Atlantic this week, causing life-threatening surf, dangerous rip currents and coastal storm surge along the East Coast. Watch live cameras from the beaches as Erin moves offshore.
Hurricane Erin was on a path to head up the Atlantic Ocean and likely bring “life-threatening surf and rip currents” across the U.S. East Coast this week, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said Monday. The hurricane wasn’t expected to make landfall in the U.S., but people in North Carolina’s Outer Banks were warned of possible coastal flooding that triggered evacuation orders.
Erin, the first Atlantic hurricane of 2025, weakened back into a Category 3 storm late Monday night as it churned over the Atlantic Ocean north of the Caribbean. It previously exploded to a Category 5 on Saturday before weakening to a Category 3 early Sunday morning, then regaining strength again later in the day.
As of 11 p.m. ET Monday, Erin had maximum sustained winds of 125 mph. The storm’s center was about 690 miles southwest of Bermuda and about 780 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. It was moving northwest at 8 mph. A Category 3 hurricane is defined as having maximum sustained winds from 111-129 mph and is considered a major storm, capable of causing catastrophic damage.
A satellite image shows Hurricane Erin at 3:10 p.m. EDT, Aug. 18, 2025.
NOAA/NESDIS/STAR GOES-19
Maps show Hurricane Erin’s forecast path
Erin is a large storm that’s expected to remain powerful for the next several days, forecasters said.
The center of the storm was expected to turn to the north on Tuesday and move between Bermuda and the U.S. East Coast by the middle of the week, the hurricane center said.
Map shows the forecast path of Hurricane Erin as of Aug. 18, 2025.
CBS News
Forecasters warned that Erin was likely to remain a “dangerous major hurricane” through the middle of the week but not much additional strengthening was expected.
Erin’s hurricane-force winds extended outward up to 80 miles from the center and tropical storm-force winds extended up to 230 miles from the center, forecasters said.
Tropical storm warnings were in effect for Turks and Caicos and the southeast Bahamas, the hurricane center said. Tropical storm watches were issued for the central Bahamas and North Carolina’s Outer Banks. A tropical storm warning means tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, while a watch means they are possible.
A storm surge watch was also issued for the Outer Banks, alerting people to the possibility of life-threatening inundation from coastal flooding starting Wednesday.
Hurricane Erin’s “spaghetti models”
A “spaghetti map” of the forecast models shows the storm skirting the Caribbean islands and remaining well offshore of the U.S. East Coast as it moves north and curves back over the Atlantic.
A “spaghetti map” shows forecast models of the path of Hurricane Erin as of Aug. 18, 2025.
CBS News
A high-pressure system in the Atlantic was expected to steer Erin away from the U.S. coast while a cold front was also forecast to push the hurricane offshore, CBS News Bay Area meteorologist Jessica Burch reported.
How will Hurricane Erin affect the U.S.?
Erin is not forecast to hit the U.S. directly, but coastal areas along the Eastern Seaboard will feel its effects with dangerous rip currents and high waves of more than 20 feet over the next several days.
“These rough ocean conditions will likely cause life-threatening surf and rip currents,” the hurricane center warned.
A map shows forecast wave heights along the U.S. East Coast from Hurricane Erin for Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025.
CBS News
Mike Brennan, the hurricane center’s director, said the dangerous conditions were expected to last for much of the week across almost the entire East Coast. He urged people to heed any warnings from local officials.
“It’s just not going to be a very safe environment to be in the ocean,” Brennan said Monday.
The Outer Banks, in particular, should monitor the progress of Erin, the hurricane center advised, noting that in addition to rip currents, there is a risk of strong winds associated with the outer rainbands during the middle part of the week. Mandatory evacuations were ordered for Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island.
Along the Outer Banks, the National Weather Service warned of the potential for severe flooding to reach buildings and roads. Many roadways will likely be under several feet of water and inaccessible for several days due to the flooding.
First hurricane of the Atlantic season
Erin formed as a tropical storm last week west of the island nation of Cabo Verde, a few hundred miles off Africa’s western coast. It is the fifth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which started in June and runs through November. Erin strengthened to a hurricane on Friday.
So far this year, Tropical Storm Chantal is the only one to have made landfall in the U.S., bringing deadly flooding to North Carolina in early July. In June, Barry made landfall as a tropical depression on Mexico’s eastern coast.
Erin’s increased strength comes as the Atlantic hurricane season approaches its peak in September. According to the hurricane center, most of the season’s activity typically happens between mid-August and mid-October. In the eastern Pacific Ocean, hurricane season starts on May 15 with a peak in activity typically seen in late August.
These are the names for the Atlantic cyclone names for 2025.
CBS News
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, forecast an above-normal season for the Atlantic this year, expecting between 13 and 18 named storms.
Tropical storms have maximum sustained winds of at least 39 mph. Forecasters with NOAA anticipated that between five and nine of the storms this year could become hurricanes, which have sustained winds of at least 74 mph. Hurricanes are rated on a scale based on their wind speeds, ranging from Category 1, the weakest, to Category 5, the most severe rating.
NOAA forecasters predicted there could be between two and five major hurricanes in the Atlantic this season.
Alex Sundby is a senior editor at CBSNews.com. In addition to editing content, Alex also covers breaking news, writing about crime and severe weather as well as everything from multistate lottery jackpots to the July Fourth hot dog eating contest.
Although the 2025 hurricane season seems like it’s been slow to start with only five named storms, there’s still a long way to go, and with NOAA’s above-average prediction, that streak won’t likely last.
What You Need To Know
Hurricane Hunters fly into a tropical system to gain information about the storm
Peter Guittari flew for the Hurricane Hunters’ squadron for twelve years
Most intense storm he flew into was Super Typhoon Forrest 1983
What methods do we use to get information about a storm?
If a storm is in the middle of the Atlantic, we use radar observations to get data, but if a storm is close enough to an area of land, we send scientists into the storm from above. This special group of professionals is called Hurricane Hunters.
Hurricane Hunters
Two branches of Hurricane Hunters now exist, one operated by NOAA and the other by the United States Air Force. Beginning in the 1960s, Weather Bureau aircraft began flying into storms to gain data about the intensity and conditions of the atmosphere. It wasn’t until 1976 that the aircraft had a Doppler radar.
Peter Guittari, a retired Hurricane Hunter talks about his time in the squad and the most impressive storm he flew into. from the Air Force, remembers those days in the 1970s. From 1979 through 1991, he flew missions out of Keesler Airforce Base in Biloxi, MS. He flew WC-130 military planes, Bs, Es and Hs.
“We got to see some very very nice places, including the Caribbean and the Pacific,” he said, recalling his time fondly.
Retired Hurricane Hunter, Peter Guittari, reminisces about his time flying into storms.
As for how he ended up a Hurricane Hunter. “I was in the 130s, and the unit needed some extra people. I was a flight engineer, and they needed extra people. A buddy of mine was in that squadron, and he called me up and asked if any of you guys would like to come here and do this? And we said yes, so that was 1979, and I was flying 130s for about four years.”
Collecting data
Once a storm was identified that needed data, a crew was assembled and briefed. Guittari says that when they took flight, they would fly as high as they could to save fuel and then drop down to 1500 feet so the weather and dropsonde operators could collect their data.
While he flew hundreds of missions over his twelve years with the Hurricane Hunters, his most memorable storm occurred in the Pacific, specifically, Super Typhoon Forrest in Sept. 1983. “We estimated the winds to be in excess of 200 knots.”
He loved his job, and the only reason he left was that they closed the squadron down. To this day, he has an appreciation for meteorology, and although he now lives in northern Arkansas, he still follows storms when they make news.
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
A digital life can be overwhelming – to relax your body and mind – this trend has taken off.
As summer winds down, a growing number of Gen Z and Millennials are swapping screen time for “offline time”—a lifestyle choice of equal parts nostalgic throwback and mental health boost. Dubbed the End-of-Summer Digital Detox, this trend encourages people to disconnect from constant notifications, algorithm-curated feeds, and endless scrolling, and instead embrace IRL (in real life) experiences before autumn responsibilities set in.
The appeal is obvious: summer is the perfect time to recharge away from devices, but August’s last stretch offers the ideal moment to make it memorable. Digital burnout is real—according to the American Psychological Association, more than 50% of young adults report screen time contributes to stress and anxiety. By intentionally unplugging, you create space for deeper connections, better sleep, and a clearer mind heading into fall.
The magic of a digital detox isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing more offline. Here are some of the most talked-about and surprisingly stylish activities making waves among detox devotees:
Read a Book or Print Magazine Nothing says “slowing down” like flipping real pages. Whether it’s a glossy fashion magazine from your local bookstore or a classic paperback, the tactile experience beats blue light any day.
Host a Backyard Picnic with Analog Vibes Bring friends together for an outdoor spread—but make it device-free. Think disposable film cameras for photos, vinyl records for music, and handwritten recipe cards.
Night Hikes and Stargazing Late summer skies are perfect for spotting constellations. Without a phone in hand, the stars are brighter, conversations deeper, and the memories more vivid.
Farmer’s Market Day Stroll through a local market, taste fresh seasonal produce, and chat with vendors. It’s a slow-paced reminder of how good face-to-face interactions feel.
Crafting or DIY Projects From candle-making to building your own terrarium, hands-on activities scratch the creative itch without the distraction of incoming messages.
Board Game Marathon Skip the gaming console for an old-school board game night—Monopoly, Scrabble, or a stack of thrift-store finds.
While the aesthetic of “offline chic” is filling Instagram feeds (ironically), the movement is rooted in something more lasting: the realization of constant connection isn’t the same as meaningful connection. By stepping back from the digital world, even for a weekend, people are rediscovering joy in the tangible, the imperfect, and the unfiltered.
The End-of-Summer Digital Detox isn’t just a passing hashtag—it’s a mindset. And as we move into the busy fall season, the people who unplug now may just find themselves better equipped to stay balanced, focused, and creative all year long.
All over the coast they seem to pop up with a storm arrives, but instead of booze, marijuana might be better.
The season is in full swing and the first big storm has formed. But when a hurricane barrels toward the coast, many communities turn to a surprisingly time-honored ritual — the hurricane party. Neighbors gather, share food, and ride out the storm together. While alcohol has long been a staple at such gatherings, more people are discovering cannabis can be a calmer, safer, and even more practical choice during the long hours of waiting.
Alcohol can quickly dull reaction time, cloud judgment, and lead to risky decisions. During a hurricane, when conditions can change in an instant, maintaining some clarity is crucial. Cannabis, depending on dosage and strain, generally produces less severe physical impairment, allowing partygoers to stay more aware of weather updates and ready to act if the situation changes. This can make it easier to pivot if evacuation or immediate action becomes necessary.
Photo by Cavan Images/Getty Images
Hurricanes are stressful — the combination of howling winds, pounding rain, and uncertainty about damage can fray nerves. Cannabis is known for its ability to ease anxiety for many users, helping replace tension with a sense of calm. relaxation can make a big difference in the group atmosphere, fostering connection and keeping panic at bay while the storm rages outside.
One of the most common consequences of a hurricane isn’t direct destruction, but power outages. Without air conditioning, refrigeration, or even a fan, sleeping can be miserable. Cannabis can help induce restful sleep despite heat, humidity, and noise, which is a welcome relief when you’re trying to rest in the middle of an extended blackout. Unlike alcohol — which often disrupts deep sleep — cannabis can help users get the restorative rest they need to stay alert and resilient.
In many major storms, the majority of residents in affected zones lose electricity for hours or even days. After Hurricane Irma in 2017, millions in Florida endured days without power in sweltering late-summer heat. In one infamous incident, a large apartment building’s backup generator failed, leaving dozens of residents trapped in elevators and hallways with no light, AC, or communication — a sobering reminder hurricanes often test endurance more than anything else.
In that environment, staying relatively clear-headed, managing anxiety, and getting some rest can be more valuable than chasing the buzz of strong drinks. While every hurricane party is unique, those choosing cannabis over alcohol often find they’re better able to ride out the storm calmly — and remember it clearly when the skies finally clear.
Tropical activity is on the rise as we approach the climatological peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, which arrives on Sept. 10. After the first few months of the season, the tropics will come alive in August.
What You Need To Know
Tropical cyclone development becomes more common this month
The season’s first hurricane usually forms in early to mid-August
The peak of hurricane season arrives in early September
Based on a 30-year climate period from 1991 to 2020, an average Atlantic hurricane season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes (category 3+). The first named storm normally forms in mid to late June, the first hurricane forms in early to mid-August, and the first major hurricane forms in late August or early September.
In August, you typically see more tropical waves developing into named storms.
In the Atlantic basin, tropical storms are more likely to form just to the east of the Caribbean islands throughout August. Development is also common in the Gulf and along the east coast during this time of the season.
The first hurricanes of the season form during this time of hurricane season and will more than likely develop near the Caribbean islands and along the eastern coast.
So if you live in a hurricane-prone region, before August and September, be sure to have your hurricane kit ready to go before a storm heads for your area.
More Storm Season Resources
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is underway. NOAA and Colorado State University are both forecasting above normal activity this year as we enter the busiest months of the season.
Hurricane season began on June 1 and will go through Nov. 30. Here are the tropical tracks so far from this season.
Here is the list of names being used in 2025. Excluding any names that get retired, will be re-used in 2031.
You can learn more about 2025’s list of names here.
Andrea
Tropical Storm Andrea formed on Tuesday, June 24, becoming the first named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. It dissipated 12 hours later.
Andrea formed and dissipated on the same day without impacting any land. Max winds only reached 40 mph before moving over the colder waters of the north Atlantic.
Barry
Barry was the second named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season and it was a short-lived tropical storm.
Tropical Storm Barry formed on the morning of June 29, over the Bay of Campeche. Maximum winds only reached 45 mph before Barry moved inland, dissipating across the mountains of northeastern Mexico.
Barry caused flooding and damage in Quintana Roo, Mexico, where nearly 17 inches of rain fell.
Chantal
Chantal began as Tropical Depression Three, forming off the coast of northeast Florida. It became Tropical Storm Chantal one day later, on July 5.
It made landfall just one day after forming, moving inland near Litchfield Beach, South Carolina, as a tropical storm with winds of 60 mph on July 6. Chantal was the first storm to make landfall in the U.S. during the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
Heavy rainfall and flash flooding were the biggest impacts from Chantal. Radar-estimated rainfall totals up 9 to 12 inches were recorded in parts of North Carolina between Raleigh and Greensboro, with significant flooding around Chapel Hill and nearby rivers.
Dexter
Dexter was the fourth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. It formed over the open Atlantic on Sunday, Aug. 3, and stayed away from land throughout its lifespan.
It dissipated on Aug. 7.
We’ll continue to update this story throughout the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season with daily tropical updates.
More Storm Season Resources
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is entering its most active period in the upcoming months, and NOAA has updated its annual hurricane season outlook. NOAA’s latest forecast is still calling for above normal activity this season.
What You Need To Know
NOAA still predicts above normal activity this hurricane season
The forecast calls for 13 to 18 named storms, 5 to 9 hurricanes and 2 to 5 major hurricanes
So far, there have been four named storms in the Atlantic this season
NOAA’s updated outlook predicts a 50% chance of an above normal season, a 35% chance of a near normal season and a 15% chance of a below normal season.
NOAA forecasts a likely range of 13 to 18 named storms, of which 5 to 9 could become hurricanes, including 2 to 5 major hurricanes, which are a Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
These are similar numbers to NOAA’s original outlook released in May, but they have been slightly reduced.
Remember, predictions of the season’s activity are not predictions of exactly how many storms will make landfall in a particular place. Individual storms make impacts, regardless of how active (or not) a season is.
NOAA researchers cite a handful of different factors for this year’s forecast, including warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, ENSO neutral conditions and an active West African Monsoon. “Many of the factors we identified ahead of the season are still at play, and conditions are largely tracking along with our May predictions.”
The National Hurricane Center continues to urge advanced preparations for coastal communities before a storm hits.
NOAA’s National Weather Service Director Ken Graham says, “No two storms are alike; every storm presents unique, life-threatening hazards that can impact people in both coastal and inland communities. Have a plan in place, and know the actions you should take before, during and after the wide range of hazards that the hurricane season can bring.”
Here is the list of names being used for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, last used in 2019. Dexter is the only new name on the list after Dorian was retired for causing extensive death and destruction in the Bahamas, Southeast U.S. and eastern Canada.
So far, there have been four named storms this hurricane season.
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
