Facts

From June 1 until November 30 in 2023, the Atlantic hurricane season will last. The Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea are among the regions covered.

The National Weather Service defines a hurricane as a “tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher.” A hurricane can also be referred to as a “hurricane.”

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale rates hurricanes based on the strength of their sustained winds. Potential property damage is estimated on a scale of 1 to 5.

A big hurricane is one of a Category 3 or above.

Preparation tips from the National Hurricane Center include:

An area under a hurricane watch may encounter hurricane conditions during the next 48 hours.

Within 36 hours, sustained winds of at least 74 mph are predicted, according to a hurricane warning.

Predictions

April 13, 2023 – A “slightly below-normal” Atlantic hurricane season is what the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project team anticipates. 13 named storms, including six hurricanes—two of which will be major hurricanes—are predicted by the team.

May 25, 2023 – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center (CPC) predicts a 40% chance for a season that is close to average and a 70% chance of 12 to 17 named storms, of which five to nine could intensify into hurricanes, including one to four major hurricanes (Categories 3-5).