Hurricane Season 2025: Projections & Tips on How to Safeguard Your Building Before It’s Too Late

Hurricane seasons have long been a recurring factor in coastal areas such as Florida and the Caribbean region. Nonetheless, with evolving technology and advanced forecasting tools, there is a greater level of predictability that allows residents to prepare more effectively. Improved satellite imaging, computer models, and real-time tracking systems help meteorologists provide earlier and more accurate warnings, allowing communities to strengthen their defenses against potential storms. From insurance revisions to renovations that reinforce condominiums and high-rise windows and doors, preparation is key to minimizing damage and ensuring safety in the face of increasingly intense storms.

As Florida residents brace for the 2025 hurricane season, it’s crucial to reflect on the previous year’s storms and take proactive measures to protect properties from potential devastation.

Overview of the 2024 Hurricane Season

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season was exceptionally active, with 18 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and 5 major hurricanes reaching Category 3 or higher. This surpassed the average season, which typically sees 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes. Florida, in particular, faced significant challenges, with Hurricanes Helene and Milton causing extensive damage.

Hurricane Helene, one of the deadliest U.S. storms since Katrina, struck in late September, causing approximately $48.8 billion in damage. While North Carolina bore the brunt of the destruction, parts of Florida were also affected. Shortly after, Hurricane Milton made landfall in early October, bringing wind speeds up to 180 mph and causing an estimated $34 billion in damage across the state. These back-to-back storms not only devastated communities but also led to a surge in homeowners insurance premiums, with Florida’s average premiums expected to reach $11,759 per year in 2024.

Projections for the 2025 Hurricane Season

Looking ahead, the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, running from June 1 to November 30, is projected to be near the 30-year average. This means that the predicted number of storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be close to the historical average recorded over the past 30 years. Forecasts anticipate 15 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes. Several climatic factors will influence this activity:

• Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs): Warmer SSTs in the Atlantic Main Development Region can enhance hurricane activity by providing more energy for storm formation. Current forecasts suggest warmer-than-average SSTs in this region for 2025.
• El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO): ENSO significantly impacts hurricane activity. El Niño conditions tend to suppress Atlantic hurricane formation due to increased vertical wind shear, while La Niña conditions can increase storm activity by reducing wind shear. As of late 2024, there was a 57% chance of La Niña conditions developing, which could persist into early 2025, potentially leading to a more active hurricane season.
• Atlantic Multi-Decadal Oscillation (AMO): The AMO refers to long-term fluctuations in North Atlantic sea surface temperatures. A positive (warm) phase of the AMO is associated with increased hurricane activity, while a negative (cool) phase correlates with decreased activity. The current phase of the AMO will influence the 2025 hurricane season’s activity levels.

Proactive Measures for Florida Residents

Experts emphasize the importance of proactive preparation for the 2025 hurricane season. Former FEMA administrator Craig Fugate and Dawn Shirreffs, Florida director of the Environmental Defense Fund, offer key recommendations to help residents mitigate risks.

Fugate advises homeowners to first verify their home insurance coverage and strongly recommends purchasing flood insurance, even for those outside designated flood zones. He highlights that flooding can occur beyond these zones, as seen in recent storms, leaving many homeowners without financial protection. For those near the coast or waterways, he stresses the importance of having an evacuation plan. Those choosing to stay should consider investing in portable solar generators, which reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning compared to gas-powered alternatives.

Shirreffs warns against relying solely on historical flooding data, urging residents to consult resources like FloodSmart for updated risk assessments. She also suggests upgrading homes with hurricane-resistant windows and ensuring proper grading to direct stormwater away from critical areas. Shirreffs also advises homeowners to evaluate their landscaping, as some plants may retain excessive moisture and become unstable during storms. Additionally, she encourages considering an electric vehicle before the 2025 season to avoid reliance on gas stations during evacuations, noting that available tax credits may soon expire.

The Importance of Structural Improvements

Given the potential for another active hurricane season, Florida residents should prioritize safeguarding condominiums and high-rise windows and doors. In many cases, damage caused by hurricane-strength winds is often the result of broken windows and doors, which allow debris and water to enter, leading to further structural damage. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), windows and doors are among the most vulnerable parts of a building during a hurricane, with studies showing that most hurricane-related damage occurs when these barriers fail.

The Florida Building Code mandates impact-resistant windows for all new residential and commercial constructions within one mile of the coast where the basic wind speed is 110 mph or greater. Even if your property isn’t in this specified zone, upgrading to hurricane-proof glass windows and doors is a prudent decision. These not only protect during cyclones and storms but also offer increased security, improved energy efficiency, and potential insurance premium reductions. These systems are designed to withstand high winds and flying debris, significantly reducing the risk of structural damage and personal injury during a storm.

It’s imperative to make these upgrades well before the hurricane season begins. As storms approach, demand for such installations surges, leading to potential delays and increased costs. By acting now, homeowners can ensure their properties are fortified against impending storms and avoid the last-minute rush.

Beyond structural improvements, consider the following measures:

• Assemble an Emergency Kit: Stock up on essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, and batteries.
• Secure Outdoor Items: Remove or secure items that could become projectiles during high winds.

While specific forecasts for the 2025 hurricane season remain uncertain, reflecting on the lessons learned from the 2024 season and taking proactive steps now can significantly improve resilience. By addressing potential risks and enhancing preparedness, residents can better safeguard their homes, businesses, and families from dangerous storms and winds. The unpredictability of hurricanes underscores the importance of staying informed, reinforcing condominiums and high-rise windows and doors, and making strategic decisions.

If you’re looking for ways to protect your high-rise, hotel, or building—or if you’re a dealer or contractor seeking solutions for your customers—contact the experts at EGS International today for a free estimate on a window and door solution that combines aesthetics with long-lasting protection for years to come. Don’t wait for hurricane season to begin. The time to safeguard any new building or renovation is now. Taking action today ensures peace of mind, knowing that you’ve proactively mitigated potential storm damage well before the season arrives. Contact us today!