The Atlantic hurricane season presents significant risks to communities, infrastructure, and businesses. Proactive planning and preparedness are crucial to ensuring safety, minimizing disruptions, and facilitating recovery efforts. This guide provides an overview of the 2025 hurricane season, potential threats, and best practices for preparedness, response, and recovery.
Hurricanes are intense tropical cyclones that form over the Atlantic Ocean, characterized by sustained wind speeds of at least 74 mph (119 km/h) and reaching 157 mph (252 km/h) or higher. These storms can generate destructive winds, torrential rainfall, storm surges, and inland flooding, posing significant threats to coastal and nearby regions.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June to November, with peak activity occurring between August and October. While most hurricanes form within this timeframe, storms can occasionally develop outside the official season.
Geographic scope
Hurricanes in the Atlantic can impact a wide range of locations, including:
- North America: United States, Mexico, Canada
- Central America: Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica
- Caribbean: Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Haiti, Bahamas
- South America: Venezuela, Colombia
- West Africa: Coastal regions where hurricanes often originate before moving westward.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) monitors and provides forecasts for Atlantic hurricanes, working alongside the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and regional meteorological agencies to issue warnings and updates. In addition to forecasting, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) plays a vital role in disaster preparedness, emergency response, and recovery efforts following hurricanes.
Hurricane formation and classification
Hurricanes develop when warm ocean waters (above 79°F) and favorable atmospheric conditions create strong low-pressure systems. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale categorizes hurricanes based on their 1-minute sustained wind speeds, which differs from other systems that use different timeframes.
Various meteorological agencies may have their own classification methods, but the Saffir-Simpson scale is the standard for Atlantic hurricanes. This scale helps in issuing warnings and advisories to affected regions.
Risk environment overview
Hurricanes continue to be a major source of disruption in the North Atlantic Ocean region, impacting communities, infrastructure, and businesses. However, recent years have seen shifts in the intensity and behavior of these storms, increasing risks for organizations.
While the overall number of hurricanes has remained relatively stable, there is growing evidence that tropical cyclones that do form are becoming more destructive. A rising proportion now reaches Category4 or 5 intensity, fueled by warmer ocean temperatures. Additionally, hurricanes are intensifying more rapidly, often strengthening dramatically within 24-48 hours before landfall, leaving less time for preparation. Hurricanes are also producing heavier and more prolonged rainfall, which increases the risk of flooding and storm surge, while slower-moving storms can extend damage over a wider area. There are indications that storm tracks are shifting, with high-impact events occurring further north than in previous decades.
These changes present growing challenges for businesses and organizations operating in hurricane-prone regions. Infrastructure may not be designed to withstand thescale of modern storms, and historical risk assessments may no longer be reliable. The increased intensity, unpredictability, and reach of hurricanes mean that even well-prepared companies can face severe disruption without updated planning.
Proactive, location-specific planning is now essential to minimize losses, ensure personnel safety, and maintain operational continuity. Businesses should assess both direct impacts (e.g., wind damage, flooding, storm surge) and cascading effects such as supply chain disruptions, prolonged power outages, and workforce displacement.
Key risks and impacts
Hurricanes typically bring a combination of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges, but their effects are now magnified due to climate-related changes.
- Coastal flooding and infrastructure damage: Rising sea levels and stronger storm surges increase flood depths and erosion risks, threatening roads, ports, bridges, and power infrastructure.
- Landslides in mountainous elevated regions: More extreme rainfall events saturate soil faster, increasing the likelihood and severity of landslides that destroy homes and block vital access routes.
- Disruptions to transportation and power grids: Stronger winds and flooding can damage roads, railways, and airports, while power lines and substations remain vulnerable to extended outages.
- Casualties and mass displacement: With stronger and less predictable storms, the risk of large-scale evacuations and overwhelmed emergency systems continues to increase.
- Supply chain disruptions: Port closures, washed-out roads, and facility shutdowns can trigger cascading effects across regional and global supply chains.
Vulnerable sectors and populations
Certain groups and sectors are particularly vulnerable to hurricane impacts:
- Coastal communities: These populations face the greatest risk from storm surges, flooding, and high winds, which can cause widespread destruction.
- Low-lying and flood-prone areas: Regions with poor drainage systems or high population density are especially susceptible to severe flooding and logistical challenges during hurricanes.
- Agricultural sector: Crops and livestock are at risk from flooding, strong winds, and saltwater intrusion, disrupting food supply chains and local economies.
- Industrial and manufacturing sectors: Production facilities, warehouses, and logistics hubs may suffer structural damage, power outages, and supply chain disruptions, affecting business continuity.
- Health and emergency services: Hospitals, emergency responders, and medical facilities may experience surges in demand while dealing with infrastructure damage and power outages, complicating disaster response efforts.
Emerging patterns and climate considerations
Recent hurricane seasons illustrate how storm behavior is evolving, affecting risk assessments in hurricane-prone regions. Certain patterns are becoming more pronounced:
- Increasing hurricane intensity: A higher percentage of storms are reaching Category 4 and 5 strength, leading to greater damage and longer recovery periods.
- Rapid intensification: More hurricanes are strengthening within 24-48 hours before landfall, making preparation more challenging.
- Shifting storm tracks: Some hurricanes are forming or moving farther north, impacting areas that historically faced lower risks.
- Record-breaking storms: In 2024, Hurricane Milton reached Category 5 strength over the Gulf of Mexico, with sustained winds exceeding 160 mph. The hurricane caused billions of dollars in damage and widespread power outages across the region. Recovery efforts continue into 2025.
- Seasonal variability: Forecasting agencies expect the 2025 season to follow typical activity trends, but natural factors like El Niño and La Niña could influence storm frequency and severity.
Hurricane preparedness and organizational resilience planning
This checklist is designed to help corporations and organizations strengthen resilience before, during, and after hurricane events – particularly for operations, assets, and personnel across the U.S. Atlantic region. Given forecasts of an above-normal hurricane season, proactive planning is essential to mitigate risks and ensure business continuity.
Preparedness planning and pre-hurricane actions
General organizational preparations
- Develop and distribute a hurricane response and business continuity plan tailored to Atlantic-specific risks.
- Designate crisis management teams and site-specific response leads across all office locations.
- Confirm emergency communication channels are functional (e.g., SMS alerts, satellite phones, internal messaging platforms).
- Develop site-specific response plans for each office or facility, ensuring compliance with local hazard profiles and regulations.
- Conduct regular training and simulation exercises with crisis management and emergency response teams.
- Identify and prioritize critical business functions that must continue during disruption and allocate resources accordingly.
- Ensure adequate emergency supplies are available at key sites, including food, water, medical kits, power banks, fuel, and critical documentation.
- Back up all business-critical data to secure cloud platforms with access controls and regional redundancy.
- Establish remote work protocols in case physical access becomes restricted.
- Coordinate with local authorities and emergency services in high-risk Atlantic regions. Assess insurance coverage for hurricane, flood, windstorm, and business interruption across impacted locations.
- Coordinate with insurers to understand the pre-event documentation or evidence required for smooth claims processing.
Landslide hazard
- Review local hazard maps to identify offices and facilities in landslide-prone areas.
- Engage with property managers or landlords to verify that retaining structures and drainage systems are adequate.
- Relocate sensitive equipment and data servers away from vulnerable zones.
- Avoid initiating construction or development in known unstable areas.
- Install slope monitoring systems (e.g., tilt sensors, rain gauges) in high-risk areas.
- Pre-position emergency supplies, generators, and equipment above potential impact zones.
- Establish alternate access routes in case roads or driveways are blocked by debris.
- Train local facilities or security teams to recognize earlysigns of ground movement.
Windstorm hazard
- Reinforce windows, doors, roofs, and facade features infacilities located in high wind zones.
- Trim or remove overhanging branches and trees near company assets.
- Secure outdoor signage, furniture, and equipment that may become airborne.
- Commission structural audits to assess wind resistance of roofs, windows, signage, and facades.
- Install storm shutters or protective coverings on vulnerable windows and glass panels.
- Secure rooftop equipment such as HVAC units, antennas, and solar panels.
- Label and inventory outdoor assets and assign responsibility for securing them before a storm.
- Arrange for rapid deployment contractors to assist with emergency boarding-up or repairs.
Flooding hazard
- Identify office locations and critical assets situated in flood prone zones.
- Conduct flood risk mapping and overlay it with office and warehouse locations.
- Map out alternative supply chains and logistics routes in case of regional disruption.
- Install temporary or permanent flood protection(e.g., barriers, sandbags, raised thresholds).
- Elevate electrical systems, IT hardware, and inventory where feasible.
- Waterproof critical records, assets, and equipment, especially in archive or storage rooms. Pre-arrange storage of critical inventory or vehicles in elevated or off-site locations. Coordinate with facilities teams to inspect and clear stormwater drainage systems.
- Install sump pumps, backflow preventers, and water detection alarms in vulnerable zones.
Flash flood hazard – additional preparations
- Identify buildings at risk of sudden runoff or overwhelmed drainage systems.
- Ensure emergency lighting and alarms are functional and located above ground level.
- Map flash flood-prone commute routes for staff and advise on alternative paths.
- Stage evacuation drills specifically for rapid-onset flood scenarios.
- Assign a “rapid action team” at each site trained to shut down systems quickly and safely.
During a hurricane – immediate organizational actions
General measures
- Monitor regional weather forecasts and hurricane advisories from official sources (e.g., NOAA, National Weather Service).
- Suspend non-essential operations in affected areas basedon forecast severity.
- Ensure all personnel are accounted for and briefed on shelter-in-place or evacuation protocols.
- Maintain communication with key offices and response teams throughout the event – designate times for key staff members to call into conference calls for situation overviews.
- Switch off electrical devices during a power outage to prevent them from automatically turning back on before safety checks can be performed.
- Activate remote working contingencies for unaffected locations if cross-regional coordination is impacted.
- If an evacuation is ordered, leave immediately and followdesignated routes.
- Maintain an event log (timestamped) of key decisions alerts, and actions for accountability and post-incident review.
Landslide risk areas
- Monitor for early warning indicators (e.g., structural cracks, shifting soil, water seepage).
- Relocate staff from high-risk offices to temporary safe zones if required.
- Move personnel from basement-level or hillside-facing rooms during periods of heavy rain.
- Temporarily suspend commuting to or from sites adjacent to unstable slopes or hilly terrain.
- Log and report observed hazards to local emergency services.
- Maintain regular contact with staff located near known landslide zones for updates and safety checks.
- Monitor official updates and alert staff if landslide warnings are issued near offices or logistics routes.
Windstorm risk areas
- Shelter staff in interior rooms away from glass and unsecured fittings.
- Avoid the use of open flames in case of gas leaks or power loss.
- Maintain real-time communication with site leads for incident updates.
- Continue monitoring wind speeds and structural stress points at affected facilities.
- Deploy pre-positioned staff only when conditions are confirmed safe for assessment (e.g., after peak winds).
- Use CCTV or remote monitoring systems to visually assess damage without putting people at risk.
- Place warning signage or cordon off areas near windows, glass partitions, or rooftop access.
- Refrain from sending staff outside to clear debris or check damage until wind warnings are lifted.
Flood risk areas
- Monitor real-time alerts from local authorities and flood warning systems.
- Shut off power and gas to affected properties when safe to do so.
- Assign staff to monitor internal water levels in basements, IT/server rooms, or loading bays.
- Suspend deliveries or facility access in case surrounding roads or infrastructure become submerged.
- Evacuate staff from facilities where floodwaters are rising if there is a safe route.
- Do not allow staff to walk or drive through rapidly moving water – even shallow water can be dangerous.
- Ensure continuity of key functions from unaffected regional hubs.
Flash flood (sudden-onset flooding)
- Initiate immediate site-wide lockdowns at affected facilities to prevent movement through flooded areas.
- Relocate staff from basements, ground floors, or low-lying areas to higher floors.
- Re-deploy crisis communications to ensure staff across locations are aware of active flash flood alerts.
- Communicate with staff in field-based roles (e.g., logistics, maintenance, delivery) to halt all movement.
- Do not allow staff to walk or drive through rapidly moving water – even shallow water can be dangerous.
- Shut down electrical systems and isolate power sources in affected zones, if safe to do so.
- Instruct facilities staff to avoid manholes, storm drains, and submerged equipment rooms.
- Activate internal alerting protocols for all facilities potentially in the flood path.
- If flash flooding is occurring at one site, assess potential knock-on effects for logistics, commuting routes, or downstream offices.
- Coordinate with local authorities for evacuation assistance if staff are trapped in flooded zones.
Post-hurricane recovery and long-term resilience
General recovery steps
- Wait for clearance from authorities before permitting re-entry into damaged facilities.
- Conduct rapid damage and safety assessments across all affected sites.
- Verify the integrity of utility lines (gas, water, electricity)before restoring power or reopening buildings.
- Communicate openly with staff, stakeholders, and clients regarding recovery timelines.
- Establish a phased return-to-office plan, especially where transport or infrastructure is disrupted.
- Provide support to employees affected personally by the disaster, including welfare checks and mental health assistance.
- Reconnect and coordinate with suppliers, logistics partners, and local authorities to restore operations.
- Review and document lessons learned from the event for internal use and future planning.
- Conduct after-action reviews with crisis management teams at local and regional levels.
- Update emergency contact lists, protocols, and business continuity plans based on event performance.
- Schedule a full inspection and certification of critical systems (electrical, structural, HVAC, fire safety).
- Assess reputational impact and prepare external messaging as needed for customers, partners, or media.
- Document all damage thoroughly for insurance claims.
Landslide recovery
- Inspect the nearby slopes, access roads, and structural foundations for instability.
- Coordinate debris removal and site restoration activities.
- Update geohazard risk assessments and mitigation planning.
- Work with engineers or local authorities to assess long term risks of future landslides.
Windstorm recovery
- Identify and remove hazardous debris and verify the stability of roofs, signs, and external structures.
- Re-inspect all rooftop installations (solar panels, antennas, satellite dishes) for loose parts or failure risks.
- Resume operations in phases based on safety, structural integrity, and criticality.
- Engage contractors for structural repairs or reinforcement as required.
Flood recovery
- Conduct dewatering and sanitation of affected facilities.
- Replace or disinfect flood-damaged equipment and furnishings.
- Review the effectiveness of flood defense measures and update policies accordingly.
- Test and restore IT systems, backups, and network connectivity before full operational resumption.
- Engage environmental specialists to assess mold risk, air quality, and water contamination.
- Test internal air quality and HVAC systems – especially where flooding has impacted underground parking areas or basements.
Additional preparedness measures
- Emergency supply kit: Ensure staff have personal emergency kits with essentials like flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and non-perishable food.
- Evacuation planning: Identify safe shelter locations and ensure employees know their evacuation routes.
- Communication protocols: Establish redundant communication methods, including radio-based systems in case of network failures.
- Insurance and documentation: Keep digital andphysical copies of insurance policies, propertyrecords, and emergency contacts in waterproofcontainers.
Additional response and recovery considerations
- Mental health support: Provide post-disaster counselling and resources for employees affected by the storm.
- Supply chain resilience: Develop alternative supplier agreements to mitigate disruptions in logistics and inventory.
- Infrastructure hardening: Consider storm-resistant upgrades for facilities, such as reinforced roofing and flood barriers.
- Community coordination: Engage with local emergency response teams and disaster relief organizations for coordinated recovery efforts.