2019 Hurricane Season Predictions

May 07, 2019 | Hurricane

2019 Hurricane Season Predictions

The U.S. experienced two very active hurricane seasons in 2017 and 2018, which produced historical storms like Hurricane Harvey, Irma, Maria, Florence and Michael that caused over $300 billion in damage. And now as we are on the brink of the 2019 hurricane season, people are eager for the annual predictions released by reputable weather sources like Colorado State University, AccuWeather and Tropical Storm Risk. The bad news is these predictions are not always accurate. Below are this year’s predictions as well as a better understanding of the grey area between predictions and the reality of hurricane season.

Hurricane season refers to the six-month stretch of time when hurricanes are most prevalent. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 and the Pacific Hurricane season runs from May 15 to November 30, with the most activity usually occurring between August and October. Before each hurricane season, a number of reputable weather sources release their own predictions for expected activity during the season.

Atlantic Hurricane Season Predictions

Average Hurricane Seasons usually consist of 12 named storms, six of which form hurricanes.

Colorado State University (CSU)

CSU, who is among the nation’s top forecasters for hurricane season, calls for a slightly below-average Atlantic season with 13 named storms, five of which will become hurricanes. Of the five predicted hurricanes, two are expected to spin into major hurricanes – Category 3, 4 or 5 – with sustained wind speeds of 111 mph or greater.

AccuWeather

AccuWeather forecasters are predicting 2019 to result in a near- to slightly above-normal season with 12 to 14 storms. Of those storms, five to seven are forecast to become hurricanes and two to four are forecast to become major hurricanes.

Tropical Storm Risk (TSR)

TSR is also calling for a below average storm season in the Atlantic with 12 named storms, 5 of which will become hurricanes and 2 major hurricanes.

Are Hurricane Season Predictions accurate?

Predictions only mean so much when it comes to mother nature—there can always be major hurricanes during seasons predicted to be below average. The predictions for hurricane season merely stand as a benchmark for understanding what the outcome may be based on statistics, and are not meant to be taken as a fact or truth. And, as you can see above, many weather sources give ranges of activity because these predictions are not an exact science.

Deadly or dangerous hurricanes can and will continue to occur during any hurricane season, so it’s best to over prepare than to find yourself unprepared in the event of a storm. Check out our hurricane season preparedness guide for more tips on getting prepared this season.

April 13, 2018 | Hurricane