Hurricane Forecast for 2025: What to Know + How to Prep in New Jersey

Hurricane season typically lasts from June 1st to November 30th. For 2025, forecasters have predicted a higher-than-average hurricane season, making it imperative that Garden State residents are aware of what’s to come and the resources available to help them prepare. Read on for what to know about the 2025 hurricane season and how to prep for one in New Jersey.

The 2025 Season

According to a May 2025 report from the National Oceanic + Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there will be 13 to 19 named storms, with 6-10 predicted to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher). A storm gets a name once its winds reach 39 mph, per the New York Times. A major hurricane is considered such once it reaches Category 3 or above, beginning at 111 mph. According to the The Washington Post, an average Atlantic hurricane season has 14 named storms, which include three major hurricanes (Category 3 and above) and seven hurricanes. In 2024, there were 18 named storms, according to NPR.

Read More: Hurricane Prep in Hoboken: A List of To-Dos

As of August 3rd, 2025, there have been three named storms, per NOAA. The agency attributed the increased storm forecast to several factors, including warmer-than-average ocean temperatures, forecasted weaker wind shears, and the likelihood of higher activity from the West African Monsoon, which is the primary starting point for Atlantic hurricanes, per NOAA.

A July 2025 forecast from the CSU Tropical Cyclones, Radar, Atmospheric Modeling, and Software Team made similar predictions. For New Jersey specifically, the team forecast a 26% chance of at least one named storm and an 8% chance of a hurricane. The team reminded readers: “As with all hurricane seasons, coastal residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season. Thorough preparations should be made every season, regardless of predicted activity.” New Jersey’s tropical storm activity typically occurs between August and late October.

A tropical storm watch means tropical storm conditions with winds between 39 and 73 mph could affect an area within 48 hours. A tropical storm warning means these conditions are expected within 36 hours. A hurricane watch is issued when hurricane conditions, with winds of 74 mph or higher, are possible within 48 hours. A hurricane warning means hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. In coastal areas, a hurricane warning can remain in effect, even after winds ease, if dangerously high water and large waves persist.

Hurricane Hazards

• High winds: Hurricane-force winds have the power to devastate buildings and homes. Flying debris, like signs, roofing materials, and loose objects left outdoors, can lead to significant damage when picked up by hurricane winds. Additionally, the widespread destruction of trees, towers, water + utility lines, and fallen poles can cause major disruptions to communities.
• Storm surges: A storm surge is a dome of water, often 50 to 100 miles wide, that sweeps across the coastline along and to the right of where the eye of the hurricane makes landfall. According to the National Hurricane Center, a storm surge is often the greatest threat to life and property from a tropical storm or hurricane and directly accounts for about half of the deaths associated with tropical cyclones in the United States.
• Flooding: A flash flood occurs within a few hours (usually less than six hours) of heavy or excessive rainfall. The National Weather Service reports that more than 50% of all flood fatalities are vehicle-related because drivers never know how deep the water is or if the road has been washed away or compromised beneath the water. The phrase “turn around, don’t drown” is a safety campaign slogan developed by the NWS to warn people about the dangers of driving or walking through floodwaters.
• Tornadoes: Hurricanes can also produce tornadoes as they move onto land. These tornadoes add to a hurricane’s destructive power and can cause substantial damage.
• Rip Currents: Unlike the other hazards associated with hurricanes, rip currents can be a threat days in advance of a hurricane and cause deaths even when there is no threat of a hurricane strike in the area. A rip current is often not seen by a swimmer before being caught in its grip. They can be present on what appears to be a perfect day at the beach with bright sunny skies and no obvious hint of danger.

How To Prepare For A Hurricane

New Jersey residents are no strangers to hazardous weather. From extended power outages and flooding to evacuations, property damage, and debris, many have felt the lasting effects of severe storms. While we can’t prevent natural disasters, there are proactive steps that can be taken to stay safer and more comfortable when extreme conditions strike. The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has a downloadable guide for being prepared.

Stay Informed

Start by staying informed through both traditional news sources and social media. Use credible websites to get information about natural hazards and emergency preparedness.

• National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mt. Holly
• National Weather Service NYC (North East NJ Counties)
• National Hurricane Center
• National Hurricane Center on X 
• New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (OEM)
• Facebook: New Jersey Office of Emergency Management
• X: New Jersey Office of Emergency Management
• Instagram: New Jersey Office of Emergency Management
• Subscribe to the NJ State Police on Nixle Connect
• Opt in to receiving National Weather Service text alerts

See More: A Guide to Hurricane Prep + Resources at the Jersey Shore

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