Hurricane Preparedness Guide: 2025 Atlantic Season

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season began June 1 and runs through November 30, with NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) forecasting a 60 percent chance of above-normal activity.

It’s interesting to note that despite officials forecasting up to five major hurricanes during the 2025 Atlantic season, more than half of travelers remain unconcerned about natural disasters affecting their travel plans, according to the Spring 2025 Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. The study reveals that 52 percent of respondents are either “a little” concerned (20 percent) or “not concerned at all” (32 percent), while 46 percent express varying levels of concern, ranging from “a moderate amount” to “a great deal.”

This persists despite nearly 40 percent of experienced travelers reporting that extreme weather events have disrupted their trips. Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, noted in a press statement that this trend coincides with a 17 percent increase in security memberships last quarter, suggesting that travelers are continuing their plans despite the risks. Richards added that understanding local environmental conditions, monitoring government advisories and establishing emergency support systems represents a smarter approach to travel rather than cancellation.

Early signs of activity are already emerging, with meteorologists tracking potential systems that could become the season’s first named storm, Andrea. Following last year’s active season that saw 18 named storms, including destructive hurricanes Helene and Milton, this season dictates careful planning and client preparation.

Travel advisors who implement preparedness strategies position themselves as invaluable resources during a season that promises significant challenges for travelers to the Atlantic basin, Caribbean and U.S. coastal regions.

Hurricane Preparedness Tips

Here are ten hurricane preparedness tips for advisors during the 2025 season:

1. Stay informed with reliable forecast sources. Recent cuts to NOAA have affected weather forecasting capabilities, including reduced frequency of weather balloon launches that provide crucial atmospheric data. Travel advisors should consider using a combination of these sources rather than relying solely on NOAA. We have provided a list of alternative sources at the end of the article.
2. Develop destination-specific evacuation protocols. Create detailed evacuation plans for popular hurricane-prone destinations. Include transportation options, shelter locations and embassy contacts. Keep these protocols updated with current local emergency information.
3. Implement a 72-hour pre-trip assessment policy. Review weather forecasts within 72 hours of client departures to hurricane-prone regions. This timeframe allows for itinerary adjustments while minimizing cancellation penalties.
4. Build hurricane clauses into booking agreements. Include clear language regarding cancellation policies, refund procedures, and rebooking options. Specify what constitutes a storm-related cancellation versus a client preference change.
5. Create a client emergency contact system. Maintain an updated database of client contact information, including cell phone numbers and email addresses. Establish a notification process for reaching clients mid-travel when storm warnings are issued.
6. Present travel insurance as essential, not optional. NOAA’s predictions make travel insurance crucial this season. Present comprehensive policies that specifically address hurricane disruptions. Emphasize that insurance must be purchased before a storm is named.
7. Develop supplier relationship management strategies. Cultivate direct contacts with hotels, airlines and cruise lines in hurricane-prone regions. These relationships prove invaluable when negotiating accommodations during weather disruptions.
8. Build buffer days into itineraries. For trips to high-risk areas during peak hurricane months (August through October), consider adding flexibility with buffer days at the beginning or end of the trip. These serve as insurance against travel disruptions.
9. Prepare documentation packets for clients. Create physical and digital packets containing emergency contact information, insurance details, embassy information and local medical facilities. Include instructions for accessing airline alert systems.
10. Establish post-storm recovery protocols. Develop procedures for assisting clients whose trips are impacted. This includes rebooking strategies, refund processing and documentation for insurance claims.

Alternative Weather Information Sources

• Companies like AccuWeather, The Weather Company (IBM) and WeatherBug provide detailed, location-specific forecasts and alerts. However, it’s important to note that these private services still rely heavily on NOAA’s underlying data collection infrastructure.
• The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) has become an increasingly important alternative source. Their models sometimes outperform those of American models, especially in hurricane tracking.
• University-based cooperative institutes continue operating, though with reduced funding. The Cooperative Institute at the University of Miami, for example, uses drones and remote research vessels to improve hurricane forecasts.
• Global forecasting centers in Japan, Canada and the UK provide additional perspectives that can be valuable when U.S. data is limited.
• Weather apps that aggregate multiple forecast models can provide travel advisors with a consensus view, rather than relying on a single source.
• Local meteorological services in destination countries often provide the most accurate on-the-ground information for specific locations. For Caribbean destinations, the Caribbean Meteorological Organization offers regional expertise.