Hurricane season begins June 1; get ready now

The sun and mercury are rising on another summer season in Sussex County and across the mid-Atlantic, and with that comes the risk of tropical weather – and being caught unprepared – as another storm season looms on the horizon.

As the six-month-long Atlantic hurricane season officially gets underway Sunday, June 1, the Sussex County Department of Public Safety/Division of Emergency Management reminds the public to be ready for the forecast, no matter the weather, by taking vital preparedness steps now – including creating a disaster kit – to limit damage and avoid loss of life. To learn more, go to sussexcountyde.gov/hurricane-information and preparede.org.

“There’s a saying in emergency management: Use blue sky days to train and prepare for gray sky days,” said Timothy Cooper, Sussex County emergency manager. “The time to prepare your home or your business for the worst is when conditions are best, so take time when it’s sunny to get ready for whatever Mother Nature might throw this way. Make a plan, create a kit, stay informed and get engaged.”

For the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting an above-normal season, with 13 to 19 named systems possible. Of those, six to 10 could become hurricanes, with three to five possibly reaching Category 3 strength or higher, according to NOAA’s May 22 forecast. Forecasters expect warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic, but no discernible El Niño or La Niña weather pattern, to shape the 2025 season.

Like other coastal communities from the Caribbean to Canada, Sussex County is vulnerable to the effects of tropical weather, from flooding to high winds. To help make the storm season safer for everyone, there are several steps that can be taken to make one’s home and family ready for hurricane season.

Residents can create a safety profile for their households with the free service at Smart911.com to provide potentially critical, lifesaving information up front to first responders. Profiles can contain as much or as little information as users want, including details about their properties, special medical conditions and family contacts.

Plan an evacuation route now. Emergency managers will notify the public, via the media, of what areas should evacuate and when. In the event of evacuation, take a storm kit. Having an emergency kit ready to go can be a lifesaver. Go to preparede.org/build-a-kit for useful information.

Gather supplies for at least one week for every family member: nonperishable food and a manual can opener, water, prescription medications, and infant formula and diapers for small children. Include a first-aid kit, flashlights, radios, matches in a waterproof container, and spare batteries.

Stockpile pet supplies, including crates, extra food and water, and other items pets may need.

Keep a small amount of cash on hand in case ATMs are not working.

Review insurance coverage, and document property with photographs in case of an insurance claim. Keep documents in a safe place or make secure digital copies. Use a waterproof container for copies.

Have a cellphone power bank or portable car charger, and try to charge phones beforehand. Make sure all vehicles’ gasoline tanks are filled and replenish propane tanks for outdoor grills.

Consider a generator or other backup. Only use a generator outdoors and away from windows.

Check on neighbors to ensure they are safe and prepared, and have the necessary supplies.

In the event of an approaching storm, travel during daylight hours. Do not wait until the last minute to make plans or to purchase gasoline and supplies. When a storm watch is issued, monitor the storm on the radio and television. An evacuation could take 24 to 36 hours prior to a storm’s onset.

Use phones sparingly. Make only essential calls and keep them brief. Report emergencies to 911. When reporting emergencies, identify yourself and your location, making sure to speak clearly and calmly. If you have a mobile telephone, make sure it is charged and ready to use at all times. Remember, however, that cell service may be interrupted during and after the storm.

Hurricanes and tropical storms can have devastating effects. In the event a hurricane affects the area, expect polluted water, limited communications, no electricity, overflowing or backed-up sewers, undermined foundations, beach erosion, and heavy damage to homes and roadways.

Do not re-enter the area until recommended to do so by local authorities. Upon reentry, be aware of possible hazards such as downed trees and power lines. Be aware of debris and water on roadways. Have identification and important legal papers ready to show officials proof of residency. Continue to use the emergency water supply or boil water until notified that the drinking water is safe. Take precautions to prevent fires.

Regardless of the seasonal forecast, it only takes one storm to make a serious, life-changing impact. As a low-lying coastal state, Delaware is vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricane hazards, including coastal and inland flooding, high winds, rip currents, storm surges and tornadoes. Flooding and tornadoes often occur many miles from a storm's path. Overall, water poses the biggest risk for loss of life: Storm surge is the leading cause of all hurricane-related fatalities, followed by inland flooding due to excessive rainfall.