For the 2022 hurricane season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting a likely range of 14 to 21 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 6 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA provides these ranges with 70% confidence.

The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) is reminding residents and visitors that no matter what the hurricane season outlook predicts, history has thought us that tropical storms and hurricanes can cause significant damage even when you least expect them.

Therefore, residents and visitors need to take specific actions to protect their homes, families and employees. Early preparation and understanding your risk are key to being hurricane resilient and ready.

We should always be prepared for hurricane season no matter if it’s forecast to be an active or below-average year.

The increased activity anticipated this hurricane season is attributed to several climate factors, including the ongoing La Niña that is likely to persist throughout the hurricane season, warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds and an enhanced west African monsoon.