2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season Predicted to be Above Normal
June has arrived and with it comes the official start of hurricane season for the Atlantic Coast.
In its 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook, forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predict above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year.
For the six-month hurricane season, which runs annually from June 1 to November 30, NOAA predicts a 60% chance of an above-normal season, which means a range of 13 to 19 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher) are anticipated. Of those, 6-10 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3-5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher).
For additional details, please visit: https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/noaa-predicts-above-normal-2025-atlantic-hurricane-season.
Eastern North Carolina has experienced its share of brushes with natural disasters, to include 2011’s Hurricane Irene, where over 1,100 homes were destroyed and over 14 inches of rain fell resulting in significant flooding in some areas across the region, and 2018’s Hurricane Florence, where over 30 inches of rain fell across 14,000 square miles dumping an estimated 10 trillion gallons of water across the area resulting in over 74,500 homes being damaged due to flooding.
While our area typically sees an increase in storms later in the summer, now is the time to prepare.
Please note: The Camp Lejeune area will be in Tropical Cyclone Condition V (TCC V) from June 1 to November 30, which indicates the potential for the occurrence of destructive weather is elevated, but no specific system threatens the area.
Hurricane Preparedness
Successful preparation steps involve building an emergency kit, preparing a plan in the event you need to evacuate, gathering required documents and knowing where to find the latest weather forecast and storm information.
A well-stocked emergency kit should include enough non-perishable food and water for three days for each member of your family, a manual can opener, first-aid kit, cash, batteries, a flashlight, and a battery-powered radio. Don’t forget to include formula, diapers, wipes, and other essentials if you have small children. If you have pets, include food, water, and medicine as well as a crate, bedding, and documentation of their current vaccines, especially if you need to evacuate to a local shelter.
Evacuating your home may become necessary during destructive weather and it is important to have a plan now. Will you evacuate to a family members house outside the storm, move to a hotel or make your way to a local shelter? Most communities will provide shelters in the event of a major hurricane, including MCB Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River.
Shelter life is basic, but safe, with little amenities. Upon check-in to a shelter on base or the air station, medical personnel will conduct a screening and patrons over the age of 14 will need to show a valid DoD identification card. Installation shelters are open to all service members, retirees and their families.
The primary shelter on MCB Camp Lejeune is located at the Wallace Creek Fitness Center (WCFC), Bldg. WC-100 on Birch Street and is the only pet-friendly shelter on either installation. This shelter will have restrooms, showers, and cots for sleeping, but bedding and pillows are not provided. Patrons will need to bring food, water, medicine, clothing, baby items such as diapers and formula, as well as any other items you will need for at least three days.
The primary shelter on MCAS New River is located at the New River Fitness Center, Bldg. AS-4400 on Douglass Road. This shelter will have restrooms, showers, and cots for sleeping, bedding and pillows are available, but it is recommended to bring your own. Patrons will also need to bring food, water, medicine, clothing, baby items such as diapers and formula, as well as any other items you will need for at least three days.
Before you evacuate your home, gather your important or irreplaceable documents, and place them in a watertight bag or container for safe keeping. Items for consideration are birth certificates, passports, property deeds, insurance information and other documents you may need, but do not have electronic access to.
Hurricane Information and Resources
Finally, know where you will get the latest destructive weather forecasts and sign-up for local alerts from your community and from the installation you live or work on.
In the event of a pending storm, your local news and the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City and Wilmington will provide the latest updates on weather conditions though their websites and social media platforms.
MCB Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River will provide updates on changes to installation operations and shelter information, if necessary, via their websites, social media platforms and using the Marine Corps Mass Notification System.
To sign up for text or email alerts from MCB Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River, visit https://alerts1.mcdsus.mcds.usmc.mil/SelfService/USMC on a CAC-enabled computer. Sponsors can also add their dependents contact information to receive emergency alerts.
MCB Camp Lejeune also operates an Automated Information System 910-451-1717 that provides information on installation operations, local weather conditions and other pertinent advisories.
Additional resources can be found on the following sites: