It comes around every year, TBAY: The dreaded hurricane season.

It started on Sunday, June 1 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 30.

What's in store?

Experts are predicting an above-normal hurricane season in 2025. Last year was also predicted to be above-average, and ended up with 18 named storms. With Helene and Milton causing significant damage to the Tampa Bay area, plus Hurricane Debby making landfall in the Panhandle, it was a year for the books in the Sunshine State.

Meteorologists with the NOAA predict 13-19 named storms, up to five of which are expected to be major hurricanes. ICYMI: Andrea was the first named storm to form in late June this season, lasting around 12 hours before dissipating over the mid-Atlantic Ocean.

Instead of worrying about what's to come, let's get prepped:

✍️ Bookmark this need-to-know info

Look up your area's flood zone map — check out Hillsborough + Pinellas. Then, make a plan for where you will stay if officials issue an evacuation order for your area.
Sign up for Alert Tampa or Alert Pinellas for storm updates and notifications.

A fraction of Helene's wrath. | Photo via the City of St. Petersburg

🔦 Refill your tool kit

We've earmarked a handful of key items to have just in case. For even more ideas, check out this comprehensive list from the Red Cross.

Flashlight
Water and non-perishables
First aid kit
Refills of medicine — speak to your doctor about this one
Hand -crank radio
Power bank + batteries
Important documents and items of significance (e.g., special photos + memorabilia)

☎️ Emergency phone numbers and radio stations

Stay connected with these lines and stations:

American Red Cross: 863-294-5941
Tampa's Emergency Hotline: 833-872-4636
United Way Information: 211 or 888-370-7188
Contat TECO: 877-588-1010
Duke Energy power outage line: 800-228-8485
Report price gouging: 866-966-7226
NOAA Radio Broadcast Channels: 162.500 & 162.550 MHz

Stay safe, TBAY.