Colorado State team predicts lower-than average hurricane season

A slightly below-average level of tropical activity is projected for 2023 in the Atlantic basin, according to a forecast released today by Colorado State University’s Department of Atmospheric Science.

Led by senior research scientist Phil Klotzbach, Ph.D., the CSU Tropical Meteorology Project anticipates 13 named storms, six hurricanes, and two major hurricanes during the 2023 season, which starts on June 1 and continues through Nov. 30. A typical season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.

The 2022 season produced 14 named storms and eight hurricanes. Two reached major hurricane intensity – Fiona and Ian. Major hurricanes are defined as those with wind speeds reaching Category 3, 4 or 5.

Two hurricanes made continental U.S. landfall last year, including Category 4 Hurricane Ian, which struck Florida’s southwest Gulf Coast in Lee County on Sept. 28 with 150 miles per hour sustained winds. On Sept. 30, Ian made a second landfall as a Category 1 with 80 mph winds in South Carolina.

Insurance professionals urge home and business owners to review their policies now to ensure they have the coverage they need before the season starts.