From NOAA (as of May 25, 2023):
"NOAA forecasters with the Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service, predict near-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic this year. NOAA’s outlook for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, which goes from June 1 to November 30, predicts a 40% chance of a near-normal season, a 30% chance of an above-normal season and a 30% chance of a below-normal season.
NOAA is forecasting a range of 12 to 17 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 5 to 9 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 1 to 4 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges."
Hurricanes in the Atlantic and northern Pacific Ocean regions are classified using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (SSHWS), ranging from Category 1 (minor) up to Category 5 (major). Any hurricane rated Category 3 and higher is considered to be a major hurricane. Currently these designations are determined by the intensity of a hurricane's sustained wind speed.
| Category | Sustained Wind Speed | Types of Damages |
| 1 | 74-95 mph | Very dangerous winds will produce some damage |
| 2 | 96-110 mph | Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage |
| 3 | 111-129 mph | Devastating damage will occur |
| 4 | 130-156 mph | Catastrophic damage will occur |
| 5 | 157 mph or higher | Catastrophic damage will occur |
For more in-depth descriptions of the types of damages, see the PDF below.
Evacuation Zones vs. Flood Zones
Both of these are important for you to know, but they are two very different things, with different purposes. Knowing just one is only part of the equation because you could easily be in a high-risk area for one but not the other (or both!). Here is a quick breakdown and comparison:
| Evacuation Zone | Flood Zone |
| Used by government officials during hurricanes and tropical disturbances | Used by government officials, property insurance companies, construction, year-round |
| Mapped by the National Hurricane Center | Mapped by FEMA |
| Indicate areas that will be affected by storm surge | Indicate a property's risk for flooding in general |
| Zones classified by alphabetical characters A-E (but are not identified the same as flood classifications) | Zones classified by alphabetical characters A-D, V, and X (but are not identified the same as evacuation classifications) |
| Only some areas are considered to be in an evacuation zone | All areas are considered to be in a flood zone |
Hurricane and Tropical Storm Watches vs. Warnings
Do you know the difference?
| Watches | Warnings |
| "Be prepared!" / Get ready | "Take action!" / Take shelter |
|
Severe weather conditions are possible (but may not occur) |
Severe weather has been reported or indicated on radar |
| Conditions exist for development; cautionary | Danger is imminent; urgent |
| Larger, more generalized watch area | Smaller, more specific warning area |
|
Hurricanes - possible development within 48 hours |
Hurricanes - arrival within 36 hours or less |