Are You Ready? Hurricane Season 2025 Is Here

Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, and for 2025, early forecasts show above-average storm activity. With the memory of Hurricane Milton still fresh and the devastating impacts it brought to Indian River County and surrounding areas, this is the time to prepare, not panic.

What to Expect in 2025

According to Colorado State University's Tropical Meteorology Project, the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is projected to be more active than usual:

  • 17 named storms (compared to a seasonal average of 14)

  • 9 hurricanes (average is 7)

  • 4 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher, with sustained winds over 111 mph)

  • 65% chance of at least one hurricane making landfall in Florida

  • 26% probability of a hurricane impacting the Florida East Coast, 5% higher than average

These forecasts are based on warmer sea surface temperatures, reduced wind shear, and favorable atmospheric conditions.

Source: Colorado State University's April 2025 Hurricane Seasonal Forecast

 

Your Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

1. Know Your Evacuation Zone
Visit irc.gov/hurricaneevacutationzones to check if your home is in a designated evacuation zone. Barrier islands, mobile homes, and low-lying areas are especially vulnerable. Don't wait for a mandatory evacuation order to learn your route.

2. Build Your Emergency Supply Kit
Your kit should support your household for at least three days without power or access to stores.

Include:

  • Water (one gallon per person per day)

  • Non-perishable food items

  • Flashlights, extra batteries, and a battery-powered radio

  • First aid supplies and medications

  • Cash in small bills

  • Personal hygiene and sanitation items

  • Cell phone chargers and backup power banks

  • Copies of important documents in a waterproof bag

  • Items for infants, elderly family members, and pets

3. Prepare Your Home

  • Secure windows with storm shutters or plywood

  • Bring in outdoor furniture, plants, and decor

  • Trim trees and clear debris from your yard

  • Check and clean gutters and drains

  • Inspect your roof and secure loose shingles

  • Consider installing a generator or backup power system

  • Stock sandbags if you're in a flood-prone area

4. Review Insurance Coverage
Homeowners' and renters' insurance typically does not cover flooding. Now is the time to review your policies and consider purchasing flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Note: flood coverage has a 30-day waiting period before it goes into effect.

5. Make a Family Emergency Plan
Coordinate how your family will communicate, where you'll go if you need to evacuate, and who is responsible for what. Include contact information for local shelters, out-of-town relatives, and emergency services.

What's New for 2025

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC):

  • Forecast advisories can now be issued up to 72 hours in advance of tropical storm-force winds (previously 48)

  • The cone of uncertainty has been narrowed by 3 to 6% for improved accuracy

  • New visual symbols have been added to represent hurricane and tropical storm watches/warnings, including inland counties

  • Local counties will now be better represented in NHC forecast maps, offering more reliable decision-making for inland residents

Source: National Hurricane Center, 2025 Hurricane Season Updates

 

Shelter Information for Indian River County

If an evacuation is ordered or your home becomes unsafe, Indian River County offers designated shelters, including options for special needs residents and pet owners. While shelters are a last resort, they are available for those in vulnerable areas.

  • Special Needs Shelter: Treasure Coast Elementary School, Sebastian

  • Pet-Friendly Shelter: Liberty Magnet Elementary School, Vero Beach

  • Full shelter list available at ircgov.com/emergencyservices

 

Stay Connected and Informed

Sign up for local emergency alerts through Alert Indian River. You'll receive real-time notifications regarding evacuations, shelter openings, weather updates, and more.

Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your mobile phone through your settings. These are automatically sent by authorized government authorities, even if cellular networks are disrupted.

Follow local emergency services on social media for timely, verified updates:

Every year, we hope for a quiet season, but hope is not a plan. Early preparation gives you the best chance to stay safe, avoid last-minute panic, and protect your loved ones. After the challenges our community faced in 2024, Vero Beach and the surrounding areas know firsthand how quickly conditions can change.

Don't wait for the next storm to take action. Be proactive. Be informed. Be ready.

Important Numbers to Know:

EMERGENCY: Law Enforcement/Fire/Ambulance DIAL 9-1-1
Emergency Services Public Information Line 772-567-2129
(Activated during disasters)
Hospitals
Indian River Medical Center 772-567-4311
1000 36th Street
Vero Beach, Florida
Sebastian River Medical Center 772-589-3186
13695 U.S. Hwy. 1
Sebastian, Florida
Indian River County Dept. of Emergency Services 772-567-2154
Radio Stations:
WSCF-FM (91.9)........................................................................................................................772-569-0919
WQCS-FM (88.9).......................................................................................................................772-465-8989
WAVW-FM (92.7).......................................................................................................................772-335-9300
WGYL-FM/WTTB-AM (93.7/1490)...........................................................................................772-567-0937
WZZR-FM (94.3)........................................................................................................................772-461-1055
WOSN-FM (97.1).........................................................................................................................772-567-0937
WJKD-FM (99.7).........................................................................................................................772-567-0937
WCZR-FM (101.7)........................................................................................................................772-461-1055
WQOL-FM (103.7)........................................................................................................................772-335-9300
WGRV-FM (107.9)..........................................................................................................................321-951-9310
WAXE-AM (1370)..........................................................................................................................772-461-1055
Television Stations:
WPTV (NBC) Channel 5...............................................................................................................561-655-5455
WWCI (IND) Channel 10...............................................................................................................772-978-0023
WPEC (CBS) Channel 12............................................................................................................1-800-310-9732
WPBF (ABC) Channel 25...............................................................................................................561-694-2525
Government Access Channel........................................................................................................772-226-3852