With the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season expected to bring more frequent and intense storms, Delaware officials are urging residents to prepare now. (Photo: Delaware.gov)
With the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season expected to bring more frequent and intense storms, Delaware officials are urging residents to prepare now, as Governor Matt Meyer has declared May 26–30 as Hurricane Preparedness Week in coordination with DEMA and local agencies.
The warning comes amid record-breaking global temperatures. The World Meteorological Organization confirmed 2024 as the hottest year on record, extending a decade-long trend of rising land, ocean, and sea surface temperatures. These changes, along with increasing sea levels, pose heightened risks for low-lying states like Delaware.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, this year’s hurricane season, which officially runs from June 1 to November 30, is expected to be more active than usual, with an above-average chance of major hurricanes making landfall along the Eastern Seaboard. Forecasts from Colorado State University anticipate 17 named storms, nine hurricanes, and four major hurricanes, surpassing the 30-year average.
“The time to mitigate against storm-related damage is before Hurricane season begins,” said A.J. Schall, Director of the Delaware Emergency Management Agency.
“PrepareDe.org empowers everyone to plan for all potentialities by being informed and storm ready. While the fallout from extreme weather can be unpredictable, there are simple ways everyone can plan for the unexpected,” said Schall. “Have a meetup plan for families that kids understand; shore up your home, windows, and landscaped environments; review, print and back up insurance documents, and make a go bag with basic necessities. Always follow evacuation orders and check in with your neighbors and the elderly who may need assistance in emergency situations.”
Officials stress that water remains the deadliest element in hurricanes, with storm surge and inland flooding accounting for most fatalities. As the frequency and strength of storms increase, Delaware residents are encouraged to make emergency plans, assemble supply kits, and stay informed.
DEMA’s preparedness website,PrepareDE.org, provides resources for developing evacuation plans, building emergency kits, and accessing real-time alerts. Residents are also encouraged to check their flood risk, review insurance policies, and plan for pets, seniors, and individuals with special needs.
For emergency alerts, residents can sign up for the Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS) and download the FEMA app for weather updates. Local officials advise monitoring television, radio, and social media for evacuation notices and storm tracking information.
Hurricane Preparedness Week is part of a broader effort to ensure Delawareans are equipped to face increasingly volatile weather. The state’s emergency management infrastructure, led by DEMA within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, coordinates response and recovery efforts to minimize damage and safeguard lives.
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