PUBLIC NOTICE
BOLIVIA, N.C. – June marks the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year. Brunswick County encourages all community members to start preparing now.
For the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, NOAA is forecasting a range of 13 to 19 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 6-10 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3-5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges.
The alphabetical list of 2025 Atlantic hurricane names can be found at hurricanes.gov/aboutnames.shtml#atl
Ways to Prepare for Hurricane Season
- Make a plan. Create and practice a Family Emergency Communication Plan that includes all members of your household and pets. Discuss who your emergency contacts are, your evacuation route, shelter plan, forms of identification for your pets and animals, how you will receive emergency alerts, where you will store important documents, and what you will put in your emergency supply kit.
- Build a kit. An emergency kit is vital for your survival in situations where help might not be easily accessible due to power outages and road damage. When preparing an emergency kit, it is recommended to prepare three to seven days-worth of medicine, water, and non-perishable food for each person and pet in your home.
- The North Carolina Cooperative Extension – Brunswick County Center has prepared a hurricane cookbook and a Hurricane Meal Kits program to help individuals and families prepare nutritious meals ahead of an emergency.
- Stay informed. It’s important to plan for multiple ways you will receive information in the event of a tropical event. Get the latest updates from the National Weather Service in Wilmington (NWS) on their website, social media, or through a NOAA weather radio. Tune in to local news and radio stations, or check your favorite weather app. To get updates from Brunswick County, sign up for the ReadyBrunswick Emergency Notification System, download the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Mobile App, subscribe to the County’s Emergency Updates email list, and follow Brunswick County and the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office on social media.
- Know your evacuation zone. Visit the North Carolina Department of Public Safety’s Know Your Zone webpage to view areas most at risk of storm surges and flooding in Brunswick County. Local officials use the zones to determine which areas should be evacuated in case of an emergency. Decide where you would go and what routes you would take if you had to evacuate.
- Know the terms. A Hurricane Watch indicates hurricane conditions are possible. A Hurricane Warning indicates hurricane conditions are expected. Review other related terms used by the National Hurricane Center.
- Check your insurance. Before an emergency strikes, review your insurance policies to ensure your property is covered for any flooding or natural disasters that could occur. Flood insurance, which is not normally part of homeowner’s insurance policies, is encouraged for North Carolina residents.
For more hurricane preparedness tips from Brunswick County, visit BrunswickCountyNC.gov/hurricanes.
Find information on emergency planning and hurricane safety online at ReadyNC.gov or Ready.gov.
View updates from the National Hurricane Center, a real-time emergency weather map, and additional online resources at nhc.noaa.gov.
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