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In the 2022 hurricane season, we had been through 14 named hurricanes, with substantial destruction of property and unexpectedly high fatalities, with Hurricane Ian alone claiming 149 lives in Florida.
The hurricane season in 2023 is just starting to reveal its menacing truth.
By analyzing the Atlantic hurricane activities of the past decade, we hope to shine some light on this year’s hurricane season in Florida, Texas, Louisiana, South Carolina, and North Carolina, the five most hurricane-prone states of the U.S.
When Is Hurricane Season in 2023?
On May 25, 2023, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the United States stated that the hurricane season in 2023 is from June 1 to November 30.
As of today, there have been four hurricanes sporadic along the Atlantic coastline this year, and three of them, Arlene, Bret, and Cindy, are the tropical storms that dominated the entire period of June consecutively.
(Source: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/)
Top 5 States Expecting Hurricanes
Should I be keeping my guard up for the Atlantic hurricane season in 2023? This has become everyone’s top concern, with the record-setting warmth in June and tropical waves forming in the Atlantic Ocean. When it comes to extreme weather, it’s always wise to hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
If you’re planning to visit or stay between the start of July and the end of November in the following five most hurricane-prone states, then you might want to start looking at some essentials to cover you through the hurricane season in 2023.
From 1851 to 2022, the top five states most vulnerable to hurricanes are
Florida
- 120 hurricanes in total, with 24 of Category 3, 11 of Category 4, and 2 of Category 5.
- Last year, Hurricane Ian, the deadliest hurricane of 2022, swept across the Sunshine State. Ian was a ferocious Category 4 that peaked at 155mph, causing vast property damages statewide and ultimately resulting in a death toll of 149. Lee and Charlotte counties experienced historic storm surge and flooding and were “basically off-grid” according to Governor Ron DeSantis, leaving local households and businesses vulnerable to a lengthy period of electricity loss.
Texas
- 64 hurricanes in total, with 12 of Category 3 and 7 of Category 4.
- Hurricane Harvey hit Texas hard in August 2017, with catastrophic flooding and storm surge, and resulted in approximately $125 billion in damage, ranking as the second costliest hurricane, right after Katrina in 2005 after inflation. As the storm raged through, it impacted numerous transmission assets, substation equipment, and generators in generating facilities. The Lone Star State witnessed more than 1.67 million reported outages in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) area.
- The 2022 hurricane season in Texas, however, was unexpectedly quiet, with no-shows of major hurricanes, though there were heavy downpours along the coastline brought by Potential Tropical Cyclone 4.
Louisiana
- 63 hurricanes in total, a close tie with Texas, with 13 of Category 3, 5 of Category 4, and 1 of Category 5.
- Hurricane Laura, a Category 4, crashed into southwestern Louisiana in August 2020 with up to 150mph windspeed. Besides flooding rainfall and a dreadful storm surge of greater than 15 feet, more than 98% of the tracked households in Cameron County were out of power. Hurricane Laura was the costliest of the year, topping $19 billion.
North Carolina
- 58 hurricanes in total, with 6 of Category 3 and 1 of Category 4.
- The one that leaves a permanent mark on most North Carolinians was undoubtedly Category 5 Hurricane Matthew in 2016. With a peak wind speed of 145 mph, it raked the state with torrential rains and apocalyptic flooding. Thirty-one lives were claimed, and all damages accumulated to $4.8 billion. Hurricane Florence in 2018 was another devastating storm that hit hard on North Carolina. Along with its record-breaking rainfall of over 30 inches and river flooding, Florence brought doom upon this beautiful state, causing 42 fatalities and widespread destruction estimated at $16.7 billion.
South Carolina
- 32 hurricanes in total with 2 of Category 3 and 3 of Category 4.
- The Category 5 monster hurricane Dorian in 2019 for sure put South Carolina in dire straits, rendering significant impacts on infrastructure and lives. At its prime, Dorian packed a maximum wind speed of 160 mph with a storm surge of over 18 feet. On September 5, there were over 240,000 outages reported in South Carolina and Charleston County experienced the darkest times of them all, with more than 130,000 outages accounted for. It was undeniably the most destructive storm of the year 2019.
- The recent five years (2018-2022) have been particularly tempestuous for South Carolina. It has survived four hurricanes rated as Category 4 and 5, including Michael and Florence in 2018, Dorian in 2019, and Ian in 2022.
Hurricane Season in Florida
Florida is the most susceptible state in the U.S. to Atlantic hurricanes, tropical cyclones, and storms. Same as the hurricane season in 2023, every year, the period under storm alert spans over six months, from June 1 through November 30.
Evident from the historical record of 1944 to 2022, hurricane seasons are posing real threats between mid-August and late October, while peaking in early to mid-September.
Which brings us to the great concern: When is the hurricane season in Florida this year?
From 2010 to 2022, out of the 35 hurricanes in Florida, 19 were between August and November, taking up more than 54% of all hurricanes documented, of which seven hurricanes were in August, eight in September, and four in October.
In the 2022 hurricane season in Florida, three hurricanes scattered across summer and fall. Tropical storm Alex struck in early June, Category 5 Hurricane Ian in late September, and Category 1 Hurricane Nicole from Nov 6 to Nov 11.
Another thing noteworthy is that all four Category 5 hurricanes in the former decade occurred in September and October and lasted for over one week, attacking both coastline and inland.
| STORM NAME | DATE RANGE | MAX CATEGORY |
| IRMA 2017 | Aug 30, 2017 to Sep 13, 2017 | H5 |
| MATTHEW 2016 | Sep 28, 2016 to Oct 10, 2016 | H5 |
| IAN 2022 | Sep 22, 2022 to Oct 01, 2022 | H5 |
| MICHAEL 2018 | Oct 06, 2018 to Oct 15, 2018 | H5 |
Having said that, when is hurricane season in Florida?
Based on the data of the last 10 years, we’re expecting to see a rise in the numbers and scale of ominous storms for the hurricane season in Florida in 2023. And since all Category 5 hurricanes were in Sept and Oct, you should be on the lookout in these 2 months this year. If you have not prepped yet, now is the perfect time to get some proper home protection and emergency evac planning done. Aim for Category 5 and stay alert!
Toolkit for the Florida Hurricane Season of 2023
In a scientific journal published by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Scientific and Technical Information in 2019, it’s stated that hurricanes have caused nine in ten major outages in the U.S. and hurricanes are no doubt the primary cause of major power outages.
This and the missing of backup power from most preparedness lists online leads us to wonder if there’s a gap in preparation for hurricane-induced power outages, which happen much more frequently than many of us would have imagined. Though often not stressed enough, protection against power outages is just as crucial and should be done along with other precautionary measures for the hurricane season in 2023.
- Essential backup for a week:
For one week of critical household energy needs through the hurricane season in 2023
2 EcoFlow DELTA Pro + Double Voltage Hub
- 7200W, 240V output
- 7.2-21.6 kWh expandable capacity
- Bug-out battery:
For emergency evacuation in the hurricane season in 2023
- Safe & durable 10-year LFP battery
- 2400W AC output & 2048Wh capacity
- Rubber anti-slip base + UL94-5VA fire-resistant casing
- Track current or potential hurricanes and tropical storms: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
- Shelters by county for the hurricane season in Florida: https://www.floridadisaster.org/shelters/
- Disaster Supply Kit Checklist for the hurricane season in Florida: www.floridadisaster.org
When Is Hurricane Season in Texas
When are we expecting the peak of the hurricane season in Texas? Let’s take a glance at what happened in the past.
From 2010 to 2022, 14 hurricanes and tropical storms made landfall in the Lone Star State. Eight of them, over 57% of all, struck between mid-August and early October. Three Category 4 major hurricanes, Harvey 2017, Laura 2020, and Delta 2020, made their appearances in Texas, two of which were in July, while one dominated for over two weeks from Aug 16 to Sep 02.
Texas’ hurricane season in 2022 was all peace and love, with slight indirect impacts from Ian. However, warnings have been that there’s no sign of an uneventful hurricane season in 2023 for Texas.
Those who live in the coastal areas, especially in Houston and Galveston areas on the upper Texas coast with a rich history of deadly storms plus record-breaking rainfalls, have known better than anyone how good preparedness can make all the difference in the world, and the distinction between life and death.
| STORM NAME | DATE RANGE | MAX CATEGORY |
| HARVEY 2017 | Jun 16, 2015 to Jun 21, 2015 | H4 |
| CINDY 2017 | Jun 19, 2017 to Jun 24, 2017 | TS |
| LAURA 2020 | Jul 07, 2010 to Jul 10, 2010 | H4 |
| HANNA 2020 | Jul 10, 2019 to Jul 16, 2019 | H1 |
| IMELDA 2019 | Jul 23, 2020 to Jul 26, 2020 | TS |
| BARRY 2019 | Jul 27, 2011 to Jul 30, 2011 | H1 |
| NICHOLAS 2021 | Aug 16, 2017 to Sep 02, 2017 | H1 |
| EcoFlow DELTA 2020 | Aug 20, 2012 to Sep 01, 2012 | H4 |
| BETA 2020 | Aug 20, 2020 to Aug 29, 2020 | TS |
| ISAAC 2012 | Sep 04, 2010 to Sep 10, 2010 | H1 |
| DON 2011 | Sep 12, 2021 to Sep 17, 2021 | TS |
| HERMINE 2010 | Sep 17, 2019 to Sep 19, 2019 | TS |
| TWO 2010 | Sep 17, 2020 to Sep 25, 2020 | TD |
| BILL 2015 | Oct 04, 2020 to Oct 11, 2020 | TS |
Toolkit for 2023 Hurricane Season in Texas
- Track current activities and potential threats of hurricane season in 2023: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
- How to prepare for hurricane season in Texas by Rio Grande Valley/Deep S.: https://www.weather.gov/media/bro/tropical/guide/2023/English.pdf
- How to prepare for hurricane season in Texas by Texas Hurricane Center: https://gov.texas.gov/Hurricane
- Essential backup for a week:
Cover one week of critical household energy needs for the hurricane season in Texas
2 EcoFlow DELTA Pro + Double Voltage Hub
- 7200W, 240V output
- 7.2-21.6 kWh expandable capacity
- Bug-out battery:
For emergency evacuation in the hurricane season in 2023
- Safe & durable 10-year LFP battery
- 2400W AC output & 2048Wh capacity
- Rubber anti-slip base + UL94-5VA fire-resistant casing
When Is Hurricane Season in Louisiana
Louisiana is also one grand coastal state infamous for earth-shattering hurricane hits and disaster recovery costs. But it might be dramatically more hurricane-prone than anyone might have guessed, especially in the past decade.
From 2010 to 2022, Louisiana experienced a shocking sum of 35 hurricanes, tropical storms, and tropical cyclones. Within these 35 storms, 22 occurred from early August to the end of October, accounting for approximately 63%. August and September are at higher risk of forceful cyclones, with 18 hurricanes piled up in the past 10 years.
| STORM NAME | DATE RANGE | MAX CATEGORY |
| HARVEY 2017 | Aug 16, 2017 to Sep 02, 2017 | H4 |
| LAURA 2020 | Aug 20, 2020 to Aug 29, 2020 | H4 |
| IDA 2021 | Aug 26, 2021 to Sep 04, 2021 | H4 |
| EcoFlow DELTA 2020 | Oct 04, 2020 to Oct 11, 2020 | H4 |
Four of the 35 hurricanes fell under Category 4, and these major hurricanes all made landfall from early August through mid-October. The most extended and expensive of them, Harvey in 2017, lasted for 15 days.
So when is hurricane season in Louisiana? Taking all these into consideration, it seems like a safe bet to start equipping you and your loved ones with two weeks of essential supplies for what might be looming this August and September.
Toolkit for 2023 Hurricane Season in Louisiana
- How to prepare for hurricane season in Louisiana: ready.nola.gov
- Essential backup for an extended period:
For critical household usage in the 2023 hurricane season in Louisiana
EcoFlow DELTA Pro + 400W Portable Solar Panel
- 3.6kWh capacity
- Generates up to 9.3kWh daily with 3 pieces of 400W Portable Solar Panel
- IP68 dust and water resistance
- Bug-out battery:
For emergency evacuation in the hurricane season in Louisiana
- Safe & durable 10-year LFP battery
- 2400W AC output & 2048Wh capacity
- Rubber anti-slip base + UL94-5VA fire-resistant casing
Hurricane Season in South Carolina
South Carolina, located in the southeastern region of the United States, is known for its gorgeous beaches. With 2,876 miles of tidal coastline, it is well-known around the globe for several tourist destinations boasting breathtaking natural beauty, such as Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island.
In the past decade, this beautiful state has been hit by a total of nine hurricanes, and seven of nine made landfall from late August through October, while six of them were major hurricanes of Category 3, 4, and 5.
| STORM NAME | DATE RANGE | MAX CATEGORY |
| MICHAEL 2018 | Jun 28, 2014 to Jul 09, 2014 | H5 |
| DORIAN 2019 | Jul 28, 2020 to Aug 05, 2020 | H5 |
| ZETA 2020 | Aug 28, 2016 to Sep 08, 2016 | H3 |
| IAN 2022 | Aug 24, 2019 to Sep 09, 2019 | H5 |
| MATTHEW 2016 | Oct 24, 2020 to Oct 30, 2020 | H5 |
| FLORENCE 2018 | Oct 06, 2018 to Oct 15, 2018 | H4 |
Nearly half of these nine hurricanes in the last 10 years were rated Category 5 for their widespread destruction and ferocious gales.
Category 5 Matthew in 2016, Category 4 Florence in 2018, Category 3 Zeta in 2020, and the monstrous Ian, which battered the Atlantic coastline and inland last year, all struck from near the end of August through October.
With all things considered, now is the perfect time to compel a detailed emergency response and evacuation plan for what might be on the horizon in the next three months.
Toolkit for 2023 Hurricane Season in South Carolina
- Homeowners’ resources for hurricane season in South Carolina: https://doi.sc.gov/619/Homeowner-Resources
- Comprehensive guide to the 2023 hurricane season & SC emergency app download: https://hurricane.sc/
- Insurance for hurricane season in South Carolina: https://doi.sc.gov/847/Hurricane-Preparedness
- Solar-powered generator for essential backup:
Cover your critical household energy needs through the hurricane season in South Carolina
EcoFlow DELTA Pro + 400W Portable Solar Panel
- 3.6kWh capacity
- Generates up to 9.3kWh daily with 3 pieces of 400W Portable Solar Panel
- IP68 dust and water resistance
- Grab-and-Go battery:
For evacuation and on-the-road usage in the 2023 hurricane season
- Safe & durable 10-year LFP battery
- 2400W AC output & 2048Wh capacity
- Rubber anti-slip base + UL94-5VA fire-resistant casing
Hurricane Season in North Carolina
North Carolina sits on the east coast of the United States, with a coastline stretching over 3,375 miles. The stunning views along the coastline make it a hot tourist spot, but this seventh-longest stretch in the country also exposes itself to catastrophic hurricanes and storms. But how susceptible this coastal state is to the past hurricane seasons really?
In the past decade alone, 32 storms made landfall in North Carolina, of which 18 landed after July, accounting for over half of the sum. These 18 hurricanes were distributed in the form of a descending pyramid from the beginning of August to mid-November. There were eight in Aug., five in Sept., four in Oct., and only one in Nov.
| STORM NAME | DATE RANGE | MAX CATEGORY |
| FLORENCE 2018 | Aug 30, 2018 to Sep 18, 2018 | H4 |
| IDA 2021 | Aug 26, 2021 to Sep 04, 2021 | H4 |
| ETA 2020 | Oct 31, 2020 to Nov 14, 2020 | H4 |
| DORIAN 2019 | Aug 24, 2019 to Sep 09, 2019 | H5 |
| MATTHEW 2016 | Sep 28, 2016 to Oct 10, 2016 | H5 |
| IAN 2022 | Sep 22, 2022 to Oct 01, 2022 | H5 |
| MICHAEL 2018 | Oct 06, 2018 to Oct 15, 2018 | H5 |
Seven hurricanes that raked the state in the past ten years were rated Category 4 or 5, meaning that all their wind speeds exceeded 130 mph and caused catastrophic damage. As a matter of fact, Category 5 Hurricane Dorian, which raged through North Carolina in August 2019, reached a horrific wind speed of 160 mph.
And there’s more than that. As for when the most vicious hurricanes took place, an intriguing observation is that all Category 4 & 5 hurricanes from 2010 to 2022, including Matthew in 2016, Florence and Michael in 2018, Dorian in 2019, Eta in 2020, Ida in 2021, and last year’s Ian, all emerged after mid-August. Florence, Ida, and Dorian were in August. Mathew and Ian hit in September, while Eta and Michael landed in October.
But still, when is hurricane season in North Carolina? From the trends made evident in the last 10 years, North Carolinians should be expecting the peak of this 2023 hurricane season very very soon. Better keep an eye out from mid-August to the end of November and start checking all the boxes in your hurricane supply list now.
Toolkit for 2023 Hurricane Season in North Carolina
- How to prepare for hurricane season in North Carolina: https://www.readync.gov/stay-informed/north-carolina-hazards/hurricanes
- Emergency alerts for hurricane season in North Carolina: https://www.readync.gov/stay-informed/emergency-alerts
- Open shelters: https://www.readync.gov/stay-informed/open-shelters
- Essential backup for a week:
For one week of critical household energy needs through the 2023 hurricane season
2 EcoFlow DELTA Pro + Double Voltage Hub
- 7200W, 240V output
- 7.2-21.6 kWh expandable capacity
- Bug-out battery:
For cross-state evac by vans & trucks
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max + EcoFlow 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel
- 2400W AC output & 2048Wh capacity
- Power 15 devices at once including 6 AC outlets
For emergency evacuation in the 2023 hurricane season
- Safe & durable 10-year LFP battery
- 2400W AC output & 2048Wh capacity
- Rubber anti-slip base + UL94-5VA fire-resistant casing
Conclusion: The Outlook of Hurricane Season in 2023
The hurricane researchers at Colorado State University published their final forecast for the 2023 hurricane season on August 3, maintaining their former prediction of a more-active-than-usual Atlantic hurricane season— a forecast chimed in with by NOAA. It also calls for a 48% chance of at least one major hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. coastline cities and 70.5 named storm days, along with eight more hurricanes after August 2, 2023.
The darkest times of the 2023 hurricane season are marching toward Florida, Texas, Louisiana, South Carolina, North Carolina, and other coastal states. Also, beware that the calamities shoulder to shoulder with hurricanes—flooding, storm surges, and fierce gales—pack the power to render at-risk infrastructure out of shape and result in fatalities.
But even in darkness, there’s a spark of light. Good resources and preparation can make a huge difference for people living in hurricane-prone cities. Through utilizing the hurricane-prep resources concluded on years of trial and error and hurricane-proofing yourself mentally and physically, you can turn the odds in your favor for the hurricane season in 2023.
