Guide to the 2022 hurricane season in the United States

The official Atlantic hurricane season is June 1st to November 30th each year, with maximum hurricane activity occurring in early to mid-September. Although it is possible for a hurricane to form during any month of the year, just 3% of these storms occur outside of hurricane season, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). [1]

Is 2022 going to be a bad hurricane season?

The NOAA is predicting another above average hurricane season. [2] Below are the predictions for the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season:

• Around 14 to 21 named storms 

• Around six to 10 of those could become hurricanes (wind speeds of 74 mph or higher)

• Around three to six major hurricanes — Category 3, 4, or 5 (wind speeds of 111 mph or higher)

The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season was the third most active in history, with 21 named storms and seven hurricanes making landfall. [3] This means the 2022 season may be on par with 2021, or slightly worse or better.

Experts at the NOAA point to the ongoing La Niña conditions (cooling of the eastern and central Pacific), warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, and weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds as the reasons behind another above-normal hurricane season. [4]  If you live close to the Atlantic or Gulf Coast, make sure to prepare your home and review your homeowners insurance well in advance of a hurricane threat.

Which months have the most hurricanes?

August through October are considered the peak months during hurricane season. Around 78% of tropical storm days, 87% of minor hurricane days, and 96% of the major hurricane days occur during those months, with early to mid-September being the most active time for tropical storms, according to the NOAA.

Hurricane season and insurance moratoriums

Before hurricane season gets into high gear, be sure to double check your home and flood insurance policies and make any necessary changes before a storm rolls through. Changes you may want to make before or early on in hurricane season include:

• Enhancing your home insurance dwelling coverage by adding extended or guaranteed replacement cost coverage to your policy 

• Lowering your windstorm, named storm, or hurricane deductible to an amount you can better afford

• Purchasing a separate windstorm insurance policy if wind and hail are excluded from your homeowners insurance

• Purchasing a flood insurance policy or endorsement 

You’re generally able to update and purchase new lines of coverage during hurricane season, but insurers are less lenient when a tropical storm is moving toward your state. 

Once a hurricane warning is issued by your state, it's common for insurance companies to issue moratoriums on updating or purchasing coverage, which means you won’t be able to adjust, add, or purchase coverage or additional policies until after the storm has passed. For that reason, it’s important to review and update your insurance policies well in advance of a hurricane threat.