Massachusetts May See Active Hurricane Season In 2022: Forecast

BOSTON — Massachusetts is susceptible to tropical storms and hurricanes. Residents, visitors, and businesses are urged to prepare, as this season could be another weather nightmare.

There's a high chance for preseason storms and an active hurricane season, AccuWeather forecasters said, noting that a season comparable to 2021's prolific record is in store. Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1, although experts advise that people prepare sooner rather than later given the likelihood of preseason storms.

"The 2021 tropical year was … prolific with 21 named storms, making it the third most active on record in terms of named systems," AccuWeather meteorologists wrote. "It also forced meteorologists to use the entirety of the designated storm name list for the second straight season."

To date, 16 to 20 named storms and six to eight hurricanes are in the cards this season, according to AccuWeather meteorologist and hurricane expert Dan Kottlowski. Around three to five hurricanes are predicted to reach major hurricane status — Category 3 strength and winds over 111 mph.

However, over 20 storms could hit the U.S. if the currently weak La Nina intensifies later this year. Above-normal sea surface temperatures could also play a role in preseason storm development, forecasters said.

"If the model goes as predicted, this would be our seventh above-normal hurricane season in a row," said research scientist Dr. Phil Klotzbach at Colorado State University.

Last year's hurricane season was the third-highest on record.

Forecasters' main advice for this upcoming hurricane season? Prepare now, especially given the ongoing global supply chain issues paired with the likelihood of preseason storms.

"Don't wait until June to prepare," Kottlowski said. "We've had preseason development over the last seven years and certainly you need to prepare now. So, now's the time to get your hurricane plan in place."

Massachusetts has designated hurricane evacuation zones, designated as Zone A, Zone B, and Zone C, for areas of the state at risk for storm surge flooding associated with tropical storms or hurricanes.

If evacuations are necessary because of a tropical storm or hurricane, local or state officials will notify people living, working, or vacationing in evacuation zones to leave the area. Even areas not directly along a coastline may be at risk for storm surge flooding during a tropical storm or hurricane.

Find out if you are in a hurricane evacuation zone by visiting the 'Know Your Zone' interactive map located on MEMA's website at www.mass.gov/knowyourzone.

Patch writer D'Ann Lawrence White contributed to this report.

See related stories:

• Hurricane Season Goes Out Like A Lamb, But Still Above Average
• Above-Normal 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season Predicted By NOAA