Stormy, 'Supercharged September' In Store For NYC Area: Forecasters

NEW YORK CITY — Enjoy the pleasant weather while it lasts, as New York could be in store for an active and stormy September as hurricane season hits its peak, according to the latest forecast.

Back in May, NOAA predicted that we would have a more active hurricane season than usual. And starting at the end of August and through September, forecasters say we could see a number of strong storms in the Mid-Atlantic.

The meteorologists with AccuWeather called it a "Supercharged September," with between six and 10 tropical systems predicted. This is similar to the record-breaking 2020 hurricane season, which had 10 September storms.

"I think things could get very active potentially very quickly here as soon as that dry air goes away," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said, "We could see a parade of storms."

There have been five named storms this season so far. A typical hurricane season sees 14 named storms, of which seven become hurricanes and three become major hurricanes in the Atlantic Basin, according to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center.

"All residents and interests along the U.S. coast should have a hurricane plan in place and always be fully prepared for a direct impact," DaSilva added. "There’s a possibility that we could see multiple tropical storms and hurricanes in the Atlantic basin on the same day."

Officials with the New York City Emergency Management office urge residents to prepare a disaster plan if a hurricane strikes, and be aware of the risks that storm surge, strong winds, and rain can bring to the five boroughs.

Forecasters expect the number of named storms to be between 17 and 24 (with winds of 39 mph or greater), and between eight to 13 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or greater). Four to seven of these could be major hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or greater).

"The hurricane season got off to an early and violent start with Hurricane Beryl, the earliest category-5 Atlantic hurricane on record," said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D.

The climatological peak of hurricane season is approaching, and falls on Sept. 10. Historically, the greatest potential for hurricanes in New York City occurs from August through October, according to NYC Emergency Management.

Warm water means that storms could last into autumn, though. October could also be busy and there could be one to three more storms in November, according to AccuWeather.

"Hurricane Beryl broke multiple long-standing records in the Atlantic basin, and we’re continuing to see the climatological hallmarks of an active season," said Matthew Rosencrans, lead hurricane season forecaster with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. "Sea surface temperatures remain abnormally high, and La Niña is still expected to emerge during the hurricane season, so the time to prepare is now."

The next five storm names are Francine, Gordon, Helene, Isaac and Joyce.