2022 Hurricane Season On Long Island: What To Know

LONG ISLAND, NY — Long Islanders can expect the same caliber of fierce hurricane weather this season that was seen in 2020 and 2021, according to a new long-range forecast from AccuWeather.

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 should 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.”

Experts are now anticipating another above-normal season in regard to tropical activity in the Atlantic as well as higher-than-normal chances for major hurricane landfall in the U.S.

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.

Kottlowski’s forecast comes from a number of current weather trends, an analysis of past hurricane seasons and climatological models.

The 2022 prediction is higher than the 30-year average of 14 named storms per year, and it’s almost identical to 2021’s record results. Last year, there were 21 named storms, including seven hurricanes and four major hurricanes. Notably, Hurricane Ida made landfall in September on Long Island.

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.”

Patch's Nicole Rosenthal contributed to this report.