9 Hurricanes Could Hit Maryland In 2023 Season: Experts

MARYLAND — The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season could send up to nine hurricanes swirling toward Maryland this year, forecasters said. The season began Thursday and runs until Nov. 30; state officials regularly urge residents to review their emergency plans before storms approach.

Forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center last week predicted a 40 percent chance of a near-normal season and 30 percent chances each of "above-normal" and "below-normal" season.

• Marylanders can expect between five and nine hurricanes will develop, forecasters said. Of those, one to four could turn into major hurricanes, they said.

“As we saw with Hurricane Ian, it only takes one hurricane to cause widespread devastation and upend lives," said Deanne Criswell, FEMA's administrator, in a statement. "So regardless of the number of storms predicted this season, it is critical that everyone understand their risk and heed the warnings of state and local officials."

Related:

• Thunderstorms In Gulf Could Become Season's 1st Tropical Storm
• Here Are The 2023 Hurricane And Tropical Storm Names

In 2021 and 2020 then-Gov. Larry Hogan made a request for federal assistance after remnants of Tropical Depression Ida and Tropical Storm Isaias, respectively, hit Maryland hard, resulting in heavy flooding and tornadoes.

A brush with a hurricane — defined as coming within 50 miles of the coast — typically happens about once every 15 years in Maryland, according to The Baltimore Sun.

Hurricane Preparation Tips

Residents should take these safety precautions before a storm heads toward Maryland:

• Sign up for alerts and warnings from your county and state, as well as NOAA Weather Radio https://www.weather.gov/nwr/
• Make a plan - visit https://www.ready.gov/plan
• Plan with neighbors - communities are more resilient when they work together. See Guide to Emergency Planning for Communities
• Know hurricane evacuation zones - visit KnowYourZoneMD
• Save for a rainy day - visit https://www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness
• Practice emergency drills both at home and at the office
• Make and test a family communications plan* Designate a central contact number with a family member or trusted friend, perhaps out of town* Text messages will go through when voice lines are overloaded
• Assemble or update emergency supplies - visit https://www.ready.gov/kit (includes CDC recommendations)
• Safeguard valuable documents both physically and digitally
• Make your home safer - visit https://www.weather.gov/wrn/2020-hurricane-strengthen-home
• Document and insure your property - visit https://www.weather.gov/wrn/2020-hurricane-insurance
• Get involved in your community - take an emergency course, volunteer, request a preparedness presentation
• Download the FEMA app and visit Ready.gov or Listo.gov for preparedness tips.