ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — It's that time of year again.

Hurricane season kicks off June 1 and forecasters at the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration and at Colorado State University are predicting a busy storm season.

That means from supply kits (see below) and home insurance to storm tracking and power outages, it's time for Bay area residents to keep an eye on the tropics. Watch the video above to hear what Chief Meteorologist Mike Clay has to say about this upcoming hurricane season.

A quick look back at the 2023 hurricane season

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season will follow up on a busy 2023 season. The 2023 season totaled 20 named storms, with 7 of those becoming hurricanes and 3 of those 7 becoming major (Category 3 or greater) hurricanes.

Of those hurricanes, Hurricane Idalia was the only hurricane that made landfall in the U.S. last year. It was a Category 3 hurricane with max winds of 125 mph when it moved inland in Keaton Beach, Fla. on Aug. 30.

The other two named storms that made landfall in U.S. were Harold and Ophelia. Tropical Storm Harold made landfall on Padre Island, Texas on Aug. 22 and Tropical Storm Ophelia made landfall near Emerald Isle, N.C. on Sept. 23.

2024 hurricane names

Hurricane preparedness kit

Now is the time to reevaluate your hurricane preparedness kit. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, your kit should include, at a minimum: 

  • Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
  • Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home.
  • Flashlight
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
  • Extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
  • Multi-purpose tool, like a Swiss Army knife
  • Sanitation and personal hygiene items
  • Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
  • Cellphone with charger
  • Family and emergency contact information
  • Extra cash (ATMs might be inoperable)
  • Extra fuel for generator and car

Depending on your family’s requirements, you may need to include medical care items, baby supplies, pet supplies, and other things, such as extra car and house keys.

Additional supplies might include towels, plastic sheeting, duct tape, scissors, and work gloves.