The Atlantic Could See Up to 3 More Named Storms This Hurricane Season — How to Prepare If You Have an Upcoming Trip

A tropical storm may even come as late as December this year, according to Accuweather.

By Alison Fox Alison Fox

Alison Fox is a Travel + Leisure contributor. She has also written for Parents.com, The Wall Street Journal, and amNewYork. When she’s not in New York City, she can be found at the beach or on the slopes. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 29, 2024

Close Waves from the Gulf of Mexico crash on shore as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Photo:

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

The Atlantic hurricane season is coming to an end, but experts predict there could be as many as three more named storms before it’s over.

Meteorologists at AccuWeather have predicted there will be anywhere from one to three more named storms in the next few weeks, the weather company told Travel + Leisure, capping off a busy and destructive hurricane season.

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.

Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather’s lead hurricane expert, said there’s even a chance of a December tropical storm.

“We’re expecting a late-season surge in the month of November with another one to three named storms possible in the Atlantic basin,” DaSilva said in a statement shared with T+L, adding December storms don’t “happen very often, but the very warm sea surface temperatures could make it possible this year.”

Any newly named storms will likely impact Florida and the East Coast, which are still reeling from the devastating aftermath of both Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene. Weather patterns and wind shear make it unlikely these late-season storms will directly affect the Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama coastlines.

In fact, a new named storm is so likely, it could happen as early as next week, Bernie Rayno, AccuWeather’s chief on-air meteorologist, said in a statement shared with T+L.

While hurricanes undoubtedly affect travel plans, it is possible to prepare for them in advance. If a storm is predicted, travelers should look out for airline flight waivers, which are usually listed in the travel alerts section of each carrier’s website. Airlines typically require tickets to be booked in advance of the storm to take advantage of these waivers.

Travel insurance can also be key if travelers need to cancel a trip last-minute. While potentially costly, policies that include “cancel for any reason” clauses certainly offer peace of mind. Several top-tier credit cards also include travel insurance policies, but the coverage can vary.

Cruise lines are also accustomed to weathering storms and rarely cancel a voyage, but instead can reroute in bad weather. And while it may be frustrating for passengers, cruise lines are often under no obligation to offer a refund.

To keep up to date on potential storms, travelers can check the National Hurricane Center (NHC), which issues advisories at least every six hours whenever a tropical cyclone (including a hurricane) or a subtropical storm has formed in the Atlantic or eastern North Pacific.