Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins with Rare Trio of Major Storms

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season may be trailing in total storm numbers, but it’s already making history in terms of storm strength. Hurricane Humberto, now a Category 5 storm in the central Atlantic, has become the third major hurricane of the season, following Erin and Gabrielle. According to hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach from Colorado State University, this is the first time since 1935 that the first three hurricanes of the season have all reached Category 3 or higher.

While only nine named storms have formed so far—slightly below the seasonal average of ten by late September—the occurrence of three major hurricanes already meets the annual average for such storms. The National Hurricane Center is also monitoring Tropical Depression Nine, which may soon be named Imelda and potentially become the fourth hurricane of the season.

Colorado State University’s forecast calls for a total of 16 named storms, eight hurricanes, and four major hurricanes by season’s end. With October historically known as one of the most active months, there’s still time for those projections to materialize. However, regardless of whether overall numbers meet expectations, experts caution that it only takes one major landfall to define a season.

As the Atlantic basin continues to intensify, insurance professionals should remain alert to changing conditions. Major hurricanes—especially those developing quickly—can create a sudden surge in claims activity, especially if any approach landfall in the coming weeks.