NOAA’s National Hurricane Center Steps Up as Tropical Activity Ramps in Atlantic

Miami, FL (September 27, 2025) — As tropical disturbances gather strength over the Atlantic Basin, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) — a branch of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) — has intensified tracking and forecasting operations. Communities along U.S. coasts, Caribbean islands, and parts of Central America have been put on notice.

Context & Background

The Atlantic hurricane season is in full swing, and recent years have shown a trend toward more frequent or intense storms — a pattern linked by scientists to ocean warming and changing climate dynamics. The NHC acts as the U.S. authority for monitoring tropical cyclones, issuing bulletins, and coordinating with regional meteorological partners.

As of today, NHC forecasters are observing three distinct disturbances over the tropical Atlantic:

• Disturbance A, located off the coast of Africa, is showing signs of organization with increased convection and developing low-level circulation.

• Disturbance B, nearer the Caribbean, is expected to bring heavy rains to island nations within the next 48–72 hours.

• Disturbance C, currently south of Bermuda, remains disorganized but is being watched due to warm sea surface temperatures in the area.

Historically, such systems may strengthen into tropical depressions or storms under favorable conditions. The NHC is using satellite intelligence, ocean buoys, and computer modeling to assess each system’s potential.

Direct Quotations & Stakeholder Views

Dr. Maria N. Gonzalez, lead forecaster at NHC, remarked,

“We are closely monitoring all three systems — while none has yet reached tropical storm status, the environmental indicators — sea surface temperature, low wind shear, moisture availability — could support further development.”

In a statement from NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, the agency emphasized:

“Our goal is to provide timely, accurate forecasts that help communities prepare and respond safely. We are continuously refining our models to reduce uncertainty in track and intensity predictions.”

Meanwhile, local government officials in Puerto Rico have issued precautionary advisories. Governor Antonio Rivera told residents,

“We encourage everyone in coastal and flood-prone zones to stay alert, review evacuation routes, and monitor official updates. These systems may change course or intensity rapidly.”

Balance of Report

At this stage, the NHC has not confirmed that any of the three disturbances will become hurricanes. Forecast models vary, with some projections suggesting one system might intensify while others could fizzle under unfavorable conditions. The NHC has placed Disturbance B under a 70% chance of developing into a tropical cyclone within 5 days, while the other two systems currently hold 30–40% probabilities.

Forecasters caution that even disorganized systems can yield heavy rainfall, flooding, or tropical-storm–force winds in localized areas. Coastal communities and islands are urged not to wait until a storm is named before preparing.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Over the next 24 to 72 hours, NHC will issue updated forecasts, including possible hurricane or tropical storm watches and warnings, if conditions evolve.

Residents in affected regions should closely monitor bulletins from NHC, NOAA, and local weather services. Emergency management agencies may issue precautionary orders or mobilize resources in vulnerable zones. In a changing climate era, storm preparedness and resilient infrastructure remain critical to minimizing loss.