The 2025 hurricane season came to a close at the end of November for the Alabama Gulf Coast, ending as one of the calmest in recent years. Despite the lack of tropical activity making landfall in the region, weather experts say the season still offered important lessons.

Corey Bunn, manager and meteorologist at the Coastal Weather Research Center at the University of South Alabama, said the Gulf saw remarkably little tropical activity compared to the broader Atlantic.

"This year was very inactive for the Gulf Coast region," he said.

Though the season produced 13 named storms — just shy of the long-term 14 named storm average — the vast majority stayed offshore. Bunn noted that early signs indicated the Bermuda High would be weaker and positioned farther east, a pattern that often allows storms to curve away from the United States. As the season played out, those expectations largely held. Only one system made a U.S. landfall on the East Coast, and none entered or intensified in the Gulf.

Even so, Bunn cautioned that overall activity elsewhere in the basin was significant. He pointed to Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica and tied historical records for pressure and wind intensity at landfall.

"It only takes one," he said. "No matter how many storms are predicted to occur… if it's a major hurricane, it can be very problematic."

He added that while 2025 brought no tropical impacts locally, the area still saw periods of heavy rainfall from typical summertime storms and upper-level disturbances.

COMBATTING MISINFORMATION AND LOOKING AHEAD

With wider access to weather models and unvetted forecast graphics, Bunn said forecasters are now increasingly finding themselves countering misinformation.

"There are some things that are shared that necessarily don't turn out to be true," he said, adding that many posts are shared simply to "fear monger people." His team has adjusted its communication approach to reduce unnecessary public alarm.

With the season over, Bunn encouraged residents to stay grounded in official forecasts and remember that storm tracks and intensity predictions are never absolute. As 2026 approaches, he said, it remains critical to have a household plan and prepare supplies in advance. The best time to prepare is in the offseason.

"Review your plans," he said. "Be prepared, but also be aware."

While meteorologists reflect on the science and behavior of the season, emergency managers in Baldwin County are reinforcing the practical steps residents should carry forward. Orange Beach Emergency Management Coordinator and Deputy Director of Coastal Resources Nicole Woerner said that though Alabama avoided impacts, her department approached the year with the same level of readiness as any other.

"I never let my guard down," she said.

Orange Beach completed its annual hurricane tabletop exercise, refreshed debris-removal contracts and ensured communication systems were prepared. She pointed to satellite backup as a crucial resource.

"As Starlink has come on board, it has been a good backup to our communication," she said.

She also highlighted practical steps for residents, especially newcomers who may be unfamiliar with coastal hazards. Re-entry decals, she noted, remain essential after evacuations because checkpoints may be staffed by personnel unfamiliar with the area. She emphasized the need for 72-hour emergency kits, updated family plans and paying attention to official forecasts rather than viral posts.

Looking ahead, she urged residents not to let this quiet season create a false sense of security.

"Always stay prudent on the weather, make sure you have your emergency kit and have a plan to evacuate in advance," she said.

Gabriella Chavez is a Report for America corps member who writes about growth and development in Baldwin County and our natural spaces for Gulf Coast Media. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://tinyurl.com/yaf8yf5n.