The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued its 2025 Atlantic hurricane season forecast, and it’s a wake-up call for the mortgage field services industry. Covering the period from June 1 through November 30, NOAA predicts a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season, and only a 10% chance of a below-normal season.
This year’s outlook anticipates:
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13 to 19 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher)
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6 to 10 hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher)
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3 to 5 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher, with winds exceeding 111 mph)
NOAA states there is 70% confidence in these predictions.
Why 2025 May Be a Dangerous Year for Storm Activity
This season’s above-normal activity is being driven by a confluence of climatic and oceanic factors that are especially conducive to storm formation and intensification:
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ENSO-neutral conditions are expected to continue. Without the suppressive effects of El Niño, there is less disruption to hurricane formation in the Atlantic.
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Warmer-than-average ocean temperatures, particularly in the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean, are providing more energy to fuel developing storms.
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Weak vertical wind shear is forecast, which allows storm systems to grow vertically without being torn apart.
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The West African Monsoon, which helps spawn many Atlantic hurricanes, is expected to be more active and may shift northward — a pattern that often produces longer-lasting and more powerful storms.
Additionally, the Atlantic Basin remains in a multi-decade era of heightened hurricane activity, characterized by:
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Higher oceanic heat content, which supercharges storm systems with energy.
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Reduced trade winds, which reduce interference with storm structure and intensity.
All of these signals point to an especially volatile season, with elevated risks not only to coastal communities but also to inland regions — areas increasingly affected by storm-driven rain and flooding.
What This Means for Mortgage Field Services
For Asset Managers, Inspectors, and Field Service Technicians working with foreclosed or vacant properties, the implications of a heightened hurricane season are serious. Properties that have been neglected, improperly secured, or not weatherized are exceptionally vulnerable to storm damage, flooding, and accelerated deterioration. The forecast raises several critical concerns for our industry:
1. Increased Volume of Emergency Inspections
Above-normal storm activity typically leads to a surge in property inspections following hurricane landfalls. Mortgage servicers will require rapid post-storm inspections to assess damage, determine occupancy, and begin claims documentation for hazard insurance.
2. High Risk to Already Distressed Assets
Foreclosed homes often sit vacant for extended periods and may not be adequately maintained. Even moderate storms can compromise roofing, siding, windows, and foundation integrity, especially when pre-existing damage exists. A major hurricane could devalue these assets even further, reducing investor returns and increasing preservation costs.
3. Preparation Will Be Key
Field service companies need to proactively inspect and secure vulnerable properties, particularly in high-risk regions along the Gulf Coast, Florida, and the Southeast. Boarding windows, reinforcing doors, and clearing gutters and storm drains can reduce damage and insurance losses. IAFST University has already begun rolling out specific training pertaining to hurricane-specific tasks.
4. Expanded Inland Impact
NOAA leadership emphasized that hurricanes are no longer just coastal threats. Acting Administrator Laura Grimm referenced inland flooding from storms like Helene and Debby in 2024, which caused significant property damage hundreds of miles from landfall. Mortgage field service providers should plan accordingly, especially in areas previously considered low-risk.
A Call to Action: Strengthen Storm Readiness Now
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick noted that NOAA is deploying its most advanced forecasting technology ever, providing more precise and timely storm warnings. This is a clear signal for our industry: with better data available, there’s no excuse not to prepare.
Mortgage field services companies must take immediate action to:
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Review and update disaster response protocols
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Audit existing properties for storm vulnerabilities
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Ensure that vendors and contractors are on standby
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Train inspection staff on emergency documentation and safety
Final Thoughts
The 2025 hurricane season will challenge the mortgage field services industry, particularly in its management of foreclosed and vacant assets. With forecasts pointing to a higher volume and intensity of storms — fueled by warm ocean waters, weak wind shear, and an active West African monsoon — the risk of widespread damage is real.
Companies that act now to fortify their assets, mobilize resources, and train staff will be far better positioned to weather the storm season and serve their clients with resilience and reliability.
