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2025 Hurricane Season: Storm Predictions and Tree Damage Risks

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2025 Hurricane Season Predictions: National Hurricane Center in Miami, FL

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) is the overarching government agency responsible for environmental science, including weather forecasting, while the National Hurricane Center (NHC) is a specialized division within NOAA that focuses specifically on tropical cyclonesThe NHC is responsible for tracking, forecasting, and issuing warnings for hurricanes and tropical storms.

As a certified arborist, I spend every spring and summer preparing trees for the weather New Jersey is about to face. This year, forecasters are sounding the alarm early. NOAA has released its official 2025 hurricane season predictions, and it’s shaping up to be one of the more active seasons in recent memory.

Experts forecast:

  • 13 to 19 named storms
  • 6 to 10 hurricanes
  • 3 to 5 major hurricanes (Category 3 or stronger)

The Atlantic is unusually warm right now, and meteorologists say a La Niña phase will develop by mid-summer. That means less wind shear, which normally breaks up storm systems. Without it, storms can grow stronger and faster. Add in warmer waters, and you’ve got a recipe for more hurricanes, not fewer.

The World Meteorological Organization has also released the official 2025 storm names. A few to listen for this year: Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dexter, Erin, and Felix.

If you’re looking for the key takeaways from this forecast:

  • 2025 hurricane season forecast is above average
  • Warm Atlantic waters and La Niña expected to fuel more intense storms
  • NJ may not get a direct hit but will feel the effects of increased storm activity

New Jersey's Risk for Hurricanes in 2025

New Jersey is often overlooked when people think about hurricanes, but that doesn’t mean we’re out of harm’s way. According to the latest forecast models, New Jersey has:

  • 28% chance of being impacted by a named storm
  • 9% chance of a hurricane
  • 1% chance of a major hurricane

Even small storms or tropical depressions can bring days of soaking rain and high winds. That’s when the trees start falling. Superstorm Sandy wasn’t a major hurricane when it hit us, but the damage was extensive because of wind direction, soil saturation, and timing.

Flooding, erosion, and softened soil increase the likelihood of trees tipping over. High winds can snap limbs or send dead branches crashing into roofs, power lines, and vehicles.

Keep this in mind as we look ahead:

  • NJ faces measurable storm risks even without a direct hurricane hit
  • Wind and rain from distant systems still cause major tree damage
  • Historical storms like Sandy and Ida prove even lower-category systems are dangerous

How Hurricanes Affect Trees in New Jersey

Hurricane Predictions 2025

Trees in New Jersey are strong, but storms don’t care. When the soil gets saturated, roots lose their grip. When the wind hits, trees twist, lean, and fall. Even healthy trees can fail under these conditions. Damaged trees don’t always show signs until it’s too late.

Here’s how storms impact trees:

  • Prolonged rain loosens soil, making it easier for trees to uproot
  • Strong winds shear large limbs and push full canopies
  • Decay or old pruning wounds fail under pressure
  • Sudden gusts break structurally weak unions

Here’s what this means for your property:

  • Storms weaken root systems and expose hidden structural problems
  • Fallen trees cause property damage, blocked roads, and power outages
  • Prevention is the only way to reduce tree-related storm damage

Who’s Most at Risk During A Hurricane

Monmouth County and surrounding coastal towns see the brunt of it. Neighborhoods in Middletown, Deal, Long Branch, and Atlantic Highlands have older trees and denser canopies. These areas also tend to have homes built close to tree lines, fences, and sidewalks.

Risk factors include:

  • Tall, mature trees near homes or garages
  • Trees planted in compacted soil or near saturated ground
  • Trees with visible lean, fungus, cracks, or dead limbs
  • Properties with poor drainage or near steep slopes

What we see again and again after each storm:

  • Homes with older, larger trees are most vulnerable
  • Wet or sloped ground increases root failure risk
  • Tree damage is predictable when warning signs are ignored

How to Prepare Your Trees for Hurricane Season

At Hufnagel Tree Service, we take storm prep seriously. The best time to prepare a tree is before the wind starts blowing. If you’re not sure what to look for, we offer assessments to help you identify risks before they turn into emergencies.

The benefits of acting early are clear:

  • Proactive care is far safer and less expensive than emergency removal
  • Every property should be assessed before the next big storm
  • Hufnagel Tree Service offers storm-ready solutions tailored to NJ homes

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Bob L.
Mike and his crew just completed the third of three jobs for me over a two week span. The work was done exceptionally well and professional, starting from our meetings for estimates to the work being done and the cleanups. His prices are very reasonable and I highly recommend his company, HUFNAGEL TREE SEVICE.
I have used the other Tree Services in the past with very mixed results. I’m glad I now have my “go to” Tree Service for my future needs. Thanks again, Mike, It was a great experience all around. Lastly, please remember, to only use a certified arborist!!!!
Janet P.
Mike and his guys did a great job! Quick response. Good price and left the place clean when they were done. We would definitely use them again when we need a tree removed or trimmed!
John B.
From my very first interaction with Michael, he was quick to respond, courteous, and helpful. He was early to the appointment to give me an estimate. He was able to do so on the spot. When his crew arrived, they were like an amazing acrobatic act. They navigated a very difficult situation with our neighbors tree and left me with the result that was exactly what I had asked for. They came in on price, ahead of schedule and were thoroughly professional with an amazing cleanup afterwards. I couldn’t recommend Hufnagel more highly.

John B
Bobby F.
5 Stars – Outstanding Emergency Tree Service!
I had an unexpected emergency when a major tree branch came down, sheared my fence, and fell into my neighbor’s yard. I called Hufnagel Tree Service and within 10 minutes, Mike—the owner—was in my yard assessing the situation. By 10am the very next morning, Mike and his team were back on my property, ready to handle the job.

Not only was their response incredibly fast and efficient, but the price for this emergency work was shockingly affordable. I was beyond impressed with their professionalism, friendliness, and the quality of the work.

It’s rare to find a local business that you can truly trust in a pinch, and Hufnagel Tree Service delivered above and beyond. Mike and his crew are licensed, certified arborists, and it shows in the excellence of their work.

I highly recommend Hufnagel for any tree service—emergency or otherwise. I’ll definitely be calling them for all of my future tree needs. Thank you again to Mike and the entire team—you’re phenomenal!
Shawn B.
Review for Mike Hufnagel Tree Service
I had an excellent experience with Mike Hufnagel Tree Service. Mike was incredibly prompt, arriving exactly when he said he would, and carried out the job in a very professional manner. His pricing was extremely fair, especially considering the high quality of work he delivered. On top of that, he went above and beyond by taking care of a few extra things that weren’t even part of the original agreement—at no additional cost. It’s rare to find that kind of service these days. I would definitely recommend Mike Hufnagel Tree Service to anyone in need of tree work. You won’t be disappointed!
Matthew D.
Mike was great to work with, always reachable and answering all my questions as we planned to remove and stump grind two ailanthus trees adjacent to my garage. He was also a wonderful resource as I considered replacement options, a testament to his knowledge as a certified arborist. On the day of, his team did a fantastic job, completing the removal carefully, efficiently and cleaning up everything immaculately.
Rachel M.
We have worked with Mike and Hufnagel Tree Service several times for tree removal and pruning and will continue to do so in the future! They are very responsive, reasonably priced, easy to schedule with, and do quality work. Mike provides great insight into tree health and helps you make the best decisions to care for the trees in your yard without trying to upsell you on unnecessary services. Would highly recommend!
Matthew
Mike and Ed did a great job. Very knowledgeable, friendly service. Would highly recommend.
Chris T.
Mike and his team were great. Immediately called back and communicated exactly what he would do. Cleaned up an overgrown oak tree and it looks like new. Will certainly use again
Pat C.
Mike came to my house in the pouring rain to take care of a tree that fell and blocked access to our driveway. Highly recommend!!

Mention One Of These Money-Saving Offers When You Book Your Service!

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Schedule Your Hurricane Tree Checkup Today

1950s Customer Service

Hurricane season is already underway. The longer you wait, the more crowded our schedule gets. If you have trees close to your home, power lines, or driveway, now is the time to act. We serve homeowners throughout Monmouth County, including Middletown, Allenhurst, Deal, Holmdel, and Rumson.

We offer professional storm prep assessments, pruning, and tree removal with safety as our top priority. Don’t wait for the next named storm to put your property at risk.

Call Hufnagel Tree Service today to schedule your hurricane-season tree inspection.

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