FEMA Chief Warns of “Above-Normal” Hurricane Season—Here’s How to Get Ready Now

Washington, D.C.—Confusion rippled through the Federal Emergency Management Agency this week after acting FEMA Administrator David Richardson reportedly told employees he “didn’t realize the U.S. even had a hurricane season,” a comment made during an all-hands videoconference on only the second day of the 2025 Atlantic season. Key points • Richardson’s remark stunned veteran staffers and prompted a flurry of internal emails questioning the agency’s readiness for what forecasters say could be the busiest Atlantic hurricane season on record. • The Department of Homeland Security later said the administrator was “joking,” but it confirmed FEMA will not release a new disaster-response blueprint this year, breaking with a long-standing tradition. • NOAA projects 17–25 named storms, 8–13 hurricanes and 4–7 major hurricanes (Category 3+), citing record-warm Atlantic waters and a developing La Niña pattern. What Richardson said—and why it matters According to three FEMA officials who spoke on background, Richardson opened Monday’s call by quipping that he was “learning something new” about hurricane season after joining the agency from DHS’s Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office in May. Multiple employees interpreted the line as serious, fueling concern that the new chief lacks disaster-response experience. “Preparedness begins at the top,” said one senior logistics planner. “If the administrator isn’t tracking basic climatology, that’s a red flag.” No new 2025 Hurricane Playbook In previous years FEMA has released an updated Atlantic Hurricane Playbook each spring, outlining surge staffing, supply-chain contracts, and evacuation-shelter protocols. Richardson told staff there would be “no substantive changes” to 2024 guidance, citing budget constraints. Emergency-management analysts warn that could hamper coordination with state and local partners as coastal populations swell and storms intensify. Political overtones Opposition lawmakers seized on the episode, calling for a House Homeland Security Committee hearing. “Communities from Texas to the Carolinas need confidence that FEMA’s leadership is ready on day one,” said Rep. María Torres (D-FL). The White House has not commented publicly. How states are reacting • Florida: Governor Rodríguez activated the State Emergency Operations Center to Level 2 “Enhanced Monitoring.” • Louisiana: Officials advanced $30 million for parish-level debris contracts after experiencing delays post-Ida. • North Carolina: The state requested FEMA pre-landfall disaster declarations to free up federal funds more quickly. Tips for coastal residents 1. Review insurance policies before June storms threaten. 2. Assemble a 72-hour emergency kit; include at least one week of prescription meds. 3. Know your evacuation zone and multiple exit routes; practice with family members. 4. Sign up for local alert systems and follow @FEMA, @NHC_Atlantic and state EM accounts on social media. Expert outlook “Hurricanes don’t wait for leadership hiccups,” said Dr. Andrea Liu, a climate-risk scientist at the University of Miami. “With ocean temps off the charts, even a single land-falling major hurricane could overwhelm unprepared communities.” What’s next FEMA regional offices begin nationwide hurricane-preparedness drills on June 10. Richardson is scheduled to testify before the Senate Homeland Security Committee on June 12, where senators are expected to press him on the agency’s readiness and his controversial remark. Bottom line The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season has officially begun, and questions surrounding the new FEMA chief’s awareness have only intensified scrutiny of the agency’s preparedness. Coastal residents are urged to finalize emergency plans now—because the storms, unlike Washington politics, won’t wait.