The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is officially underway, and this year’s storm name list is already raising eyebrows—and a few chuckles. With names like Karen and Sebastien in the lineup, Arkansans may be watching the tropics with more than just concern through November 30.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, NOAA expects an above-average season, with 13 to 19 named storms, 6 to 10 hurricanes, and 3 to 5 major hurricanes likely to develop. While Arkansas won’t see landfall, past storms—like Hurricane Laura in 2020—have brought damaging winds, flash flooding, and multi-day power outages to the region.
This year’s full name list includes:
Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dexter, Erin, Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Imelda, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van, and Wendy.
The name Dexter replaces Dorian, retired after the deadly 2019 season. Names are reused every six years unless officially retired by the World Meteorological Organization.
With a hot, humid summer ahead, Arkansas residents should keep emergency kits stocked and monitor Gulf storms closely—just in case “Karen” or “Lil Sebastien” come calling.
