‘Catastrophic’ damage, power outages as storm pummels Puerto Rico

The Atlantic hurricane season

The latest: After a somewhat slow start to the season, hurricane activity — including a rare storm affecting California — is ramping up in the late summer. NOAA forecasters have updated their season predictions, calling for a high likelihood of above-average tropical activity. Ocean waters are particularly warm, and a global weather pattern known as El Niño is complicating the outlook.

Tips for preparing: We rounded up what you need to know before, during and after a hurricane hits, plus seven safety tips to help you get ready. Here’s what to know about flood insurance.

Understanding climate change: It’s not just you — hurricanes and tropical storms have hit the U.S. more frequently in recent years. And over the past decade, seas have drastically risen along the southern U.S. coast. A new study also suggests hurricanes have become deadlier in recent decades.