The 2025 hurricane season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. After a quiet start to the year, NOAA and Colorado State University (CSU) both predict above-average activity: 13–19 named storms, up to 10 hurricanes and as many as 5 major hurricanes. 

“This is not just about storms. It’s about showing the world how professional restorers rise to the challenge. At RIA, we don’t just respond—we lead.” Jeff Moore, RIA President

As your RIA President, I want to ensure our members, and the entire restoration community have the tools, documentation and peer support to succeed in what may be a defining season. While no one hopes for destruction, our industry must be prepared. Let’s walk into it informed, aligned and ready.

Why 2025 Could Be Different

The setup this year is unique:

Atlantic Is Running Hot

Sea surface temperatures are well above normal across the Gulf and Caribbean, prime fuel for hurricane growth.

No El Niño Means Fewer Speed Bumps

We’re entering a neutral ENSO phase, meaning no El Niño wind shear to break storms apart. That’s like removing the guardrails during race season. 

Conditions Are Ripe for Storms

Less wind shear + steady monsoon waves from Africa = higher chances of storm formation and intensification.

CSU estimates a 51% chance of a major U.S. hurricane landfall and a 56% chance of one hitting the Caribbean. 

How Restoration Companies Should Prepare

Whether you’re in a CAT-prone zone or often travel to one, preparation is no longer optional. Here’s how to get ahead:

1. Refresh Your CAT Game Plan
   • Confirm labor, equipment and subcontractor availability
   • Lock in supply chain contacts before the rush
   • Review logistics: fuel, trailers, PPE, mobile tech
2. Use Time & Materials on Commercial Losses
   • Commercial CAT jobs change fast. Use T&M billing to stay profitable.
   • Ensure you have a signed T&M rate sheet attached to your work authorization
   • Require initials from the customer or insured to confirm understanding
3. Use Better Tools to Defend Your Scope
   • Use Xactimate, T&M Pro and Cotality the three primary estimating platforms in restoration today
   • Invest in training your team across these systems especially now, while demand is lower in some markets
   • Master macros, custom line items and coverage communication
   • Document with tools like Matterport, DocuSketch, Encircle, or others consistency is more important than the brand

20 years ago, what you knew in construction was enough. Today, you practically need to be an engineer to estimate correctly. A solid estimate isn’t a reflection of the work you do; it’s the key to getting paid for it.

Prepare Now with the Right Estimating Tools

Now is the perfect time to invest in your team’s estimating accuracy. Verisk’s XactXpert platform is the official training engine behind Xactimate. For an advanced, contractor-optimized version, check out the Actionable Profile from Actionable Insights.

Both tools will help you:

• Maximize line item usage
• Standardize estimates across your company
• Reduce rejections and underbilling

Get your team ahead of CAT season while work is still slow training today means fewer headaches tomorrow.

Join the RIA: Member Perks That Actually Pay Off

Enjoy exclusive savings with over 20 trusted partners in estimating, training, and business operations from software to equipment.

Current RIA Affinity Partners include:

Actionable Insights, AnswerForce, Answering Service Care, EarthVisionz, Encircle, JOC Analytics, KnowHow, Know Your Talents, Large Loss Mastery, LearnToRestore, Lowe’s, magicplan, PSA, Reets Drying Academy, Restoration Brokers of America, Sunbelt Rentals, Supreme Waste Network, Tramex, Verisk (XactXpert), and Violand Management Associates.

RIA members saved over $300,000 in 2024 using these discounts.

The RIA also provides valuable webinars available for CEC Credits on these topics and more. These courses are $25 for members and $75 for non-members but you can use the discount code R&R for 20% off your first purchase.

Navigating the Storm: Most Challenging Aspects of CAT Work

This session will provide unique insights into the challenges of accepting and managing work related to catastrophic events, by sharing experiences and best practices from the restoration industry and disaster/emergency management.

https://training.restorationindustry.org/products/navigating-the-storm-most-challenging-aspects-of-cat-work 

Lessons Learned from Large Catastrophe Losses

In this session you will hear from Mickey Lee, an industry leader and well-known trainer, technical expert and troubleshooter. He has been going out on “Cat” for nearly 30 years, managing large projects, managing overall operations and for 15 years had the responsibility to analyze the Company’s annual response with the purpose of improving it. He will share several critical lessons, both good and bad, learned over those years.

https://training.restorationindustry.org/products/lessons-learned-from-large-catastrophe-losses 

1. Support Your Billing with Industry-Backed Resources
   • Gain access to credible white papers and position documents supporting fair business practices and invoice defense
   • When you get pushback from carriers or TPAs, show up with data — not opinions
2. Expect the Ripple Effect
   Even if your region avoids storms, you’ll feel:
   • Delays in materials
   • Increased pricing pressures
   • Overloaded carrier systems
3. Don’t wait to act. Prepare your team and your clients now.
   • White papers and best practices to defend your invoices
   • Templates and sample language for documentation
   • Guidance and advocacy through RIA’s AGA initiative

Storms may test our infrastructure, but they also prove our resilience. With preparation, professionalism and peer support, this industry will rise to the challenge — again.