It is official. Tropical Storm Arthur — the first named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season — has formed off the Gulf Coast of Texas, according to CBS News reporting on June 17, 2026. The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, and the formation of Arthur this early in the season is a reminder that no American living along the Gulf Coast, Atlantic Coast, or inland areas prone to flooding can afford to wait until a storm is approaching to prepare.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has already signaled that 2026 is expected to be an above-normal hurricane season — driven by exceptionally warm Atlantic Ocean temperatures and the atmospheric conditions that fuel powerful storm development. For the millions of Americans who live in hurricane-vulnerable areas — from Texas to Maine along the coast, and hundreds of miles inland where flooding and high winds can cause catastrophic damage — preparation is not optional. It is essential.

This is your complete 2026 hurricane season preparation guide — covering every step from building your emergency kit and creating an evacuation plan to protecting your home, reviewing your insurance, and knowing exactly what to do when a storm is coming.

Start preparing today. Tropical Storm Arthur just reminded everyone why. 🌀

Understanding the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season

NOAA’s 2026 Hurricane Season Forecast

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season was forecast by NOAA to be significantly above normal, with predictions including:

17-25 named storms (compared to an average of 14)
8-13 hurricanes (compared to an average of 7)
4-7 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4, or 5)

The key driver of this elevated forecast is the Atlantic’s exceptionally warm sea surface temperatures — warmer water provides more energy for storm development and intensification. The absence of a strong El Niño pattern, which typically suppresses Atlantic hurricane activity, further increases the risk of an active season.

The Hurricane Scale: Know What You Are Facing

Category	Sustained Winds	Storm Surge	Expected Damage
Tropical Storm	39-73 mph	0-3 feet	Flooding, downed trees
Category 1	74-95 mph	4-5 feet	Roof damage, power outages
Category 2	96-110 mph	6-8 feet	Major roof damage, uprooted trees
Category 3	111-129 mph	9-12 feet	Structural damage, power out days-weeks
Category 4	130-156 mph	13-18 feet	Catastrophic structural damage
Category 5	157+ mph	19+ feet	Catastrophic, widespread destruction

Important: Category and wind speed are only part of the threat. Storm surge — the wall of water pushed ashore by a hurricane — is historically responsible for the majority of hurricane-related deaths in the United States. A Category 1 hurricane making landfall at high tide in a low-lying area can produce life-threatening storm surge. Never underestimate a storm based on category alone.

Step 1: Know Your Risk Zone

The single most important hurricane preparation step is understanding exactly where you stand in relation to storm surge risk.

Evacuation Zones

Most coastal counties and parishes in hurricane-prone states maintain evacuation zone maps that divide communities into zones (A, B, C, D, or numbered equivalents) based on storm surge vulnerability. Zone A (or Zone 1) represents the highest-risk areas that flood first and most severely. Higher-lettered or numbered zones face progressively less risk.

Find your evacuation zone now — before any storm is approaching — by visiting your county or parish emergency management website. Do not wait until a storm watch is issued, when websites may be overloaded.

States with Highest Hurricane Risk

Gulf Coast: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida (Gulf side) Atlantic Coast: Florida (Atlantic side), Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts Inland risk: Flooding and high winds can extend hundreds of miles inland, particularly in the Southeast

The Saffir-Simpson Scale is Not Enough

Now that the FIFA World Cup is underway, Americans may be distracted — but the formation of Tropical Storm Arthur is a stark reminder that hurricane season does not pause for other events. Know your zone, know your risk, and make your plan now.

Step 2: Build Your Hurricane Emergency Kit

FEMA recommends having enough supplies to sustain your household for at least 72 hours without outside assistance — and in major hurricane scenarios, that window can extend to two weeks or more. Here is the complete emergency kit checklist for 2026:

Water (Most Critical Supply)

✅ 1 gallon of water per person per day
✅ Minimum 3-day supply (72 hours)
✅ Recommended: 2-week supply if possible
✅ Do NOT rely on tap water being safe 
   after a major storm
✅ Include water for pets

For a family of four: 12 gallons minimum for 3 days; 56 gallons for 2 weeks.

Water purification backup options:

Water purification tablets (available at outdoor retailers and Amazon)
A quality water filter (LifeStraw or Sawyer Squeeze)
Large water storage containers (WaterBOB bathtub liner — fills standard tub with 100 gallons before a storm)

Food

✅ Non-perishable items only:
   ├── Canned goods (meat, beans, vegetables, fruit)
   ├── Peanut butter and crackers
   ├── Granola bars and trail mix
   ├── Dried fruit and nuts
   ├── Instant oatmeal and rice
   ├── Shelf-stable milk
   └── Baby formula (if applicable)
   
✅ Manual can opener (critical — easily forgotten)
✅ Disposable plates, utensils, cups
✅ Comfort foods and snacks 
   (morale matters during emergencies)

Power and Light

✅ Flashlights — one per person minimum
   (LED preferred, longer battery life)
✅ Extra batteries (multiple sizes)
✅ Portable power bank/solar charger
   for phones
✅ Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
   (NOAA Weather Radio capable)
✅ Candles with matches/lighter
   (use with extreme fire safety caution)
✅ Glow sticks (safe for children)

Generator Safety — Critical 2026 Update

Portable generators are among the most valuable hurricane recovery tools — and among the most dangerous if used incorrectly. Carbon monoxide poisoning from improperly used generators kills Americans every hurricane season.

Generator rules:

NEVER operate a generator indoors, including garages, even with doors open
Place generators at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent
Install battery-operated CO detectors on every level of your home
Store gasoline safely in approved containers with fuel stabilizer

Best generators for 2026 (Amazon bestsellers):

Honda EU2200i — Quietest and most reliable in its class
Generac GP3300 — Best value for power output
Westinghouse WGen7500 — Best for whole-home coverage

Medical and First Aid

✅ First aid kit (fully stocked)
✅ Seven-day supply of all prescription medications
✅ Copies of all prescriptions
✅ Extra glasses or contact lens supplies
✅ Blood pressure monitor (if applicable)
✅ Insulin and refrigeration plan (diabetics)
✅ Baby supplies (diapers, formula, medicine)
✅ Pet medications

Medication tip: Contact your doctor now — before any storm — to obtain early refills of critical medications. Most pharmacies and insurance companies allow emergency supplies when a hurricane watch or warning is issued, but availability can be limited when everyone seeks refills simultaneously.

Documents and Financial Preparedness

✅ Waterproof container or zip-lock bags for:
   ├── Identification (ID, passports)
   ├── Insurance policies (home, auto, health)
   ├── Bank account information
   ├── Property deed or lease
   ├── Medical records and vaccination history
   ├── Birth certificates and Social Security cards
   └── Recent photos of your home and belongings
   
✅ Cash in small bills
   (ATMs and card readers fail during power outages)
   
✅ USB drive with digital copies of all documents

Communication

✅ NOAA Weather Radio (battery or hand-crank)
✅ Charged portable phone battery pack
✅ List of emergency contacts (paper copy)
✅ Know your local emergency alert system
   (register for text/email alerts at 
   your county emergency management website)
✅ Establish an out-of-state contact person
   (local lines often overloaded; 
   out-of-state calls sometimes clearer)

Step 3: Create Your Family Evacuation Plan

Having supplies is essential — but knowing when and where to go can be the difference between life and death in a major hurricane.

The Evacuation Decision

Evacuate when:

Local officials order a mandatory evacuation — always follow these orders
You live in an Evacuation Zone A or B (storm surge areas)
You live in a mobile home or manufactured housing
You live near a river or low-lying area prone to flooding
You or a family member has medical needs that require power

Shelter in place only when:

You are in a zone that authorities say is not threatened
You have a well-constructed home that can withstand the storm
You have sufficient supplies for the storm’s duration plus recovery period

Plan Your Routes Now

Identify at least two evacuation routes from your home — roads can be closed, flooded, or congested during evacuations:

Know your local evacuation routes (posted on your county emergency management website)
Identify your destination — a family member’s home outside the risk zone, a hotel, or an official shelter
Know the locations of at least two shelters along your route (special needs shelters exist for those with medical requirements)
Practice the route before the season — know the turns without GPS

Pet Evacuation — Plan Ahead

Public emergency shelters typically do not accept pets. Plan now for your animals:

Identify pet-friendly hotels along your evacuation route (Petfinder.com and BringFido.com maintain current lists)
Locate pet-friendly emergency shelters in your county
Prepare pet emergency kits: food, water, medications, crate, vaccination records, and recent photos

The Evacuation Timeline

When a hurricane watch is issued for your area:

Begin executing your plan immediately
Fill your gas tank (stations run out quickly)
Withdraw cash from ATMs
Review your kit and restock any gaps

When a hurricane warning is issued:

Leave immediately if in an evacuation zone
Do not wait — conditions deteriorate rapidly
Leaving 24-48 hours before landfall avoids the worst traffic

Step 4: Protect Your Home

Exterior Preparation

Before storm season begins:
✅ Trim trees and branches near your home
✅ Clean gutters and downspouts
✅ Inspect and repair roof (loose shingles, 
   damaged flashing)
✅ Check and reinforce garage door 
   (most vulnerable point of entry for wind)
✅ Install storm shutters or pre-cut plywood
   for all windows
✅ Secure or store outdoor furniture, 
   decorations, and items that can become 
   projectiles
✅ Know how to turn off utilities 
   (gas, water, electricity)

Storm Shutters vs Plywood

Pre-installed storm shutters are the most reliable window protection — but if shutters are not an option, 5/8-inch exterior plywood cut to fit each window provides significant protection. Measure and cut panels now, label them for each window, and store them where they are easily accessible.

Hurricane-rated garage doors: Standard garage doors are the most common point of structural failure during hurricanes. Hurricane-resistant bracing kits ($100-300 at Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Amazon) significantly improve resistance to high winds.

Interior Preparation

✅ Fill bathtubs with water 
   (WaterBOB liner maximizes storage)
✅ Move valuables to upper floors
✅ Unplug electronics and appliances
✅ Fill vehicles with gas
✅ Move important documents to 
   waterproof containers
✅ Take photos/video of all rooms 
   for insurance documentation

Step 5: Review Your Insurance NOW

One of the most consistently overlooked hurricane preparation steps is reviewing insurance coverage — and the time to do it is before a storm threatens, not during or after.

Homeowner’s Insurance Does NOT Cover Flood Damage

This surprises many Americans every hurricane season: standard homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding, even flooding caused by a hurricane. Flood damage — which is often the most devastating and costly aspect of hurricane impact — requires a separate flood insurance policy.

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP): The federal government’s flood insurance program, available through your insurance agent or directly at FloodSmart.gov. Standard policies take 30 days to go into effect — meaning you cannot purchase flood insurance after a storm is approaching and have it cover that storm’s damage.

If you do not have flood insurance and live in a hurricane-risk area, contact your agent today.

What to Review with Your Agent

✅ Confirm your dwelling coverage amount
   reflects current rebuild costs 
   (construction costs have risen dramatically)
✅ Verify your deductible — many policies 
   have separate, higher hurricane deductibles
   (often 2-5% of insured value, not a flat dollar)
✅ Review your personal property coverage
✅ Confirm additional living expenses coverage
   (pays for hotels/rentals if your home 
   is uninhabitable)
✅ Review your auto insurance 
   (comprehensive covers flood damage to vehicles)
✅ Document all belongings now with 
   photos/video stored in the cloud

Step 6: Special Considerations for 2026

AI-Powered Hurricane Tracking

Hurricane tracking has improved dramatically in 2026, with AI-enhanced forecast models providing earlier and more accurate predictions of track, intensity, and rainfall. The best apps for tracking storms:

National Hurricane Center (nhc.noaa.gov) — Official source; authoritative
Weather Underground — Excellent visualization tools
Windy.com — Best for visualizing storm wind fields
AccuWeather — Strong probabilistic forecasting
Local NWS office app — Hyper-local forecasts and alerts

Social Security Recipients

FEMA and the Social Security Administration have specific programs for disaster survivors, including early benefit payments and expedited replacement of lost identification documents. Know the phone numbers before you need them: FEMA disaster assistance at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) and SSA at 1-800-772-1213.

Elderly and Disabled Americans

Individuals with special medical needs should register with their county’s Special Needs Registry now. This system alerts emergency management to individuals who may need evacuation assistance, generator-dependent medical equipment monitoring, or medical shelter accommodations. Contact your county emergency management office to register.

Hurricane Season 2026: Dates to Know

Event	Date
Hurricane Season Start	June 1, 2026
Tropical Storm Arthur Forms	June 17, 2026 ← RIGHT NOW
Peak of Hurricane Season	September 10, 2026
Hurricane Season End	November 30, 2026
Historically Most Active Period	August 15 – October 15

Quick Reference: What to Do When a Storm is Coming

HURRICANE WATCH ISSUED
(Hurricane possible within 48 hours):
├── Review and restock your emergency kit
├── Fill gas tank and withdraw cash
├── Install storm shutters or board windows
├── Secure or store outdoor items
└── Know your evacuation zone and route

HURRICANE WARNING ISSUED
(Hurricane expected within 36 hours):
├── Leave NOW if in an evacuation zone
├── Follow official evacuation routes
├── Take your emergency kit and documents
├── Notify your out-of-state contact
└── Do not return until officials say it is safe

AFTER THE STORM:
├── Wait for official all-clear before returning
├── Document ALL damage with photos before 
    cleaning up (insurance requires this)
├── Contact your insurance company immediately
├── Beware of scam contractors 
    (use licensed, local companies only)
├── Do not use generators indoors
└── Boil water until officials confirm safety

Where to Get Help: Essential Resources

Emergency:               911
FEMA Disaster Help:      1-800-621-3362
FEMA Website:            fema.gov
National Hurricane Ctr:  nhc.noaa.gov
American Red Cross:      redcross.org
                         1-800-RED-CROSS
NOAA Weather Radio:      weather.gov/nwr
State Emergency Mgmt:    (Search "[your state] 
                          emergency management")

Tropical Storm Arthur has formed. The 2026 hurricane season is not a future concern — it is a present reality. The time to prepare is not when you can see a storm forming on the radar headed toward your community. The time to prepare is now, while stores are stocked, roads are open, and decisions can be made calmly.

Use this guide. Build your kit. Make your plan. Review your insurance. And stay informed throughout what forecasters expect to be a very active 2026 hurricane season.