Your time is valuable, and we understand the difficulty of staying informed.
So we’ve created this quick and easy-to-read checklist of what you should know and how to prepare for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.
➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location
Why? Because since 1851, Florida has been hit by more hurricanes — by far — than any other state.
When is hurricane season?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.
➤ Hurricane Center testing new cone: What’s changing this season?
Countdown clock to start of 2026 hurricane season
When will National Hurricane Center start issuing advisories?
Unless something shows potential for development earlier, the National Hurricane Center will begin posting its tropical outlook map on May 15.
➤ Tropical outlook map gets tweak for 2026 season
The map shows systems that could develop over the next five to seven days and the percentage chance for development.
What should I do now to prepare for hurricane season?
The National Weather Service, FEMA and NOAA offer several suggestions on how you can prepare for hurricane season, before the imminent threat of a storm.
No. 1: Know your evacuation zone
The Florida Division of Emergency Management has a website to determine whether you live in an evacuation zone and what zone it is.
Enter your address to find out if you are in an evacuation zone and, of so, the letter designation of your zone.
No. 2: Build a hurricane kit
Now is the time to start gathering hurricane supplies, while stores are fully stocked and there isn’t a rush of customers.
➤ Don’t have a hurricane supply kit? From the basics to the extras, here’s what you need
Here are a few sites offering disaster supply checklists:
No. 3: Check your insurance policy
Now is the time to review your insurance policies to make sure you have adequate coverage for your home and personal property.
➤ Before hurricane season, what to check on Florida insurance policies
No. 4: Review what weather watches, warnings really mean and what you should do
Do you understand the difference between a hurricane watch and hurricane warning? Do you know what storm surge is and the dangers?
➤ Explanation of hurricane terms we hope not to hear in Florida this year
Be familiar with the terms you may hear during the season.
No. 5: Sign up now to get latest weather alerts
Set up several different ways to get the latest weather warnings. Options include:
No. 6: Prepare your home, yard before hurricane season begins
Strong winds and heavy rain could seriously damage your home and flying debris and dead trees could make matters worse.
➤ How to prepare your home for hurricane season
Trim trees, clear gutters, secure loose items, check shutters and fix your roof if needed.
What are predictions for 2026 hurricane season?
Most predictions released as of April 30 are for a slightly below normal season, but as forecasters are fond of saying: “It only takes one” to make the season one you’ll never forget.
A major hurricane is a storm that is a Category 3 or stronger, with maximum sustained winds of at least 111 mph.
What are names for 2026 Atlantic hurricane season?
Names for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, and how to pronounce them, are:
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What’s next?
We will continue to update our weather coverage as conditions warrant. Download your local site’s app to ensure you’re always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here.
Cheryl McCloud is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://naplenews.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Quick look at 6 things you should do before hurricane season begins
Reporting by Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
