The start of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is right around the corner.
Earlier in May, the National Hurricane Center and NOAA and the National Weather Service tackled a different topic each day during Hurricane Preparedness Week. The week was designed to help you know what to do before, during and after a storm.
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Before the arrival of hurricane season is the time to start preparations. Don’t wait until a storm is on the horizon.
From building a hurricane supply kit and knowing your evacuation zone, to checking over your insurance policy and inspecting your home, there are plenty of things you can do now.
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One topic generating interest lately is hurricane shutters. From plywood to fabric, there are plenty of options out there, depending on your budget.
Let’s break it down, including pros and cons of each type.
When is hurricane season in Florida?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.
Ninety-seven percent of tropical cyclone activity occurs during this time period, NOAA said.
➤ Hurricane Center testing new cone: What’s changing this season?
The Atlantic basin includes the northern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America, as the Gulf of Mexico is now known in the U.S. per an order from President Trump. NOAA and the National Hurricane Center are now using Gulf of America on its maps and in its advisories.
Countdown clock to start of 2026 Atlantic hurricane season
National Hurricane Center tracking no disturbances May 20
There are no disturbances listed by the National Hurricane Center on its tropical outlook map as of 8 a.m. May 20.
There is one tropical wave:
How many types of hurricane shutters are there?
From fabric to glass, there are a wide variety of hurricane shutters out there.
Florida Farm Bureau has a handy guide to Florida hurricane shutters to help you understand the pros and cons for each type, along with costs.
Storm panel hurricane shutters
Other factors to consider: These are commonly found covering windows and doors in Florida. They can be made from metal, aluminum or plastic. Storm panels attach to the walls around windows and doors on bolts or tracks.
Accordion hurricane shutters
Other factors to consider: They are a type of permanently installed shutter and are stored beside the windows or doors when not in use.
Colonial hurricane shutters
Other factors to consider: The two-piece louvered (parallel, horizontal slats) shutters are permanently attached to the wall beside each window. They fold together to protect the window.
Bahama hurricane shutters
Other factors to consider: Bahama shutters are also permanently installed. The one-piece louvered (parallel, horizontal slat) shutter is attached above the windows. Bahama shutters are storm-ready when lowered and secured to the wall.
Roll-down hurricane shutters
Other factors to consider: Roll-downs are permanently installed hurricane shutters that attach above the window and can be locked in place for storm protection. They can be rolled up and stored in an enclosed box when not in use.
They come in both manual and electric options.
Hurricane fabric shutters
Other factors to consider: Hurricane fabric is a type of non-permanent hurricane protection usually made from a type of reinforced Kevlar, which is an extremely tough yet flexible, light-weight and impact-resistant fabric.
Hurricane glass or impact windows
Other factors to consider: Hurricane glass is similar to a car windshield, with a durable plastic-like layer sandwiched between glasses. The outside layer will break, but the center prevents any holes.
Can I use plywood to protect my windows and home from hurricanes?
You certainly can use plywood to protect your windows and doors from a hurricane, but keep these points in mind:
Shop Lowe’s for plywood
What are predictions for 2026 hurricane season?
Here are some of the predictions released so far for this year’s hurricane season. NOAA will release its forecast for the season May 21.
➤ El Niño odds rise again, which could mean fewer hurricanes for Florida
A major hurricane is a storm that is a Category 3 or stronger, with maximum sustained winds of at least 111 mph.
How many tropical storms, hurricanes are in a typical season?
The 30-year average, from 1991 to 2020, is for 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes.
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Could Florida be hit by a hurricane in 2026? See which counties have highest chance
What are names for 2026 Atlantic hurricane season?
Names for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, and how to pronounce them, are:
When is the peak of hurricane season?
The peak of the season is Sept. 10, with the most activity happening between mid-August and mid-October, according to the Hurricane Center.
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What’s next?
We will update our tropical weather coverage regularly to bring you the most current information you need to protect your home and family.
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://news-press.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Looking for hurricane shutters but overwhelmed? Let’s break it down
Reporting by Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
