The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released its 2026 Atlantic hurricane season predictions, and for the first time since 2015, they predict a below-normal hurricane season. This season may be forecast as less active, but homeowners in hurricane-prone regions should still take steps to protect their homes and families. TGS Insurance is dedicated to helping you find the right coverage to face the uncertainty of the season.
2026 Hurricane Season Outlook
The forecast, released on May 21, 2026, indicates a below-average hurricane season, beginning on June 1 and continuing through November 30. The agency has forecast:
- 8-14 named storms with winds of 39 mph or higher.
- 3-6 hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or higher.
- 1-3 major hurricanes (Category 3) with winds of 111 mph or higher.
The forecast predicts the likeliness of a below-normal season to be 55%. A near-normal season is 35% likely, and an above-normal season is 10% likely. Based on these ranges, NOAA predicts the 2026 hurricane season to be less active than recent years with 70% confidence.
The Science Behind the Season
The NOAA explains their predictions for a below-average season are based on multiple competing factors. Among these are the weather pattern of El Niño, Atlantic water temperatures, and trade wind speeds.
The forecast says that El Niño will not only develop, but intensify during this hurricane season. In addition, they expect temperatures of the Atlantic Ocean to be slightly warmer than average, and trade winds speeds to be weaker than normal.
The conditions of El Niño can often suppress the development of hurricanes, aided by the warmer waters and slower winds. Because of these conditions, NOAA’s prediction for this hurricane season is below-normal.
Staying Prepared as a Homeowner
The NOAA cautions that even though they expect a less active season, it’s best to prepare before a storm strikes. Here’s how you can stay prepared:
- Review Your Insurance Coverage: Review your homeowners insurance policy to confirm that it includes sufficient windstorm and flood protection. Many standard policies exclude these factors. It’s ideal to consider adding a flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers.
- Protect Your Property: Reinforce windows, install storm shutters, and secure outdoor items such as grills or furniture. Conduct an inspection of your roof to check for weaknesses and trim trees that are at risk of falling during a storm.
- Create an Emergency Plan: Develop an evacuation plan with your family. Be sure to include clear routes and a meeting point. Have an emergency kit prepared with essentials such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and medical supplies.
- Stay Informed: Stay up-to-date on the latest hurricane news with updates from NOAA, the National Hurricane Center, and local authorities. Sign up for emergency alerts to stay informed about storms approaching your area.
Why Insurance Matters in Hurricane Preparedness
The damages caused by a hurricane’s high winds and dangerous flooding can be devastating. TGS Insurance specializes in finding home insurance policies specifically tailored to the potential risks homeowners face in hurricane-prone regions. Our team is ready to help you compare quotes from top carriers to ensure your property is fully protected against storms and other hazards.
Stay Prepared this Hurricane Season with TGS Insurance
The 2026 hurricane season may be forecast to be less active than previous years, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared. Let TGS Insurance help you find the right coverage for hurricane season to protect your home and family, so you can breeze through the uncertain season with peace of mind.
Stay safe this hurricane season!