2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast and Safety Guidance

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1. NOAA projects a below‑average season for the first time since 2015, estimating up to 14 named tropical storms and six hurricanes, while the Colorado State University team predicts 13 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes. El Niño conditions are expected to increase wind shear in the Atlantic, which can suppress storm development, but unusually warm Atlantic waters may partially offset that effect.

Virginia officials warn residents not to let the “below‑average” outlook reduce preparedness. The state’s Department of Emergency Management urges citizens to check their evacuation zones, review designated routes such as the Hampton Roads and Monitor‑Merrimac Memorial bridge‑tunnels, and assemble emergency kits with food, water, cash, and supplies. Home‑hardening measures—boarded windows, impact‑resistant siding, and reinforced roofs—are also recommended. A single storm can still cause significant damage, as past events like Hurricane Isabel demonstrated.

Overall, experts stress that despite the forecast, the risk remains, and residents along the Atlantic seaboard should maintain vigilance and preparedness throughout the season.