2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season calls for 8-14 named storms, 3-6 hurricanes and 1-3 major hurricanes

The year was 1972. Hundreds of miles away from the East Coast, a hurricane named Agnes weakened to a tropical storm and caused devastating flooding in Pennsylvania as well as in New York, Maryland and Virginia. One of the most destructive hurricanes in U.S. history, Agnes ravaged Pennsylvania towns, leaving as many as 220,000 homeless. Sadly, 48 people lost their lives.

In 2024, Helene caused horrific damage in western North Carolina, as well as in parts of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. In North Carolina, Helene was responsible for more than 100 people losing their lives. Catastrophic flash flooding and thousands of landslides washed away entire communities. One report indicated more than 121,000 homes were damaged or destroyed. Again, not a coast in sight.

Why this glimpse into Agnes and Helene? Because it only takes one hurricane making landfall to cause a devastating impact and these powerful storms are not just a problem for people who live along the coast. They can move inland, leaving massive destruction in their wake.

“Whether you’re on the coast or far inland, it’s time to get ready,” said Brad Kieserman, vice president, Red Cross Disaster Operations and Logistics. “Have a plan, pack your go‑kit, check if your family and friends are ready. Being prepared will be your best defense in an emergency.”

2026 HURRICANE SEASON OUTLOOK The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30, and this year the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service predicts a below-normal season with 8-14 named storms. Of those, 3-6 are forecast to become hurricanes, including 1-3 major hurricanes.

One of the factors behind the predictions is the development of El Niño conditions which tend to support fewer tropical storms and hurricanes. The agency added that there is still uncertainty regarding this hurricane season.

In contrast, the outlook for the eastern Pacific calls for an above-normal hurricane season with 15-22 named storms, 9-14 hurricanes and 5-9 major hurricanes. The eastern Pacific Hurricane Season officially runs from May 15 through November 30.

ARE YOU READY? The American Red Cross is getting ready to respond should a hurricane threaten the U.S. and urges everyone to get their household ready too.

• Know what hazards may affect your community. If you aren’t sure, contact your local emergency management agency.
  
• Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government.
• Know what different types of alerts mean. For example, a WATCH means be prepared, and a WARNING means take action.
• Families may need to evacuate quickly with little notice. Plan on how you will reconnect with loved ones if you are separated or if the phone or internet is down. Write down important phone numbers on a contact card and carry it with you.
• Figure out how you’ll stay informed, how you will monitor local weather and news reports even if the power goes out. Have a backup battery or another way to charge your cell phone, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
• Have a plan to evacuate and a plan to shelter safely at home. Your evacuation plan should include knowing where you’ll go, how you’ll get there, and where you’ll stay. Your stay-at-home plan should focus on gathering the right supplies so that you can live safely without power, water, gas, phone or internet for a long time.
• It’s important to have a go-kit and a stay-at-home kit filled with critical supplies like food, water and medicine. Your go-kit should include three days of supplies that you can carry with you. Include backup batteries and chargers for your devices (cell phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.) Your stay-at-home kit should have two weeks of food and water, and, if possible, a one-month supply of medications and medical supplies.
• If you have pets, include leashes, carriers, food, bowls, litter, litterbox and photos of you with your pet in case you’re separated. If you have young children, include diapers, wipes and formula.
• Keep your important papers ─ personal, financial and medical records ─ in a safe place that’s easy to access (hard copies or securely backed up). Consider keeping a list of your medications and dosages on a small card to carry with you.

Find more hurricane preparedness information here.

MORE GOOD STEPS TO TAKE Download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed, and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Pet owners can download the Red Cross Pet First Aid app for more information on how to include pets in emergency preparedness plans and step-by-step instructions for first aid emergencies and more. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

Take a class so you know what to do during an emergency. A variety of online, in-person and blended courses are available, including our new Until Help Arrives online course. Pet owners can take the Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid online course so you’ll know what to do in an emergency until veterinary care is available. People can access the course on their desktop or tablet at redcross.org/catdogfirstaid.