What you need to know about the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season

Recent experience continues to show that a small number of long-lived and powerful storms - or even a single event - can drive significant disruption, particularly in vulnerable regions.

With shifting climate patterns influencing where and how storms develop, the key challenge this season is not volume, but variability. Organisations should therefore prioritise preparedness, flexibility and a clear understanding of local risk exposure.

What can we expect from the 2026 hurricane season?

The United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts below-average storm activity in the 2026 season, with between eight and 14 named storms expected. Of these, three to six are forecast to develop into hurricanes, and one to three into major hurricanes (category 3+).

This outlook is largely driven by developing El Niño conditions, which tend to reduce the overall number storms in the Atlantic. However, this does not eliminate risk, it shifts it, as the storms that do form tend to rapidly intensify. Warmer sea surface temperatures near Central America and the Caribbean supports storm development closer to land, increasing the likelihood of rapid intensification and reducing warning time ahead of landfall.

In the United States, the overall risk of a major landfall is expected to remain below average. The Gulf Coast and the Carolinas remain the most exposed, particularly to passing systems and secondary effects such as inland flooding.

Across the Caribbean, vulnerability remains more pronounced. Infrastructure constraints, reliance on limited transport networks and reduced recovery capacity mean that even a single storm can result in significant and prolonged disruption.

As in previous seasons, activity is expected to peak around September, when the likelihood of operational impact is at its highest.

Prior to storm development 

Preparation should focus on reducing exposure and ensuring plans are ready to activate quickly:

• Review evacuation plans and define clear triggers that consider both storm severity and operational constraints such as transport or communications disruption
• Assess site vulnerabilities, including flood exposure, access routes and reliance on local infrastructure
• Secure or relocate critical assets, particularly in higher-risk or resource-constrained locations
• Validate business continuity plans so operations can continue remotely or from alternative sites if needed
• Ensure staff understand emergency procedures, escalation processes and communication channels

Preparation for an incoming hurricane

As a storm develops, early and decisive action helps reduce disruption:

• Monitor forecasts closely, particularly as conditions can change quickly in the lead-up to landfall
• Adjust travel and operational plans early, anticipating cancellations and reduced transport availability
• Activate response plans in line with predefined triggers, rather than waiting for confirmation
• Brief staff with clear guidance on next steps, including relocation, remote working or sheltering in place
• Confirm access to accommodation, essential supplies and reliable communication

In case of an impending storm

When a hurricane is imminent, the priority is immediate safety:

• Follow local authority guidance and relocate to safe locations where required
• Shelter in secure buildings, staying in interior rooms away from windows and flood-prone areas
• Avoid all non-essential travel, particularly on flooded or damaged roads
• Prepare for disruption to power, communications and essential services
• Remain in a safe location after landfall until conditions are confirmed safe

If you would like support reviewing your hurricane preparedness, strengthening business continuity planning or understanding your specific exposure, Healix can provide tailored advice to help safeguard your people, operations and assets throughout the season.

Contact our Global Security Operations Centre for bespoke advice, or for help in authoring appropriate evacuation plans which gives employees and security managed detailed and actionable options for rapidly evacuating assets in the event of a potentially catastrophic hurricane. Email enquiries@healix.com.