Prepare for the 2026 Hurricane Season

Experts predict a less active hurricane season in Texas this year. For more context on this perspective, the Choose Energy team spoke with Anthony Yanez, chief meteorologist at KPRC 2 News in Houston. Yanez pointed to El Niño, a climate pattern that brings warm waters to the Pacific Ocean, as a major influence in this year’s hurricane outlook.

“El Niño creates really strong wind shear, which brings opposing winds to tropical systems,” said Yanez. “So as a tropical system tries to form, those opposing winds knock off its top. That’s why we should see a lower number of storms (this year).”

But Yanez clarified that “lower numbers does not mean a lack of impact.” In El Niño years, storms that form close to land can still threaten nearby communities and tend to be less impacted by El Niño. Residents along Texas’ flat coastline should stay alert as they are especially susceptible to flooding during summer storms.

How many hurricanes will there be in 2026?

Researchers from Colorado State University (CSU) anticipate 13 named storms and six hurricanes in the Atlantic this year, according to CSU’s 2026 hurricane activity forecast. Both projections are lower than the 30-year average of 14.4 named storms and 7.2 hurricanes. While these numbers are an estimation, and actual events may differ, the CSU hurricane forecast is a trusted resource among industry experts.

Keep these terms in mind so that you can better understand the severity of storms forming near you.

• Hurricane watch: Hurricane conditions may arise in the next 48 hours in a specific area.
• Hurricane warning: Sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are expected in the next 36 hours.
• Named storm: A storm that causes winds of 39 mph or higher.
• Hurricane: A named storm escalates to a hurricane when winds are 74 mph or higher.
• Major hurricane: A major hurricane is a category 3–5 on the wind scale, which starts at 111 mph.

Yanez also broke down a few important preparatory steps to take before hurricane season arrives.

Have a family plan. Before the storm hits, have a plan for your family, home, and business. Think about how you plan to take care of family members who may be at school or live separately from you. Make sure to include a designated evacuation route and a fully stocked emergency kit (detailed in the next section).

Pick a trusted local resource to get updates. Follow reputable experts or news outlets to receive timely updates about storms in your area.

Practice your plan ahead of time. Yanez pointed out that it’s critical to practice your emergency plan in advance so there are no surprises when it’s time to put it into action.

Review your insurance policy. Hurricanes can be devastating for homeowners and business owners whose property is damaged. Check your insurance policy beforehand to learn what you are covered for, and consider adding flood coverage before hurricane season.

Danielle Villasana /The Washington Post / Getty Images

Your emergency kit should always stay in your designated safe room, where every member of your household can reach it. Here are some essential items to keep in your kit:

• Clean water: One gallon of water per person daily for at least three days.
• Non-perishable food: Three days’ worth of canned foods and other non-perishable items.
• Medicine: Store medications in a dry, sealed container.
• Backup power: Have extra batteries and portable chargers for your phones and flashlights. Use a generator for appliances if you have one.
• First aid kit: Make sure you have gauze, bandages, tweezers, and alcohol wipes.
• Sleeping bags, pillows, and blankets: Seal bedding in a waterproof bag.
• Clean clothes: Set aside at least one outfit per person.
• Cash: Have cash handy in case ATMs and card readers are down.
• Whistle or flare: These could help you get someone’s attention in an emergency.
• Pet supplies: Have food, water, and a carrier ready for your pets.

Stay informed. If a hurricane watch has begun, your area could experience hurricane conditions within the next 48 hours. Listen to local broadcasts to anticipate storm conditions.

Secure outdoor furniture. If you have time before conditions worsen, either secure outdoor furniture or bring it inside to prevent damage and keep your belongings from flying away.

Turn off surge protectors. Once the storm hits, you should turn off and unplug your surge protectors to prevent your electronics from being destroyed during a power outage.

Unplug large appliances. A power outage can damage large appliances, such as your refrigerator and stove. When the electricity returns, there may be a power surge, causing damage to electronics left plugged in.

Gather in your safe room. Get everyone into the safe room and bring any materials you’ll need that aren’t already there. Once in the safe room, tune in to local weather channels and only leave once emergency officials have cleared your area.

Don’t leave your safe room. Wait for officials to confirm your area is safe before leaving your safe room and going outside.

Avoid bodies of water and large puddles. Be careful around downed power lines or electrical equipment due to the risk of electric shock.

Don’t drink tap water. Water sources can become damaged during storms. Wait to hear from officials that it’s safe before drinking from the tap. If you need water, use bottled, filtered, or boiled water that’s been cooled down.

Will a hurricane hit Texas in 2026?

Not all hurricanes that form in the Atlantic hit land. However, CSU hurricane researchers anticipate 13 named storms and six hurricanes in the Atlantic this year, so it’s critical to stay prepared in case one reaches the coastline.

When is hurricane season?

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, with August, September, and October typically being the most active months.

What is the difference between a hurricane watch and a warning?

A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible in your area within the next 48 hours. A warning means that a hurricane is expected to hit your area within 36 hours. A hurricane warning is more severe than a watch announcement, although both should be taken very seriously.