Forecasts, Resources, and How to Prepare
2026 Hurricane Season
Forecasters are expecting a somewhat below-average to near-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, though outlooks vary by source. These predictions are primarily due to weak La Niña conditions in the tropical Pacific transitioning to El Niño conditions. This typically results in increased wind shear and disrupts hurricane formations in the Atlantic.
NOAA has stated that there is a possibility for strong El Niño conditions to emerge over the next month and through the end of the year. Overall, researchers are projecting roughly 13 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes, which would place the season below historical average.
Still, hurricane predictions are just that – predictions, not guaranteed. The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season was expected to be above average, but instead we saw less named storms and less hurricanes formed than the average. We did see more major hurricanes formed, but it was the first time since 2015 that no hurricanes made landfall with the US. But just because a hurricane did not make landfall with the US does not mean that impacts were not felt. When hurricanes are passing by the coastline, it can still bring heavy rainfall, flooding, storm surge, and other dangerous conditions.
If El Niño conditions continue to strengthen over the next month and through the end of the year, there is a chance that hurricane formation and activity will remain low. Regardless, it is important for everyone to actively monitor forecasts during hurricane season and prepare for disasters.
Hurricane Preparedness Tips and Resources
One of the most reliable monitoring tools to use is the NOAA National Hurricane Center webpage. This tool can be used to forecast and monitor storm systems, assess storm intensity, and what types of hazards might impact the mainland. Ahead of hurricane season the National Hurricane Center has also implemented a new operational hurricane tracking system which provides improvements to the forecast cone. The updated forecast cone includes more details such as symbols for areas where hurricane watches and tropical storm warnings are in effect and a clearer 5-day forecast.
Additionally, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) has developed numerous resources for hospitals and healthcare facilities to prepare for hurricanes and their impacts. This includes information on the CMS Emergency Preparedness requirements, the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP), federal recovery programs for healthcare organizations, and more. If you are not familiar with all the resources ASPR has to offer, you should familiarize yourself with the ASPR TRACIE Hurricane Resources page ahead of the hurricane season.
Healthcare Ready has developed resources that can help public health emergency managers, hospitals, health systems, and patients prepare for hurricane season.
- The first is Rx Open which is Healthcare Ready’s flagship mapping tool that provides pharmacy and dialysis center status, for patients and providers, in areas impacted by natural disasters. When activated, it offers up-to-date information on pharmacies indicating whether they are open or closed. This helps patients directly find nearby pharmacies to pick up their prescriptions, helps providers redirect their patients to open pharmacies, and provides situational awareness of affected areas to public health emergency managers.
- The second is two EPAP related fact sheets for both patients and pharmacies. For patients, it provides information on eligibility, access, and what EPAP covers. For pharmacies, it provides information on how to enroll in the program, the reimbursement process, and how it can be beneficial. For further information about EPAP, you can visit the ASPR webpage here.
- Lastly, Healthcare Ready has developed tools and tip sheets for patients to review ahead of hurricane season. Rx on the Run is a free, customizable wallet card that allows individuals to document their medical conditions, blood-type, prescriptions, allergies, and emergency contacts. This can be extremely helpful during emergency situations when access to medical records may be limited, and individuals can ensure continuity of care. The hurricane disaster tipsheet also provides individuals with information on how to best prepare for hurricanes, protect themselves during a hurricane, and recover from a hurricane.
Throughout the 2026 hurricane season, Healthcare Ready will also be sharing updates, risk assessments, and situation reports to help public health partners, industry partners, and individuals. These will include situational overviews of the storm as well as analysis of healthcare and supply chain impacts. You can stay informed by visiting our website, signing up for our reports, or by following us on X and LinkedIn.
About Healthcare Ready
Healthcare Ready is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works to ensure patient access to healthcare in times of disaster, emergency, and disease outbreaks. We leverage unique relationships with government, nonprofit and medical supply chains to build and enhance the resiliency of communities before, during and after disasters. Learn more about Healthcare Ready
To request the help of our Emergency Operations Center, contact us at alerts@healthcareready.org.
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