2026 Hurricane Season Forecast: How To Prepare
Colorado State University’s 2026 Atlantic hurricane season forecast is calling for somewhat below-normal activity, with an estimated 13 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes. CSU also forecasts Accumulated Cyclone Energy, or ACE, at 90, compared with the 1991–2020 average of 123. (tropical.colostate.edu)
What CSU’s 2026 Hurricane Forecast Means
According to Colorado State University, the 2026 season is expected to be influenced by a transition from weak La Niña conditions toward El Niño. El Niño typically increases vertical wind shear across the tropical Atlantic, which can make it harder for storms to form, organize, and strengthen. (tropical.colostate.edu)
That is the main reason CSU is forecasting a below-average probability of major hurricane landfalls along the continental U.S. coastline and in the Caribbean. Still, CSU makes an important point that every coastal property owner should take seriously: it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for you.
Key Numbers From the 2026 Hurricane Forecast
CSU’s April forecast estimates:
13 named storms
6 hurricanes
2 major hurricanes
55 named storm days
20 hurricane days
5 major hurricane days
The forecast also estimates a 32% chance of at least one major hurricane landfall along the entire continental U.S. coastline, compared with a long-term average of 43%. For the U.S. East Coast, including Peninsula Florida, CSU estimates a 15% chance, compared with a 21% long-term average. For the Gulf Coast, the forecast estimates a 20% chance, compared with a 27% long-term average.
Below Normal Does Not Mean Low Risk
A quieter forecast can create a false sense of security. Even if the Atlantic season produces fewer storms overall, any one storm can still bring destructive storm surge, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, riverine flooding, and localized drainage failures.
For homeowners, property managers, municipalities, facility operators, and business owners, hurricane preparation should not be based only on the number of storms predicted. It should be based on the vulnerability of the property.
A single slow-moving tropical storm can overwhelm drainage systems. A hurricane that passes offshore can still push water inland. A heavy rain event can flood entryways, garages, loading docks, storefronts, basements, and critical infrastructure long before wind damage becomes the main concern.
Start With a Property Flood Risk Review
The best time to prepare for hurricane season is before a storm is on the forecast map. Start by identifying the areas where water is most likely to enter or collect.
Common flood-vulnerable areas include:
Doorways and entryways
Garage doors and ramps
Basement stairwells
Loading docks
Window wells
Storefronts
Below-grade access points
Mechanical rooms
Utility areas
Perimeter openings
Once those areas are identified, property owners can better determine whether they need temporary flood barriers, semi-permanent systems, inflatable protection, water diversion panels, or engineered flood wall solutions.
Build a Hurricane Season Preparation Plan
A strong preparation plan should include both emergency readiness and physical flood protection. Keep supplies on hand, review insurance documents, photograph property conditions, clear drains and gutters, and create a communication plan for employees, residents, or family members.
Just as importantly, determine what needs to happen when a flood watch or hurricane warning is issued. Who deploys barriers? Where are they stored? How long does installation take? Are the right people trained? Are vulnerable openings already measured?
Flood protection works best when it is planned in advance, not rushed during the final hours before landfall.
Flood Protection Solutions To Consider Before the Season
Garrison Flood Control provides several flood mitigation options that can help property owners prepare for hurricane season, depending on the type of structure and the level of protection needed.
For properties that need temporary perimeter protection or water diversion, Mayim Flood Barriers allow users to assemble connected panels that create temporary flood barrier protection.
For doorways, garages, loading docks, and other openings, the Hammerhead Aluminum Flood Plank System provides durable, structured protection designed to block incoming water.
For fast, portable entryway protection, the MAKO Inflatable Flood Barrier offers a deployable solution that seals against a variety of surfaces and is designed for severe weather, storm surge, and flash flooding scenarios.
If you are looking for large scale flood protection solutions, consider the scale of both Bluefin Perimeter Flood Barrier or Yellowfin Flood Barrier Panels. Bluefin is a large scale perimeter flood barrier solution that can surround entire buildings and protect against storm surges. Whereas Yellowfin serves as a directly mounted flood wall solution for doors, windows and entryways.
Preparation Is the Real Forecast That Matters
While Colorado State University projects a somewhat below-normal hurricane season for 2026, the reality is that risk is never evenly distributed. One storm, one surge event, or one prolonged rainfall system is all it takes to create significant flood damage.
That is why preparation should always be treated as a constant, not a reaction to seasonal outlooks. The most resilient properties are the ones that have already identified vulnerabilities, implemented protection strategies, and established clear deployment plans before a storm ever forms.
Working with experienced providers like Garrison Flood Control can help property owners move from reactive planning to proactive protection. With a range of solutions designed for everything from entryways to full-perimeter defense, Garrison serves as a valuable resource for those looking to strengthen their flood preparedness strategy ahead of hurricane season.
As the 2026 season approaches, the forecast offers guidance, but preparation is what ultimately determines outcomes.
FAQs About the 2026 Hurricane Season Forecast
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Colorado State University’s 2026 Atlantic hurricane season forecast is calling for somewhat below-normal activity, with 13 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes. Even with a below-normal forecast, property owners should still prepare because one landfalling storm can cause serious flooding.
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Not necessarily. A below-normal hurricane season may mean fewer storms overall, but it does not eliminate the risk of storm surge, flash flooding, heavy rainfall, or localized flooding. One storm can still create major damage for homes, businesses, and communities.
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Homeowners should review their flood risk, clear gutters and drains, document property conditions, check insurance coverage, prepare emergency supplies, and identify vulnerable entry points such as doors, garages, basement stairs, and low-lying openings.
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Businesses should create a storm response plan, protect critical entry points, review continuity procedures, secure inventory and equipment, train staff on flood protection deployment, and determine how quickly temporary flood barriers can be installed before a storm.
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Common vulnerable areas include doorways, garage doors, loading docks, basement stairwells, storefronts, window wells, mechanical rooms, utility areas, and below-grade entrances.
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Useful flood protection solutions can include temporary flood barriers, aluminum flood wall systems, inflatable flood barriers, water diversion panels, and flood protection systems designed for doors, garages, loading docks, and perimeter areas. Garrison Flood Control provides durable and reliable hurricane flood solutions.
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Early preparation gives property owners time to assess risks, measure vulnerable openings, select the right flood protection solutions, train staff or family members, and avoid rushed decisions when a storm is already approaching.
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Yes, flood barriers can help reduce water intrusion from storm surge, heavy rain, flash flooding, and rising water when they are properly selected, installed, and deployed based on the property’s specific risk points.
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Garrison Flood Control provides flood protection solutions such as Mayim Flood Barriers, the Hammerhead Aluminum Flood Plank System, Bluefin Perimeter Flood Barrier, Yellowfin Flood Barrier Panels, and the MAKO Inflatable Flood Barrier. These solutions can support different flood protection needs, including entryway protection, perimeter defense, and temporary water diversion.
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Property owners should evaluate and prepare flood barriers before hurricane season begins. Waiting until a storm is approaching can make it harder to measure openings, select the correct solution, train users, and deploy protection in time.