2026 hurricane season forecast: List of US states most at risk this hurricane season

Meteorologists are sounding the alarm for millions of people along the US coast, as the first forecast for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season points to a range of potential storms and several direct impacts on the United States.Hurricane season is that time time of year when tropical storms and cyclones are most likely to develop, and this period runs from June 1 to November 30. During these months, hurricanes occur more frequently and can have deadly effects if people do not take the proper safety precautions. The National Weather Service’s general guidance on Category 5 hurricanes, with winds of 157 mph or higher, still holds, as such storms can bring “catastrophic damage,” with widespread destruction of homes, long-lasting power outages, and many areas becoming uninhabitable for weeks or months.According to AccuWeather’s Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva, the risk equation is simple: even if the season turns out slightly quieter than normal, one storm is enough to cause major damage. According to UNILAD, he said, “It’s very important that everybody from South Texas all the way to Maine prepares equally for each and every hurricane season, regardless of the forecast.”DaSilva further warns, “There is no reason to let your guard down this year. It only takes one storm to cause major damage, disruption, and heartache. Review your insurance coverage, safety plans, and local evacuation routes now. Make sure your emergency supplies are stocked up.”New research from meteorologists at AccuWeather indicates there could be anywhere from 11 to 16 named storms in the Atlantic during 2026. In addition, it is forecast that up to five of these storms may make direct landfall along the US East Coast or the Gulf States.Residents in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Virginia, and the Carolinas are specifically highlighted as being at higher risk for direct tropical-storm or hurricane impacts, according to a Daily Mail report.In 2025, forecasters predicted 19 named storms across the Atlantic, with about ten expected to be strong enough to qualify as hurricanes. However, those expectations were too high, as only five storms last year actually reached hurricane strength.Still, three of the named storms, including Erin, Humberto, and Melissa, reached Category 5, the highest level on the scale, which means “catastrophic damage will occur with winds of 157 mph or higher.”