WASHINGTON, D.C.—Are you prepared for when severe weather caused by a hurricane strikes? June 1 marks the start of hurricane season. The traditional hurricane season is June 1 through Nov. 30. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook, there is an 85% chance of an above-normal season, with a forecast of 17 to 25 total named storms—the highest number ever forecasted in a May outlook.

Now is the time to prepare: Understand your risk from hurricanes and begin pre-season preparations. Make sure you have multiple ways to receive forecasts and alerts and know what to do before, during and after a storm. Our nation’s forests and grasslands see a wide variety of severe weather each year. Effects from a hurricane can include thunderstorms that bring damaging winds, tornadoes, lightning, flooding and flash flooding, and mud slides. With many Forest Service employees and forests within areas prone to tropical storms and hurricanes, it is time to make a plan to be ready. For those outside of these areas, it is a good reminder that other natural and man-made hazards exist, and that they can occur.

You can start preparing by learning about the types of disasters that may impact your area; setting a goal to make an emergency plan for yourself, your family and friends; and by familiarizing yourself with the state and local emergency management agencies in your area. The resources provided below are applicable to most types of natural disasters.

Here are a few resources for this year’s hurricane season.

• Know your risk—Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Impacts from wind and water can be felt hundreds of miles inland, and significant impacts can occur regardless of the storm’s strength. Know if you live in an area prone to flooding, know if you live in an evacuation zone and identify any structural weaknesses in your home or roads.

• Avoid having to rush through potentially life-saving preparations by getting your disaster supplies now. Supplies may not be available just before a storm arrives. Get an insurance review early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.

• Understand forecast information before a storm. This can tell you a lot about what is expected, including the storm’s path, rainfall amounts, wind speeds and more. Most importantly, it lets you and your family know what actions to take to prepare, monitor, shelter or evacuate. Visit www.hurricanes.gov for more information.

Safety Tips

• Know what to do during a storm. During a storm, whether you’ve evacuated or are sheltering in place, know what to expect from the hazards you may face. Remain vigilant, stay up-to-date with the latest forecasts and alerts, and continue to listen to local officials.

• A key part of hurricane preparedness is understanding the dangers that remain well after a storm. This is not the time to let your guard down. Nearly half of hurricane fatalities occur after the storm.

Do not wait to take action! Start preparing today!

Other resources

• Business Operations Office of Safety and Health

• Plan ahead for disasters

• National Hurricane Center

• National Weather Service

• How to prepare for hurricane season

• Joint Typhoon Warning Center

• Understanding severe storm terminology

• A Consumer’s Guide to Food Safety: Severe Storms Disaster Assistance

For additional information on preparing for hurricanes or tropical cyclones, email the Forest Service National Emergency Management Team.