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Gov. Stein urges NC residents to prepare for the 2026 hurricane season, which began June 1

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Haywood County during Helene. Courtesy of Dr. Shelley White

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season began on June 1. The office of the governor and other emergency management officials have issued a statement encouraging residents across the state to take as many precautionary measures as possible. The State Emergency Response Team has been preparing all year to ensure a diligent and timely reaction should a storm affect North Carolina, the release says, but that preparation must extend into each and every home in the state.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association has predicted this season to be below-normal, forecasting between 8-14 named storms — storms with winds over 39 mph. However, conditions can still change, and North Carolinians know all too well that it just takes one storm to change everything.

“Hurricane season brings real uncertainty for families across the state. I encourage all North Carolinians to make a plan now to keep themselves and their families safe in case of a storm,” said Gov. Josh Stein. “Just as you prepare your family for hurricane season, the state emergency management team is preparing by closely monitoring forecasts, updating response plans, and coordinating with federal and local partners.” 

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In order to prepare for this season, the State Emergency Response Team has reviewed lessons learned from previous storms, updated response procedures, met with stakeholders at all levels of government, coordinated with the private sector and nonprofit organizations, according to the release. The team has also conducted exercises like the Statewide Hurricane Exercise held May 20-21, 2026.

Similarly, EducationNC has compiled a playbook describing the lessons learned across various educational, philanthropic, and community institutions in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Each chapter of the playbook includes a checklist of questions for leaders to ask themselves before, during, and immediately after a storm.

Read more of EdNC’s Helene playbook

The statement from the governor’s office included a list of practical actions families can take to get ready for this hurricane season. Some of the tasks include:

  • Putting together an emergency kit, including nonperishable food and water (1 gallon per person per day) for 3 to 7 days, a battery-powered or hand crank radio or other device and extra batteries for listening to a NOAA Weather Radio, and prescription and over-the-counter medication.
  • Being aware of any unique needs for babies, elderly, or disabled members of your household, as well as pets.  
  • Ensuring that you have multiple means of receiving weather updates and emergency notifications.
  • Making an emergency plan in case you and your family need to evacuate, including a plan for communication and meeting after the storm. 
  • Preparing your insurance policies to reflect the possibility of severe weather affecting your home, and
  • Getting involved in your community’s preparedness activities.

Read the governor’s full list of recommended preparedness activities here.

Several other outlets have put together hurricane prep lists for the 2026 season. Below is a list of other important sites to explore as you get ready:

Hurricane season lasts from June 1 to Nov. 30, peaking in the fall.

“Preparation is the key to resilience during hurricane season. We encourage all North Carolinians to take time to develop plans and take proactive steps with their loved ones before a storm impacts our state,” N.C. Emergency Management Director Will Ray said in the release.