The official season runs from June 1 to November 30. This year, NOAA brings some encouraging news: their outlook for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season calls for below-normal activity, thanks to developing El Niño conditions. Forecasters see just a 10% chance of an above-normal season, a 35% chance of near-normal, and a 55% chance we’ll see fewer storms than usual. For context, an average season usually brings 14 named storms.

NOAA expects between eight and fourteen named storms, with three to six hurricanes, and one to three major hurricanes. A storm gets a name when sustained winds hit at least 39 mph, regardless of whether it ever reaches land. Major hurricanes are those that reach Category 3 strength or higher.

Meteorologists from Colorado State University echo NOAA’s projection, citing the same El Niño climate pattern. El Niño means warmer-than-average Pacific Ocean temperatures, which boosts wind shear over the Caribbean and Atlantic. Strong wind shear often keeps Atlantic storms weaker and less frequent.

“The chance of development remains very low in the short term due to strong wind shear,” AccuWeather’s lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva said. “However, as the shear relaxes, conditions could become more favorable for an area of low pressure to develop in the Gulf or the western Caribbean.”

Still, a below-average season shouldn’t breed complacency. It only takes one hurricane to do actual damage. After all, when the Gulf Coast saw Hurricane Charley in 2004, El Niño was in full swing, and that storm reshaped lives. Staying alert and prepared remains key, no matter what the outlook says.

Be Aware, Be Ready, Be Safe

Living in Englewood, on the southwest coast of Florida, means you have to be on your toes during hurricane season. Preparation here isn’t just smart; it’s necessary, and the way you prepare should suit both you and your location. 

Start with the basics: people and pets, prescriptions, important papers, personal needs, and anything irreplaceable. Get your home ready before a storm ever hits the forecast, and always, always listen to local evacuation instructions. Englewood’s spot along the Gulf makes it extra vulnerable to storm surge.

Remember your furry friends. For important details on pet preparation during a hurricane, check out our story in this edition, “From Scales to Tails” on page 34. 

First, know your zone and have an evacuation plan. Englewood falls in Charlotte County, so look up your exact address using the county’s “Know Your Zone” tool to see if you’re in a danger zone for flooding. Living in a mobile home, RV, or on a boat? Don’t wait, evacuate as soon as the order comes, regardless of your assigned zone. Think ahead: plan where you’ll go, maybe a friend’s place out of the flood zone. Public shelters exist, but only count on them if you have no other options.

Next, focus on your property. Bring inside anything that isn’t bolted down: chairs, trash cans, yard decorations. In hurricane winds, these things turn dangerous. If your windows lack impact-resistant glass or shutters, buy plywood, cut it to size, and prepare it well in advance. Don’t forget the trees. Cut back dead branches and anything overhanging your house to lower the risk of roof or power line damage.

Stock up on supplies. You’ll need at least a week’s worth for everyone, including pets. Store a gallon of water a day per person. Choose food that won’t spoil and doesn’t need cooking. Make sure you refill prescriptions and have a solid first-aid kit. Light and power are easy to lose, so stash flashlights, spare batteries, a NOAA Weather Radio with batteries or a hand crank, and fully charged power banks. For comfort and hygiene, you’ll want sanitizer, wet wipes, big trash bags, and a manual can opener.

Take care of your finances and documents, too. Keep IDs, insurance papers, medical records, and passports dry by storing them in a waterproof container you can seal tightly. Bring some physical cash. After a big storm, ATMs and card readers don’t work, and you’ll need some spending power.

Finally, sign up for local alerts. Charlotte County’s AlertCharlotte system keeps you updated on evacuations and urgent news. If you or someone in your household will need help to evacuate because of a disability, medical device, or other special needs. Register with the county’s Special Needs Registry well in advance. That way, you’re not scrambling when the storm is already on its way.

Living in Englewood comes with its benefits and challenges. If you’ve spent any time here, you know hurricanes aren’t just stories on the news; they’re a part of life. Being prepared matters. And preparation isn’t just about piling up canned food or batteries; it’s knowing what could happen, what actually works to protect your home, and making sure the people you care about stay safe when storms hit. Wishing us all a safe and uneventful 2026 hurricane season.

The post Staying Positive, Planning Ahead: 2026’s Below-Average Storm Forecast is Reassuring News for Englewood appeared first on Englewood Review.