The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its 2026 Atlantic hurricane season outlook, and the headline is cautiously good news. A developing El Niño— forecast to become strong or even historically intense— gives this season a 55% chance of finishing below average.
NOAA projects 8 to 14 named storms, with 3 to 6 reaching hurricane strength and 1 to 3 intensifying into major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher, with sustained winds above 110 mph). By comparison, a normal season produces 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes.
Colorado State University, the pioneer of seasonal hurricane forecasting, projects the lowest overall activity since 2015— the year of the strongest El Niño in 75 years.
But here is the critical takeaway: forecasts cannot protect your home or your business. One storm can cause catastrophic damage, no matter what the seasonal average says.
Why a “Below-Average” Season Still Demands Preparation
Nine of the last ten Atlantic hurricane seasons ran above normal or hyperactive. Last year produced a near-record three Category 5 storms, including Hurricane Melissa, which devastated Jamaica and Cuba. Globally, inflation-adjusted damage from tropical cyclones has grown from an average of $11.4 billion per year in the 1980s to $109.7 billion per year over the past decade.
El Niño suppresses storm formation through wind shear that disrupts developing systems, but once a storm reaches hurricane status, it becomes harder to knock down. Major hurricanes that make landfall in Florida or Georgia can arrive with little warning, and the window to act closes fast.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Preparation starts now.
Hurricane Preparation Checklist for Personal Lines Clients
Review Your Insurance Coverage Before June 1
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Pull your homeowners or renters insurance declarations page and confirm your hurricane/windstorm deductible.
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Verify your dwelling coverage reflects current rebuilding costs. Material and labor costs have increased substantially in Florida and Georgia over the past three years.
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Confirm you carry flood insurance. If you do not, contact SandStone Insurance Partners today. A 30-day waiting period applies to most flood policies.
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Review your auto policy. Comprehensive coverage pays for vehicle damage from flooding, falling trees, and flying debris. Liability-only policies do not.
Document Your Property
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Create a home inventory with photos or video of every room, including serial numbers on major appliances and electronics.
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Store your inventory in a secure cloud location, not only on your home computer.
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Keep digital and physical copies of your insurance policy, agent contact information, and claim reporting numbers in a waterproof bag you take with you if you evacuate.
Harden Your Home
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Install hurricane shutters or have pre-cut plywood panels ready for all windows and glass doors.
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Inspect your roof for loose or missing shingles and clear gutters before storm season.
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Trim trees and large branches that overhang your home or vehicles.
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Bring outdoor furniture, grills, and decorative items inside or secure them before a storm approaches.
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Locate your gas shutoff valve and keep a shutoff wrench accessible.
Build Your Emergency Kit
Stock enough supplies for at least 72 hours without power, water, or access to stores:
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Water (one gallon per person per day)
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Non-perishable food
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Prescription medications (a minimum 7-day supply)
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Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
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Flashlights and extra batteries
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First aid kit
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Portable phone charger or backup battery
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Cash (ATMs and card terminals fail when power goes out)
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Important documents in a waterproof bag
Know Your Evacuation Zone and Plan
Florida and Georgia counties assign evacuation zones based on storm surge risk, not flood maps. Check your county’s emergency management website now to confirm your zone and the location of your nearest shelter. Plan two evacuation routes and discuss the plan with your household before a storm forces the decision.
Hurricane Preparation Checklist for Commercial Lines Clients
Review Your Business Insurance Program
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Confirm your commercial property policy reflects current replacement cost values, including equipment, inventory, and tenant improvements.
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Review your business interruption coverage limits and waiting period. Most policies include a 48 to 72-hour waiting period before income coverage activates. Understand what triggers coverage and what does not.
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Check for a separate windstorm deductible in your commercial property policy.
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Assess your flood exposure. Commercial flood coverage is separate and requires its own policy.
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If you have employees who use personal vehicles for business, verify your hired and non-owned auto coverage.
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Review your equipment breakdown and inland marine policies for outdoor or mobile assets.
Develop or Update Your Business Continuity Plan
A business continuity plan outlines how your operation continues or recovers when a hurricane disrupts normal activity. It should address:
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Who is responsible for storm preparation decisions and when those decisions get made
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Remote work protocols if your physical location becomes inaccessible
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Vendor and supplier contacts and backup sourcing options
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Client communication procedures
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Data backup and recovery processes
Store your plan both digitally (in a cloud location accessible from anywhere) and in printed form at an off-site location.
Protect Your Physical Assets
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Back up all critical business data to a secure cloud platform before storm season and test your recovery process.
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Move or elevate equipment, inventory, and records off the floor in areas vulnerable to flooding.
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Photograph and document all business property and equipment now for claims purposes.
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Secure outdoor signage, HVAC equipment, and any other roof or yard assets.
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Know where utility shutoffs are located for your facility and train key staff on how to use them.
Establish Vendor and Contractor Relationships in Advance
Post-storm demand for contractors, restoration companies, and temporary workspace surges immediately after a major hurricane. Identify and document your preferred vendors now, before you need them. Many commercial policyholders who recover fastest have these relationships in place before a storm ever forms.
Understand Your Claims Process
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Save your insurance agent’s contact information in multiple places.
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Know your policy number and the carrier’s 24-hour claims line.
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Document pre-storm conditions with photos or video of your facility, signage, and equipment.
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Do not discard damaged property before an adjuster inspects it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane Insurance Coverage
Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage?
Standard homeowners insurance covers wind damage, but most policies in Florida carry a separate hurricane or windstorm deductible. Florida law requires insurers to offer deductible options of ~2%, 5%, or 10% of your home’s insured value (or a flat $500 in some cases), and the deductible triggers whenever a named storm causes the damage, not a flat dollar amount like a standard deductible. Review your declarations page now so you know exactly what you owe before a claim ever starts.
Does homeowners insurance cover flooding from a hurricane?
No. Flood damage from storm surge, heavy rainfall, or rising water is not covered under a standard homeowners policy. You need a separate flood insurance policy, either through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood insurer. NFIP policies carry a 30-day waiting period before they take effect, so purchasing after a storm forms is too late.
What does commercial property insurance cover during a hurricane?
Commercial property policies typically cover wind and hail damage to your building and business personal property. Like residential policies, they exclude flooding and often carry a separate windstorm deductible. Business interruption coverage pays for lost income and ongoing expenses if a storm forces you to temporarily close, but only if physical damage triggers the closure. Flood coverage for commercial properties requires a separate policy.
How do I know if I have enough coverage?
Underinsurance is one of the most common post-storm surprises. Construction costs have risen significantly since many policies were last updated. We recommend reviewing your replacement cost value annually, not just your premium.
Why Work with SandStone Insurance Partners?
SandStone Insurance Partners serves homeowners and businesses across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and other states in the southeast as an independent insurance agency. Because we work with multiple carriers, we can explore your coverage options and ensure your policy reflects your actual risk, not a generic template.
Hurricane season is the worst time to discover a coverage gap. Whether you need a coverage review, want to add flood insurance, or want to make sure your commercial policy is built for a storm scenario, our team is ready to help.
Contact SandStone Insurance Partners today and get your coverage ready before June 1.
Disclaimer: This blog references the NOAA 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook released May 26, 2026, and meteorological analysis from Colorado State University, Columbia University, and the University at Albany. Coverage descriptions are general in nature. This blog provides general educational information about small business insurance and is not legal, financial, or insurance advice. Coverage availability, eligibility, sublimits, exclusions, and policy features vary by state, carrier, industry, and individual underwriting. For coverage recommendations specific to your business, contact a licensed agent from SandStone.
