Press Release: 6/2/2026

MEMA urges public to prepare now ahead of peak hurricane season

 

‘It Just Takes One:’ Atlantic Hurricane Season Is Underway

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

6/01/2026

MEDIA CONTACT

Robert Burgess, Communications and Digital Media Specialist

 Phone

Call Robert Burgess, Communications and Digital Media Specialist at (857) 274-2117

 Online

Email Robert Burgess, Communications and Digital Media Specialist at robert.burgess2@mass.gov

FRAMINGHAM — Today marks the start of Atlantic Hurricane Season, which runs through Nov. 30. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) strongly recommends that residents, visitors, and businesses prepare early in order to avoid being caught off-guard by a tropical system. 

“It can sometimes feel like a direct hit is unlikely, considering the last hurricane to make landfall in Massachusetts was so many years ago,” said MEMA Director Dawn Brantley. “But tropical storms can cause extreme damage, whether from excessive rain or high winds, even if they’re not designated a hurricane. Coastal and inland residents need to prepare ahead of time, because it just takes one strong storm to put your loved ones, property, and pets at risk.” 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasters at the Climate Prediction Center anticipate a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season with a range of eight to 14 named storms. An average season has 14 named storms with seven hurricanes, including three major hurricanes. Despite this year’s prediction, NOAA experts stress that early preparation is essential to staying safe all season. 

Impacts of tropical systems — such as flooding, damaging winds, and storm surge — can impact communities all around Massachusetts. You can prepare by learning important weather warning terminology, finding out if you live or work within a hurricane evacuation zone, signing up for emergency alerts, making an emergency plan for you or your family, and building an emergency kit. If you or someone you know is an older adult or has a disability, you may need to take additional steps to prepare. 

Steps to Prepare: 

Know the difference between a Watch and a Warning - To alert the public of hazardous conditions, the National Weather Service issues Hurricane Watches and Warnings. A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the next 48 hours. A Hurricane Warning means that sustained winds equal to or greater than 74 miles per hour are expected to affect a specific area within 24 hours.  

Stay Informed - Emergency alerts play an important role in making sure you and your family can stay safe during a disaster or emergency. Make sure you have emergency alerts enabled on your cell phone and are signed up for any public safety alert system available in your community. It’s important to have multiple methods for receiving emergency alerts. Listen to your local news and NOAA radio and follow public safety accounts on social media. Learn more about different types of alerting and information tools, including the Emergency Alert System, Wireless Emergency Alerts, NOAA Weather Radio, social and traditional news media, Mass 2-1-1 and local notification systems on MEMA’s website. 

Know Your Evacuation Zone – Evacuation zones are areas known to be particularly prone to flooding. If you live in an evacuation zone, it’s important to have a plan in place. You can view MEMA’s interactive map to learn if either your home or workplace lies within a hurricane evacuation zone. Visit www.mass.gov/knowyourzone. Consider where you would go and how you would keep in contact with friends and family if you needed to evacuate. If you may need assistance evacuating due to a disability or lack of transportation, plan with family, neighbors, and friends who may be able to assist, and contact your local public safety officials to make them aware of your needs. 

Make an Emergency Plan – An emergency plan can help keep you and your family safe during a disaster. A plan should address how your family would communicate, evacuate, and shelter in place if needed. Be sure to account for the needs of all your family members, including older adults, children, individuals with disabilities, and pets. If you receive medical treatment or home health care services, work with your medical provider to determine how to maintain care and service if you are unable to leave your home or have to evacuate. 

Build an Emergency Kit – Having an emergency kit is essential for making sure you and your family are prepared. Build an emergency kit that will sustain your household for three to five days without power. Kits should include water, food, flashlight, batteries, prescription medications, supplies for your pets and important documents. 

MEMA will share accessible preparedness and safety information throughout hurricane season. For more resources, visit the Hurricane Safety Tips section of MEMA’s website at mass.gov/MEMA/hurricanes. 

Media contact: Robert Burgess| robert.burgess2@mass.gov