As the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season approaches, NOAA and the National Weather Service used Hurricane Preparedness Week to reinforce a message familiar to insurance claims professionals across coastal states: preparation before landfall can significantly reduce losses and speed recovery efforts. The weeklong campaign focused on storm surge, flooding, evacuation planning, insurance reviews, communication plans and post-storm safety.
The guidance carries direct relevance for property claims adjusters and catastrophe response teams preparing for another potentially active season. NOAA urged homeowners to document possessions, review insurance coverage, strengthen homes and understand evacuation zones before storms develop. Those steps often become central issues during claims investigations, particularly when disputes arise over flood versus wind damage, mitigation efforts or compliance with policy requirements.
The campaign also emphasized that hurricane dangers extend far beyond the forecast cone and storm category ratings. Flooding rains, tornadoes, rip currents and power outages can impact areas well inland. Adjusters handling catastrophe claims increasingly encounter losses tied to secondary storm impacts, including water intrusion, fallen trees, infrastructure failures and prolonged business interruption.
NOAA's reminders about generator safety, post-storm hazards and delayed emergency response also reflect ongoing concerns seen after major catastrophe events. Claims professionals frequently face challenges involving preventable losses after landfall, including carbon monoxide incidents, additional water damage and unsafe cleanup conditions.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Early forecasts released by private weather organizations project a near-average to slightly above-average season, with several forecasting groups expecting multiple hurricanes and at least one major hurricane.
