The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, meaning Mississippians should prepare now if they haven’t already. While the threat is the most prominent on the Coast, a hurricane or tropical storm has impacted most counties in the last 10 years, according to NOAA storm data. In May , NOAA announced it was predicting a “below-normal” Atlantic hurricane season for 2026. Experts with the agency forecast between three and six total hurricanes and one and three major events, which are Category 3 (wind speeds over 110 miles per hour) and above.  But NOAA also emphasized the uncertainty in predicting hurricane seasons and the importance of being prepared for the worst regardless of forecasts. Click here to view NOAA’s hurricane tracker for the latest updates. Resources: Preparing for hurricanes: For general tips on how to prepare – such as what to pack and how to stay alert – visit the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency’s online hurricane guide. The Federal Emergency Management Agency also has a guide on its website.  Evacuations: The Mississippi Department of Transportation’s Hurricane Preparedness Guide details evacuation routes and contraflow plans.  Floods: Use FEMA’s flood map tool to see what your risk is and if you live in a flood zone.  Shelters: For information on shelters, contact your county emergency director (their phone number can be found here). During storm events, MEMA will post addresses of active shelters on its website. The American Red Cross also helps manage shelters and can be reached through their chapters in Mississippi.  Home mitigation: Homeowners in the state’s three coastal counties (Hancock, Harrison and Jackson) who receive insurance policies from the Mississippi Windstorm Underwriting Association (also known as the “wind pool”) can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to fortify their houses against future storms.  FAQ: What supplies do I need? Every family in the state should have a disaster supply kit, including non-perishable food (enough for three to seven days), water for drinking and sanitation (the rule of thumb is a gallon per day per person), flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit and medicine, MEMA says. Other important items include:  A list of emergency contacts Sanitary, toiletry and personal hygiene supplies Prescription medicine Cash Weather radio Copies of important documents such as IDs, bank statements, deeds, insurance policies and a weatherproof container to store them in.  MEMA’s full emergency supply checklist is available here. FEMA has its own supply kit list here. How do I prepare my home before a storm? NOAA recommends the following steps to secure your home before a storm hits: Cover windows, trim tree limbs around your house, secure your door, put away loose outdoor items, and move your vehicle to a safe location if possible.  What should I do if an evacuation order is issued? It’s important to be prepared before an evacuation order is issued: Fill up your gas, have cash on hand, plan for a place to stay (whether with family, at a shelter or at a hotel) and review your local evacuation route. Make a plan for any pets you have ahead of time, as most shelters won’t allow them.  When an evacuation is ordered, look for directions from your local officials. Refer to MDOT’s hurricane guide for evacuation routes (you can also download MDOT’s free mobile app for updates). Don’t rely on your phone’s GPS.  In case of major storms, state officials may implement contraflow measures along Interstates 55 and 59 to assist evacuating residents in Louisiana. See MDOT’s hurricane guide for more information.  The state recommends tuning into these FM public radio stations to stay alert: Biloxi – 90.3 Bude – 88.9 Meridian – 88.1 Jackson – 91.3 Greenwood – 90.9 How do I stay safe after a storm hits? Nearly half of hurricane fatalities occur after the storm, according to NOAA. If you’ve evacuated, only return home when local officials say it’s safe to do so. Avoid floodwaters (including while driving), downed power lines and debris such as nails or broken glass.  If you’ve lost power, officials recommend using a flashlight instead of a candle to avoid risk of fire or explosion. If you’re using a generator, do so safely: Do not use them indoors, in your garage or in any partly enclosed area. Keep generators at least 20 feet away from your home.  If you smell gas or suspect a leak, open all windows and immediately leave your home. Notify the gas company or local authorities.  I need shelter. Where should I go? Each county has a full or part-time emergency management program appointed by the local government. For information on shelters, you should contact your county emergency director (their phone number can be found here).During storm events, MEMA will post addresses of active shelters on its website. The American Red Cross also helps manage shelters and can be reached through their chapters in Mississippi.  What is an “El Niño” and how does it impact hurricanes? An “El Niño” and a “La Niña” are part of a global climate pattern that shifts every few years, where jet streams from the Pacific Ocean change direction and can affect the national weather outlook.  During an El Niño – which we’re already seeing this year – the Pacific Ocean is warmer and sends wetter conditions to the Southeast. But the phenomenon is also linked to weaker hurricane conditions in the Atlantic Ocean. NOAA announced in June that an El Niño had developed and is poised to intensify.  What do I do with my pets? State officials recommend planning for pets’ safety well in advance. Many shelters and hotels don’t allow pets, so identify ahead of time where you can bring pets before a storm hits. Other preparations include microchipping your pets, keeping vaccination records on-hand, having your veterinarian’s contact information as well as enough food and water to last three to seven days. Click here for a full list of tips.  How do I stay informed about incoming storms? Residents have multiple ways to stay informed about incoming hurricanes or other storms: Ensure that your phone receives Wireless Emergency Alerts, which local authorities use to notify residents about extreme weather and other dangers.  Download the FEMA or MEMA mobile app. Buy a weather radio. Costs range from about $30 to $60 at large retail businesses like Walmart as well as sporting goods and hardware stores. Listen to or read local news providers.  What is the difference between a tropical storm warning and a watch? Officials issue a storm “watch” 48 hours ahead of a possible storm. A “warning” is issued 36 hours ahead of expected storm impacts.  What about insurance? Know what’s included in your insurance policies, especially homeowner’s insurance, to determine what is and isn’t protected. Flood insurance, for instance, is purchased separately. Policy holders can request an insurance “checkup” with their agent to ensure their policy covers the full cost of rebuilding their home.  If your property received damage and you need to file a claim, the state recommends the following: Take photos or videos of the damage.  Keep all receipts for emergency repairs.  Talk to your insurance agent before making permanent repairs.  If you can’t stay at your home, make sure to keep on hand documents with your insurance information and a list of damaged property.  See the Mississippi Department of Insurance’s post-disaster guide for more information.  Do you have other questions? Share them with us here.  ...read more read less