Be Prepared for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season

ARLINGTON, VA – The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, and now is the time to take steps to prepare for possible tropical storms, flooding, power outages, and other related emergencies and disruptions.

"Hurricane preparedness starts long before a storm is in the forecast," said Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management Director William Flagler Jr. "Taking simple steps today can help protect lives, reduce stress, and strengthen our community’s resilience during an emergency."

These four simple tips can help residents, businesses and community partners get ready:  

1. Stay Informed

 Identify multiple ways to stay informed about emergencies.  

• Sign up for FREE local emergency and weather alerts at ArlingtonAlert.com.
• Visit the ReadyArlington webpage for free preparedness resources and follow ReadyArlington on X.
• Follow weather updates from The Weather Channel and NOAA Weather.
• Follow the County’s pages for updates X | Facebook.

2. Reduce your Flood Risk

 Hurricane-related flooding could inundate areas with low to moderate flood risk.

• Explore your property’s flood risk. The risk of flooding can vary within the same neighborhood and even property to property. Learn more about how you can reduce your risk of flooding.
• Purchase a flood insurance policy.
• Know how to shut off the electricity and gas to your house in the event of flooding.
• If your home needs a sump pump, ensure it has a battery backup and is regularly maintained, especially if it’s over 8 years old.
• Save copies of birth certificates, passports, medical records, and insurance papers in a safe, dry place, or store photographs of them in the cloud. Keep original documents in a watertight safety deposit box.

3. Make a Plan 

Plan ahead so you and your family are ready for hurricanes and other major storms. Be sure to account for your household’s specific needs, including transportation, medications, language access, and medical equipment. Your emergency plan should include:  

• Meeting Place: Where to go in the event your home is inaccessible or you’re not together when an emergency happens.
• Contacts: Identify an out-of-town friend or relative as a point of contact.
• Personalized Needs: Plan for the specific needs of your household such as transportation, prescriptions, and medical equipment.
• Pet owners: Find pet-friendly shelters or places to stay. Local animal shelters may also be able to advise you on evacuating with pets.

Help others by joining local volunteer groups like the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to help other Arlingtonians prepare for and recover from emergencies.

4. Know the Difference Between a "Watch" and a "Warning"

 Watch or listen to National Weather Service alerts via ArlingtonAlert, TV, radio or check for them online.

• Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions (74+ miles per hour [mph] or higher winds) are possible within 48 hours. 
• Hurricane Warning: A hurricane warning is more serious. It means hurricane-force winds are expected within 36 hours.

For more information about hurricane watches and warnings, visit the National Weather Service’s Hurricane Center.