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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media@iii.org
MALVERN, Pa., April 9, 2025 – A somewhat below average hurricane season is projected for 2026 in the Atlantic Basin, according to a forecast released today by Colorado State University’s (CSU) Department of Atmospheric Science.
Led by CSU senior research scientist Phil Klotzbach, Ph.D., a non-resident scholar at the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), the CSU TC-RAMS research team forecasts 13 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes during the 2026 season, which starts on June 1 and continues through Nov. 30. A typical Atlantic season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes.
“At this point, we are anticipating a moderate/strong El Niño for the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season,” Klotzbach said. “Typically, El Niño reduces Atlantic hurricane activity via increases in vertical wind shear. Water temperatures in the tropical Atlantic are near average. We consequently do not anticipate tropical Atlantic water temperatures being as strong of a hurricane-enhancing factor as they were the past few years when water temperatures were much warmer than average in the tropical Atlantic.”
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season ended up an above-normal season, according to CSU, as measured by the number of major hurricanes and Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE). It included 13 named storms, five hurricanes and four major hurricanes. Major hurricanes are defined as those with wind speeds reaching Category 3, 4 or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. The only U.S. landfall last year was Tropical Storm Chantal, which struck the South Carolina coast on July 6.
The most significant hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season was Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall as a Category 5 major hurricane in Jamaica, resulting in nearly $9 billion in damage in Jamaica and causing 95 fatalities across the Caribbean.
Preparedness is Essential
“While last year was a relatively quiet hurricane season for the continental U.S., all it takes is one storm to make it an active season for you and your family, so it is time to prepare as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season’s start is less than two months away,” said Sean Kevelighan, CEO, Triple-I.
“This is an ideal time for homeowners and business owners to review their insurance policies with an insurance professional to ensure they have the right amount and types of coverage, allowing them to be financially protected for property damage caused by either wind or water,” Kevelighan added. “That also means exploring whether they need flood coverage, which is not part of a standard homeowners, condo, renters or business insurance policy. Additionally, homeowners can make their residences more resilient to windstorms and torrential rain by installing roof tie-downs and a good drainage system.”
Flood policies are offered through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and dozens of private insurers. The installation of a wind-rated garage door and storm shutters also boost a home’s resilience to a hurricane’s damaging winds, according to the Triple-I, and can potentially generate savings on a homeowner’s insurance premium.
Private-passenger vehicles damaged or destroyed by either wind or flooding are covered under the optional comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. About 75% of U.S. drivers carry comprehensive coverage, according to Triple-I.
Triple-I offers numerous hurricane season preparedness tips. These include:
CSU’s forecast also includes the following probability of major hurricanes making landfall in 2026:
FACTS & STATISTICS
CONSUMER RESOURCES
Catastrophes: Insurance Issues
Hurricane Season Insurance Checklist
How to Prepare for Hurricane Season
Hurricane Season Insurance Guide
Hurricane and Windstorm Deductibles
Understanding Your Insurance Deductible
Preparing an Effective Evacuation Plan
Settling Insurance Claims After a Disaster
INFOGRAPHICS
What are Hurricane Deductibles?
How to Prepare for Hurricane Season
How to File a Flood Insurance Claim
Is Your Business Ready for Peak Hurricane Season?
EXTERNAL RESOURCES
FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
NFIP Information for Insurance Agents
RELATED VIDEOS
Dr. Klotzbach Discusses CSU’s 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast
Insurance Check-Up: Homeowners and Hurricane/Flood Insurance
About the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I)
Since 1960, the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) has been the trusted voice of risk and insurance, delivering unique, data-driven insights to educate, elevate and connect consumers, industry professionals, policymakers and the media. An affiliate of The Institutes, Triple-I represents a diverse membership accounting for nearly 50% of all U.S. property/casualty premiums written. Our members include mutual and stock companies, personal and commercial lines, primary insurers and reinsurers – serving regional, national and global markets. Brokers, agents, consultants, educators and other insurance industry professionals are among Triple-I’s associate members.
About The Institutes
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