Hurricane Season 2026: What to Expect and How to Prepare
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and early forecasts from NOAA and Colorado State University are calling for another above-average season with 14–20 named storms and 7–10 hurricanes. After the devastating seasons of 2024 and 2025, homeowners in coastal states can't afford to wait until a storm is in the forecast to start prepping.
The cost to hurricane-proof your home ranges from $500 for basic supplies to $15,000+ for comprehensive protection. But here's the thing most people don't realize: every dollar you spend on preparation can save $5–$10 in potential storm damage. And many improvements will lower your homeowners insurance premiums by 10–30%.
Hurricane Prep Cost Breakdown
| Protection Category | Cost Range | DIY Possible? | Insurance Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plywood window covers | $100–$300 total | Yes | None |
| Accordion shutters | $15–$25/sq ft ($1,500–$3,500) | Pro recommended | 5–15% |
| Roll-down hurricane shutters | $25–$50/sq ft ($3,000–$7,000) | Pro required | 10–20% |
| Impact-resistant windows | $40–$75/sq ft ($5,000–$15,000) | Pro required | 15–30% |
| Portable generator (5,000W) | $500–$1,500 | Yes | None |
| Whole-house standby generator | $5,000–$15,000 installed | Pro required | None |
| Roof tie-downs / hurricane straps | $1,000–$3,000 | Pro required | 5–15% |
| Garage door bracing | $200–$600 | Yes (kits available) | 2–5% |
| Flood barriers / sandbags | $100–$500 | Yes | None |
| Emergency supply kit | $200–$500 | Yes | None |
Storm Shutters: Your First Line of Defense
Windows are the most vulnerable part of your home during a hurricane. If wind gets inside through a broken window, the pressure difference can literally lift your roof off. Storm shutters are the most cost-effective way to protect them.
Shutter Types Compared
- Plywood boards ($100–$300 total): The cheapest option. Use 5/8" exterior-grade plywood cut to fit each window. Pros: cheap. Cons: heavy, time-consuming to install (2–4 hours for a whole house), and you need storage space.
- Panel shutters ($8–$15/sq ft): Aluminum or polycarbonate panels that bolt onto tracks around each window. Faster to deploy than plywood and more durable.
- Accordion shutters ($15–$25/sq ft): Permanently mounted, fold flat beside windows. Pull them closed and lock in 5–10 minutes for the whole house. This is the sweet spot for most homeowners.
- Roll-down shutters ($25–$50/sq ft): Motorized or manual, roll into a housing above the window. The most convenient but also the most expensive. Can be controlled remotely on motorized models.
- Impact-resistant windows ($40–$75/sq ft): Replace your windows entirely with laminated glass that withstands Category 5 winds. The most expensive option but also gives you a permanent solution with the biggest insurance discount.
Generator Options and Costs
Power outages during hurricanes can last days or even weeks. A generator keeps your refrigerator, medical equipment, phones, and a few lights running.
| Generator Type | Wattage | Cost | Fuel | Run Time | Powers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portable (inverter) | 2,000–3,500W | $500–$1,200 | Gas | 8–12 hrs/tank | Fridge, lights, phones |
| Portable (conventional) | 5,000–7,500W | $800–$2,000 | Gas | 8–10 hrs/tank | Above + window AC, sump pump |
| Dual-fuel portable | 5,000–10,000W | $1,000–$3,000 | Gas or propane | 8–14 hrs | Most essential circuits |
| Whole-house standby | 14,000–22,000W | $5,000–$15,000 | Natural gas/propane | Unlimited (piped gas) | Entire home |
Pro tip: Buy your generator in May, not in June when demand spikes. During hurricane warnings, portable generators sell out within hours and prices can jump 50–100% on the secondary market.
Insurance Considerations
Before hurricane season starts, review your homeowners insurance policy. Key things to check:
- Hurricane deductible: This is separate from your standard deductible. In coastal states, it's typically 2–5% of your home's insured value. On a $400,000 home, that's $8,000–$20,000 out of pocket before insurance kicks in.
- Flood insurance: Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover flooding. NFIP flood insurance costs $700–$2,000/year for most homes. Private flood insurance may be cheaper — get quotes from both.
- Wind mitigation inspection: In Florida, a wind mitigation inspection ($75–$150) documents your home's storm protection features and can save you $500–$2,000/year on insurance premiums.
- Contents inventory: Take video of every room and store it in the cloud. If you need to file a claim, documented contents get you paid faster and more fairly.
Emergency Supply Checklist and Costs
FEMA recommends being prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours (many experts now say 7 days). Here's what a comprehensive emergency kit costs:
- Water: 1 gallon per person per day x 7 days. Family of 4 = 28 gallons ($15–$30)
- Non-perishable food for 7 days: $75–$150 per family
- First aid kit: $25–$75
- Battery-powered radio + extra batteries: $20–$50
- Flashlights + lanterns: $20–$40
- Portable phone charger (20,000+ mAh): $25–$50
- Cash (small bills): $200–$500 (ATMs won't work without power)
- Important documents in waterproof bag: $10–$20 for the bag
- Tarps + rope (for temporary roof patches): $30–$60
Total emergency kit cost: $200–$500 per household. Assemble this in May. By the time a storm is actually approaching, store shelves will be empty.