{"id":225,"date":"2026-05-21T21:40:49","date_gmt":"2026-05-21T21:40:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usmovingexpertss.com\/?p=225"},"modified":"2026-05-21T21:40:49","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T21:40:49","slug":"noaa-reveals-new-hurricane-season-forecast-for-2026-heres-what-sc-can-expect","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usmovingexpertss.com\/?p=225","title":{"rendered":"NOAA reveals new hurricane season forecast for 2026. Here\u2019s what SC can expect"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Atlantic hurricane season is almost here, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced its forecast for the year in a press conference with reporters on Thursday.<\/p>\n

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NOAA\u2019s leadership said their current data points to a below-average hurricane season this year, and the East Coast will likely see fewer storms. The season starts on June 1 and ends months later on Nov. 30.<\/p>\n

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The agency is not able to predict where possible storms may land. Their outlook is only for overall seasonal activity based on large-scale weather and climate patterns.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWith the most advanced forecast modeling and hurricane tracking technologies, NOAA and the National Weather Service are prepared to deliver real-time storm forecasts and warnings,\u201d said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in a press release. \u201cOur experts are integrating cutting-edge tools to ensure communities in the path of storms receive the earliest, most accurate information possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

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In the press conference, a panel of NOAA leadership discussed how the season should unfold, the factors that will contribute to the season\u2019s intensity and how people need to prepare.<\/p>\n

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Here\u2019s what they said, and what South Carolina residents should know:<\/p>\n

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Chances of a below-normal season<\/h2>\n

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Forecasters at NOAA believe that there is a 35% of a near-normal season, a 10% change of an above-normal season and a 55% of a below-normal season.<\/p>\n

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An average season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes.<\/p>\n

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How many storms are predicted?<\/h2>\n

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The agency is predicting a total of 8-14 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 3-6 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 1-3 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5 with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges.<\/p>\n

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What may cause a below-average season?<\/h2>\n

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Several factors influence a hurricane season, but the main reason the NOAA predicts a below-normal season is due to a possible upcoming weather pattern. They are extremely positive that El Ni\u00f1o will develop and intensify during the hurricane season, creating conditions that deter tropical storms and hurricanes.<\/p>\n

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El Ni\u00f1o is a natural weather pattern that typically occurs every two to seven years. It\u2019s characterized by the warming of sea surface patterns in the central and eastern parts of the Pacific Ocean, which disrupts normal winds and pushes warm water eastward toward the west coast of the Americas.<\/p>\n

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Warming waters and low winds can still support a more active year, the NOAA warned, so it\u2019s important to be prepared for the worst.<\/p>\n

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It only takes one storm<\/h2>\n

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During the press conference, Ken Graham, the NOAA\u2019s National Weather Service Director, wanted to make it abundantly clear that people should still be prepared for the upcoming hurricane season, even if it\u2019s predicted to be below-average.<\/p>\n

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\u201cAlthough El Ni\u00f1o\u2019s impact in the Atlantic Basin can often suppress hurricane development, there is still uncertainty in how each season will unfold,\u201d said Graham. \u201cThat is why it\u2019s essential to review your hurricane preparedness plan now. It only takes one storm to make for a very bad season.\u201d<\/p>\n

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People still need to be prepared<\/h2>\n

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Waiting until a storm arrives at your doorstep to buy supplies is not in your best interest. The NOAA recommends going out and getting the necessary items for your house as fast as possible.<\/p>\n

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These include: several gallons of water per person, non-perishable food, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, a first-aid kit and physical cash.<\/p>\n

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\u201cPreparing now for hurricane season, and not waiting for a storm to threaten, is essential for staying ahead of any storm,\u201d Graham added.<\/p>\n

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Here are tips from the National Weather Service to follow before<\/b> the hurricane season starts:<\/p>\n

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