Hurricane Preparedness STEP Message for the 2026 Season

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season extends to November 30.  Tropical storms and hurricanes are common in the Western North Atlantic during this period.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center   predicts that the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season will produce:

• 8-14 named storms
• 3-6 hurricanes
• 1-3 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher)

NOAA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)   caution that it only takes one hurricane to upend lives, and the time to prepare is now.

What can you do to prepare for Hurricane Season?

Get ready:

• Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)   to receive updates.
• Be aware that in the event of a hurricane, you may not be able to depart the area for 24-48 hours or even longer.  There may be flooding in low-lying areas and flood-prone areas.  Roads may be washed out or obstructed by debris, adversely affecting access to airports and land routes out of affected areas.  Telecommunications will be degraded and cell phone connectivity will be affected.
• Have a personal emergency action plan and be prepared to shelter in place.  Talk through potential storm scenarios, including how to stay safe and how to communicate with loved ones if departure flights are not available.
• Ensure emergency supplies are on hand including potable water, non-perishable foods, and fuel.  Organize a kit of essential items in a waterproof container including a portable back-up charger for your phone, flashlights and spare batteries, medications taken regularly, and vital documents – especially passports.
• Visit websites for FEMA   and NOAA   for additional tips.

Stay informed:

• Monitor local radio, local media, and the National Hurricane Center   to be aware of weather developments.
• Follow The Bahamas DRM Facebook page for updates:  https://www.facebook.com/drm.gov.bs/ .
• Monitor updates on the Government of the Turks & Caicos Islands Press Office website: https://gov.tc/pressoffice/ 
• Inform your friends and family of your whereabouts. Follow the instructions of local civil defense authorities.
• Additional information on hurricanes and storm preparedness can be found on the Department’s “Crisis and Disaster Abroad: Be Ready”   webpage.

Assistance:

• U.S. Embassy Nassau, Bahamas
  • Hurricane Preparedness- Hurricane Preparedness – U.S. Embassy in The Bahamas
  • +1 (242) 461-5025
  • Email: ACSNassau@state.gov
• State Department – Consular Affairs: 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
• Bahamas Country Information [The Bahamas International Travel Information (state.gov)] 
• Turks and Caicos Islands Country Information [Turks and Caicos Islands International Travel Information (state.gov)] 
• Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program   (STEP) to receive updates.
• Follow us on Facebook [United States Embassy Nassau, The Bahamas | Nassau | Facebook  ], Instagram [U.S. Embassy Nassau (usembassynassau) ], and X [U.S. Embassy Nassau (@USEmbassyNassau) / X  ]