NOAA expert on hurricane season: prepare now, pay attention to storm impacts, threats

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its tropical forecast for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, predicting a below-normal season, citing a strong El Niño weather pattern, warmer ocean temperatures, and weaker trade winds. NOAA predicts 8-14 named storms, 3-6 hurricanes, and 1-3 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 - November 30, 2026. NOAA's National Weather Service Director Ken Graham talked about the importance of preparing for hurricane season early, as well as paying attention to every system and every storm.  He encouraged the public to focus on every system and every storm and the impacts, like flooding and storm surge and tornadoes -- more than the storm name and category.