State and county officials are urging Hawaii residents to prepare for the 2026 hurricane season, which begins June 1, with multiple sources reporting warnings of increased storm activity. NOAA forecasters predict 5-13 tropical cyclones due to developing El Niño conditions, compared to the typical 4-5 storms per year.
- NOAA predicts 5-13 tropical cyclones this season compared to average of 4-5, driven by developing El Niño conditions
- El Niño caused the second-most active Pacific hurricane season on record in 2015 with 26 named storms (Aloha State Daily)
- Ocean temperatures currently cooler than 2015, so meteorologists not predicting quite as busy a season (Aloha State Daily)
- Insurance Commissioner warns that once storms approach, insurers may pause issuing new or expanded policies (The Molokai Dispatch)
- Standard homeowners and renters policies typically don’t cover hurricane and flood damage – separate coverage required
- Flood insurance through National Flood Insurance Program has 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect
- Officials recommend 14-day supply of non-perishable food and water, extra batteries, pet food, and copies of important documents (Aloha State Daily)
- Governor Josh Green proclaimed May as Hurricane Awareness and Preparedness Month (Maui News)
Sources
- The Molokai Dispatch: State Officials to Residents: Review Insurance Policies Ahead of Hurricane Season
- Maui News: Governor, emergency officials urge residents to prepare for hurricane season
- Aloha State Daily: NOAA predicts strong hurricane season
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