Hurricane Announcements

We hope that you find thIS information helpful!

When does the Atlantic hurricane season start? How long does it last?

The Atlantic hurricane season starts each year on June 1 and runs through November 30, generally peaking in September.

Preparedness: pre·pared·ness noun The state of having been made ready or prepared for use or action.

Recovery: re·cov·ery noun A return to a normal or healthy condition.

~ The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language

In a nutshell … When “THEY” tell you to prepare, “THEY” are telling you to take responsibility for yourself, your family, your pet(s), your property, your possessions, etc. You know your needs and your family’s needs better than “THEY” do. Don’t wait for “THEM” to come and help before, during, or after a storm or disaster, or give you a handout, or come to your aid or rescue. You have the power first to act for yourself and your family, so get ready now!

TIP: You may want to print and save the information on this and the hyperlinked pages now as you may not have power or an internet connection before, during, or after a storm.

Yellow diamond sign indicating hurricane season with a swirling storm icon.

Hurricane PREPARATION

Please check the Hurricane PREPARATION webpage on this website for additional information.

Special Needs Registries

CITY OF PUNTA GORDA RESIDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The City of Punta Gorda Fire Department has developed a Resident Assistance Program (RAP) to help residents with disabilities or other special needs during a disaster or emergency situation. The goal of the program is to create a database of those people who may require enhanced assistance due to disability or medical issues. This information will allow the City to better provide aid and manage resources.

This program does NOT take the place of the Charlotte County Special Needs Registry. Punta Gorda residents with special needs are encouraged to participate in both programs.

Registration in the program is free and open to anyone with a disability or special need who lives in the City of Punta Gorda. Register HERE.

Posted 05/19/2026

Source: City of Punta Gorda Resident Assistance Program webpage

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CHARLOTTE COUNTY SPECIAL NEEDS REGISTRY APPLICATION

Charlotte County residents who have physical, mental, or sensory disabilities and will require special assistance during a disaster or emergency, should complete an application NOW. The completed application will be reviewed by the Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County, and the person will be notified by US Mail of their status.

There are two ways to register:

Online at the Florida Special Needs Registry
Download the online application and send the completed document to Charlotte County Emergency Management:
- Mail: 26571 Airport Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33982
- Email: Emergency.Management@CharlotteCountyFL.gov

Please make every effort to provide the full information required on the application. Charlotte County Emergency Management reserves the right to reject incomplete applications.

Please note:

Completion of an application does NOT guarantee the availability of a shelter or medical treatment during an event. Whenever possible, alternate plans for evacuation that do NOT include public shelters should be made.
Charlotte County Emergency Management will stop processing applications when Charlotte County enters the five-day forecast cone, so submit an application early.

Posted 05/18/2026

Source: Charlotte County Special Needs Program webpage

CITY OF PUNTA GORDA - REDUCE WATER USAGE DURING STORMS

Before, during, and after a storm, it is crucial for residents to help reduce strain on the sewer systems by conserving water. Storm surge and heavy rainfall will inundate the sewer system, making it difficult for wastewater to flow properly. By limiting water use before, during, and directly after the storm — such as avoiding long showers, laundry, and excessive flushing — residents can help reduce the risk of sewer backups and overflows that could lead to contamination and further flood damage. Your cooperation can make a big difference in minimizing infrastructure stress.

For more information contact the City of Punta Gorda Utilities Department at (941) 575-5088 or Utilities@CityofPuntaGordaFL.com.

Updated 05/18/2026

Source: City of Punta Gorda Media Advisory dated 10/09/2024 (post is no longer available online)

CITY OF PUNTA GORDA - POTENTIAL SEWER SYSTEM IMPACTS DURING HEAVY RAINS AND STORM SURGE

The City of Punta Gorda Utilities Department reminds residents to be aware of the potential effects of excessive rainfall and storm surge on the City’s sanitary sewer system.

While the City's sanitary sewer system is designed to handle wastewater efficiently, extreme weather conditions, such as those experienced during a hurricane, can overwhelm the system. This may result in temporary backups and overflows. Such conditions are largely driven by the volume of rain and storm surge, which can lead to standing water, property damage, and potential health risks.

Residents are advised to be aware of the following potential effects:

Sewer Backups: In rare instances, excessive rainfall can lead to infiltration of the sewer system, which may cause temporary backups in homes or businesses.
Contaminated Water: Sewer overflows can introduce contaminants into standing water and nearby bodies of water, creating a possible public health risk.
Property Damage: Flooding during heavy rain and storm surge can result in property damage.

Updated 05/18/2026

Source: City of Punta Gorda Media Advisory dated 10/05/2024 (post is no longer available online)

2026 ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON storm names

2026 storm names will be:

Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal
Dolly, Edouard, Fay
Gonzalo, Hannah, Isaias
Josephine, Kyle, Leah
Marco, Nana, Omar
Paulette, Rene, Sally
Teddy, Vicki, Wilfred

Artemis Tracks the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season

In case you are interested, you can track 2026 Atlantic hurricane season activity and forecasts with Artemis, using maps and data on every tropical depression, tropical storm, and Atlantic hurricane that forms during the year. The website displays:

2026 hurricane season forecasts
a tropical storm tracking map showing live named storm information
recaps of storms
satellite images of the Atlantic
information from the U.S. National Hurricane Center about the current tropical conditions
links to other useful hurricane season data sources

Posted 04/10/2026

Source: Artemis 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season

NOAA 08/06/2026 Updated Forecast for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season

With the climatological peak of hurricane season approaching in early September, NOAA’s prediction for below-normal activity in the Atlantic basin remains.

Forecasters from NOAA’s National Weather Service updated the number of expected named storms to 7-13 (with winds of 39 mph or greater; down from 8-14), of which 2-6 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or greater; down from 3-6), including 0-2 major hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or greater; down from 1-3). These ranges cover the entire season from June 1 through November 30 and are inclusive of the two tropical storms that have already formed.

NOAA forecasters predict a 75% chance for below-normal activity, with a 20% chance of a near-normal season, and just a 5% chance of above-normal activity. This updated prediction is similar to the initial outlook issued in May.

In the Atlantic basin, a typical hurricane season will yield 14 named storms, of which seven become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.

Read the full article HERE.

NOAA’s May 21, 2026 forecast is available HERE.

Posted 08/07/2026

Source: NOAA August 6, 2026 updated forecast for 2026 Hurricane Activity

Colorado State University 08/05/2026 updated forecast for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season

Colorado State University (CSU) hurricane researchers have maintained their forecast for a well below-average Atlantic hurricane season with their updated 2026 projection.

CSU’s Tropical Cyclones, Radar, Atmospheric Modeling, and Software (TC-RAMS) team, in the Department of Atmospheric Science, cites the high likelihood of a strong El Niño event as a primary factor for the prediction of 9 named storms (e.g., tropical storms and hurricanes), of which they anticipate four to become hurricanes and one to become a major hurricane (Category 3+ on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale). The 9 named storms include the two named storms that have already formed this year: Arthur and Bertha. These numbers are below the long-term seasonal average of 14, seven and three, respectively.

The August report also includes the following landfall probabilities for a Category 3 or stronger hurricane during the remainder of the 2026 season:

16% (down from 17%) for the entire U.S. coastline (full season average from 1880–2020 is 43%).
7% (down from 8%) for the U.S. East Coast, including the Florida Peninsula (full season average from 1880–2020 is 21%).
9% (down from 10%) for the Gulf Coast from the Florida panhandle west to Brownsville, Texas (full season average from 1880–2020 is 27%).

The CSU full August 5, 2026 forecast document is available HERE.

They will be issuing two-week forecasts for Atlantic TC activity during the climatological peak of the season from August–October. A verification and discussion of all 2026 forecasts will be issued on Tuesday November 24. All of these forecasts will be available on their website.

The CSU August 5, 2026 press release is available HERE.

The CSU full August 5, 2026 forecast document is available HERE.

The CSU full July 8, 2026 forecast document is available HERE.

The CSU June 10, 2026 press release is available HERE.

The CSU full June 10, 2026 forecast document is available HERE.

The CSU April 9, 2026 press release is available HERE.

The CSU full April 9, 2026 forecast document is available HERE.

Posted 08/07/2026

Source: Colorado State University August 05, 2026 Forecast for 2026 Hurricane Activity

Climate Adaptation Center 04/23/2026 forecast for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane Season

Sarasota’s Climate Adaptation Center (CAC) released its annual forecast for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season this week.

The verdict? The CAC predicts 12 named storms, five hurricanes, and two major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher).

A few excerpts from their report:

We are proud that over the past three hurricanes seasons, the early CAC Hurricane Season Forecast has been SPOT ON predicting Major Hurricanes! Over the past three season combined, the CAC has missed the number of Major Hurricanes by just 2. We forecast a total of 14 Major Storms and there were 12. No other forecast has been better!
A below average season but remember, IT DOESN’T TAKE A DIRECT HIT FOR THE SUNCOAST TO EXPEREINCE EXTREME IMPACT!
- Idalia and Helene were far off the coast but did millions to billions in damage.
- That is driven by the fact hurricanes are bigger, slower moving and come on top of 7 inches of sea level rise since 2000 right here on the Suncoast.
- Also, wind shear ebbs and flows no matter what is happening with El Nino. Should a weak period of shear happen, and a storm moves into the Gulf over the deep warm water, rapid Intensification can and most likely, will occur. This is something we will watch very closely.
Stay informed by subscribing to the CAC’s newsletter for storm forecasts and emergency updates. Listen carefully to storm information, evacuation orders, and other lifesaving information when a storm approaches. Listen to the experts!

Read CAC's full forecast and their top 10 hurricane preparation tips HERE.

Posted 04/25/2026

Source: Climate Adaptation Center 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season

AccuWeather 03/25/2026 forecast for the 2026 Atlantic tropical storm and hurricane activity

The AccuWeather early forecast for 2026 Atlantic tropical storm and hurricane activity calls for 11 to 16 named storms, with between four to seven hurricanes and two to four intensifying to become major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher.

In addition, AccuWeather forecasts between three and five direct storm impacts on the United States in the 2026 hurricane season, although these could be named tropical storms or stronger.

However, they also explain that “A direct impact to land can occur even if a storm doesn’t make landfall. It can also include tropical-storm-force winds reaching land, flooding rain from a storm just offshore, or a storm surge of at least 2 feet along the coast.”