TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – June 1 marked the beginning of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.
While ocean conditions are calm, local leaders said it is never too early to prepare.
Officials with the City of Tallahassee, Leon County and the National Weather Service gathered Monday morning to highlight community resources and stress personal readiness.
Community members were urged to have a plan in place, stay informed and “build your bucket” with emergency supplies. You can include items like batteries, flashlights, water, medications and important documents.
Tallahassee has had a few close calls in recent years with tropical systems. Hurricane Idalia, Hurricane Debby and Hurricane Helene all made landfall in the southeastern Big Bend.
Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey said the city and the county are prepared for whatever Mother Nature may bring this summer and fall.
“Our pre-storm prep, post-storm activation to put the community back together after a storm I think is seamless. We continue to build upon our success and figure out how we can be better,” Mayor Dailey added.
The forecast for the 2026 season is leaning below average. However, Mark Wool with the National Weather Service brought up the 1992 season.
He said, in 1992, only six named storms developed, but one was Hurricane Andrew.
“1992 was a strong El Niño year, and the first storm, Andrew, didn’t develop until August 31. That’s deep into the season, and then there were only five after that, but of course, everybody knows how much that Category 5 hurricane devastated South Florida,” Wool said.
The 2026 WCTV Hurricane Special takes a deep dive into the new season. You can watch the full special, plus find resources on staying prepared by checking out our Hurricane Headquarters here.
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