June 1 marks the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season, with forecasters across the country predicting a below-normal season. Predictions aside, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is encouraging residents to get prepared if they haven’t done so already.
“Mississippians should be aware that while the state is better prepared than ever to respond to a hurricane, it is imperative they need to take an active role in improving their ability to prepare for, survive, and recover from the impacts of hurricanes by developing a family emergency plan, learning evacuation routes, and assembling a three to five-day disaster supply kit,” MEMA notes on its website.
With the Atlantic hurricane season lasting until Nov. 30, MEMA officials are urging people in all parts of the state – not just the coastal region – to have a disaster supply kit that includes:
- Flashlight and battery-powered radio with additional batteries
- Canned and non-perishable food
- Bottled water
- Toiletry items
- Pet food and pet supplies, if a pet owner
- Medicine and prescription medication
- Copies of important family papers and documents
MEMA also has an entire web page dedicated to hurricane preparedness tips, including how to make an evacuation plan, prepare for power outages, and access recovery information.
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season could produce between eight and 14 named storms, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Of those, between three and six could become hurricanes, including one to three major hurricanes (Category 3 or stronger).
Leading weather researchers at Colorado State University are predicting a slightly quieter season with up to 13 named storms. Of those, six could become hurricanes, including two major hurricanes.
While 2025 marked the first year in a decade that no hurricane struck the U.S. coastline, the 2024 season proved devastating. Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck Florida before moving through Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Hurricane Francine also made landfall in Louisiana before crossing into Mississippi as a tropical depression.
The last major hurricane to make direct landfall in Mississippi was Hurricane Katrina in 2005 – the costliest and deadliest hurricane in state history – while Hurricane Zeta was the most recent hurricane to make landfall in the state in 2020.
Historical records compiled from documented Mississippi hurricanes dating back to 1819 show August (26 storms) and September (44 storms) have been the busiest months for hurricanes affecting the state.