Preparedness Cannot Wait: DDME Marks the Start of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 2 June 2026: The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) reminds the public that yesterday, June 1st, officially marked the start of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which continues through November 30th.

While early forecasts indicate that the 2026 Season may be lower than normal, DDME stresses that this does not reduce the risk to the Turks and Caicos Islands. As history has shown, even a single storm can have devastating consequences for our islands.

This hurricane season, the responsibility for preparedness lies not just with agencies/stakeholders, but with all of us as a people. Preparedness is a shared national duty, and action must begin now—not when a storm is approaching.

As residents of a vulnerable region, we must approach today as a call to action, not a date on the calendar. A forecast of fewer storms does not mean we are safe, it means we must remain alert, disciplined, and ready at all times.

The Department is urging all residents to take the following steps immediately if you have not done so already:

• Review and update your Family Emergency Plan.  Ensure everyone in your household knows what to do and where to go.
• Check and restock emergency supplies:- Water, non‑perishable food, medication, batteries, and first aid should be readily available.
• Secure your home and property early.  Do not wait until a storm is near to begin preparations.
• Stay connected to official information – Follow DDME Social Media Pages and the TCI Meteorological Department for verified updates and advisories.
• Download the DDME Alert App to receive real-time alerts and critical information directly to your device.

The anticipated reduction in storm activity is largely due to a developing El Niño pattern, which: Increases wind shear across the Atlantic, suppresses storm formation and shifts tropical activity toward the Pacific

However, DDME warns that conditions can change rapidly, particularly later in the season, allowing strong storms to develop quickly.

Forecasts from NOAA suggest a below‑normal season, influenced by a developing El Niño pattern. However, DDME emphasises that:

• Storm counts do not determine impact
• One powerful storm can change everything

Our past experiences have shown that prepared communities recover faster, while unprepared ones face greater hardship.

Residents are reminded that seasonal forecasts do not predict landfall locations and should never be used as a measure of personal risk.

As preparing early is deemed one of the most effective ways to reduce risk, DDME urges all residents and businesses across the Turks and Caicos Islands to begin preparations immediately:

• Review and update your Family Emergency Plan
• Check and replenish hurricane supplies (water, food, medication, batteries)
• Secure homes and businesses early
• Stay informed through official weather updates and advisories
• Download the DDME Alert App for real-time alerts

Preparedness is not just an individual responsibility; it is a national commitment.

As we mark the beginning of the 2026 Hurricane Season, DDME calls on all residents to move forward with a mindset of readiness, responsibility, and resilience.  “Hurricane season has begun. Preparation cannot wait. What we do today determines how we face tomorrow.”

Let us stand together as a country that is:  Alert in awareness, prepared in action, and United in resilience, because in the end:  “A season is not measured by storm counts. It only takes one storm one moment, one night, one landfall to change everything.”

Preparedness today is the difference between reacting tomorrow and recovering stronger together.