Environment

Hurricane Prep Week urges Floridians to act before June 1 season start

National Hurricane Preparedness Week, running May 3–9, is prompting officials and forecasters to encourage residents to stock supplies, review evacuation plans, and assess insurance coverage before the 2026 Atlantic season begins. Experts warn that waiting until a storm is approaching risks depleted store shelves and overlooked preparations, and note that dangerous impacts such as surge, inland flooding, and tornadoes can extend well beyond a forecast cone. Florida has also replaced its annual disaster-supply tax holiday with a permanent sales tax exemption on those items ahead of the season.

Sources: The Gainesville Sun · WUFT News · WCJB TV20