Jamaica Bracing for Hurricane Season 2026: What You Need to Know
Jamaica Bracing for Hurricane Season 2026: What You Need to Know
KINGSTON, Jamaica — With the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season officially starting June 1, the Met Office is warning Jamaicans to start preparing now. Forecasters are predicting an above-average season, with 17 to 20 named storms possible, including up to 5 major hurricanes.
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Dr. Michael Thompson, director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, said in a press briefing Monday that the country is at risk from June through November, with peak activity expected in August and September. “We cannot afford to be complacent. Last year’s storms showed us that even a tropical depression can cause serious flooding and damage,” he said.
The 2025 season was relatively quiet for Jamaica, but 2026 is shaping up to be different. Warm sea surface temperatures and a developing La Niña pattern are creating favorable conditions for storm formation in the Caribbean basin.
Claudette Brown, a shopkeeper in Port Antonio, told HowJamaica.com she’s already stocking up. “Mi nuh tek nuh chance. From June, mi start buy batteries, candles, and extra food. When the storm come, you nuh want be running to the shop,” she said.
The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is urging households to have a disaster kit ready, including at least seven days of food, water, and medicine. They also recommend trimming trees, securing loose items around the yard, and knowing your evacuation route.
Last year, Hurricane Beryl caused widespread damage in the eastern parishes, especially St. Thomas and Portland. The government has since allocated $500 million to improve drainage and reinforce emergency shelters across the island.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness said in a recent statement that his administration is taking the threat seriously. “We are investing in early warning systems and community response teams. But the first line of defense is every Jamaican family being prepared,” he said.
For farmers, the risk is especially high. The Ministry of Agriculture has advised planters to harvest early crops and secure livestock. In St. Elizabeth, farmers are already moving poultry and small stock to higher ground.
So what can you do right now? Start small. Buy a first aid kit. Check your insurance policy. Make sure your roof is secure. Talk to your family about where to meet if you get separated. It doesn’t have to cost a lot — just a little planning can save lives.
Stay tuned to HowJamaica.com for updates as we track the storms. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
