MIAMI — Emergency officials across the U.S. Gulf Coast and Atlantic states have stepped up hurricane preparations after Tropical Storm Arthur, the first named storm of the 2026 Atlantic season, brought heavy rainfall and flooding to parts of Texas and Louisiana this week.
Arthur formed off the middle Texas coast on June 17 and made landfall in southwestern Louisiana shortly afterward, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm produced life-threatening flash flooding in the region, with rainfall totals of 5 to 12 inches reported across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. NOAA forecast a below-normal season in May, citing the influence of El Niño, with 8-14 named storms expected, 3-6 of them hurricanes and 1-3 major hurricanes.
"Preparing now for hurricane season — and not waiting for a storm to threaten — is essential for staying ahead of any storm," NOAA National Weather Service Director Ken Graham said in a statement.
Local authorities in affected states urged residents to review emergency plans and assemble supply kits containing water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries and other essentials. Officials emphasized trimming trees, securing outdoor items and checking flood insurance as key pre-season steps.
In Florida and other vulnerable areas, emergency management agencies have activated public awareness campaigns and are conducting drills. Florida Disaster officials recommended at least seven days of supplies for households.
The early arrival of Arthur, which formed slightly ahead of the historical average date for the first named storm, has prompted renewed focus on readiness despite the subdued seasonal outlook. Details on specific damage assessments from Arthur were still being compiled by state officials as of Friday.
As the group stage of the season continues, forecasters are monitoring the tropics for additional development. No new storms were immediately active in the Atlantic basin, the National Hurricane Center reported.
