Residents were urged by the Ministry of National Security today to complete hurricane preparations this month as the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season gets under way.

Since the season officially began on June 1, Michael Weeks, the national security minister, called on residents to review their household plans, check supplies and make sure that they are ready before any storm threatens the island.

Mr Weeks, who is chairman of the Emergency Measures Organisation, said: “A quieter forecast does not mean a safe season for Bermuda.

“It only takes one storm to cause serious disruption to this Island, and my instruction to every resident is clear: do not wait.

“The time to prepare is right now, while shelves are stocked, conditions are calm and you have the space to think clearly.”

The US-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has forecast a quieter than average 2026 hurricane season, with El Niño conditions expected to limit overall storm activity.

However, the ministry stressed that Bermuda’s geographical position in the Atlantic means the island must remain prepared “as one well-placed storm can still cause serious damage and disruption”.

Residents were encouraged to secure their homes, check shutters and windows, trim trees near their property, review insurance coverage and prepare or update their household hurricane plan.

The ministry said families should agree on where they will shelter, how they will communicate if power or phone service is disrupted and who may need extra help before or after a storm.

Residents were also urged to check on elderly relatives, neighbours who live alone and anyone who may need support with preparations.

Mr Weeks added: “As chairman of the EMO, I want residents to understand how decisions are made when Bermuda is threatened.

“We act on the advice of the Bermuda Weather Service — that is the authoritative source of weather information for this Island.

“When we issue a watch or warning, it is based on the best available science. Please follow those communications and not rumour or social media speculation.”

The BWS monitors the approach of a storm and briefs the EMO. The ministry said that when a storm watch is issued, residents should complete their final preparations.

If a warning is issued, storm conditions are expected within 36 hours, and residents are encouraged to follow official guidance, including any information on shelters and public safety measures.

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, but storms can form outside of that window.

The NOAA said the Atlantic Ocean was forecast to be warmer than usual this year but El Niño — the warming of waters in the Eastern and Central Pacific — conditions were expected to strengthen during this period and hinder storm growth.

The Weather Channel also predicted a quieter-than-average hurricane season this year, forecasting 12 named storms including six hurricanes and two major hurricanes.

A total of 13 named storms formed in the Atlantic and four approached the island in 2025.

Residents were encouraged to visit www.gov.bm/are-you-ready-hurricane-season to build their household plan and check their supplies list.