Building Resilient Fleet Operations for the 2026 Hurricane Season

For 2026, due to the potential of a “super El Nino” in the Pacific, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting a below-average Atlantic hurricane season, predicting 8 to 14 named storms, including 3 to 6 hurricanes and 1 to 3 major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or higher. NOAA currently places the likelihood of a below-normal season at 55%. But lower storm totals do not necessarily mean lower risk.

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, but today’s storms are becoming less predictable, more intense, and faster to develop. Even in years forecast to be “below normal,” fleets cannot afford to let their guard down. As many organizations learned in recent seasons, it only takes one storm making landfall in the wrong place at the wrong time to create major operational disruptions, vehicledamage, and safety risks for drivers.

Warmer ocean temperatures continue to fuel concerns about rapid intensification, where storms strengthen dramatically in a short period of time, reducing preparation windows for fleets and communities. Hurricanes are also producing heavier rainfall, greater inland flooding, and wider geographic impacts far beyond coastal evacuation zones. For fleet drivers, that means dangerous conditions can develop quickly and unpredictably, even hundreds of miles inland.

Fleets operating in hurricane-prone regions, or even adjacent states, should review emergency response plans before storms begin forming.

Preparation does not mean panic. It means planning ahead.

For individuals, hurricane readiness often focuses on evacuation routes and emergency supplies. For fleets, preparation must go further: monitoring weather conditions continuously, establishing communication protocols with drivers, identifying alternate routes, securing vehicles and facilities, and ensuring drivers understand when conditions are no longer safe to operate.

Fleet Managers’ Plan

So, how do you plan in this environment? Some of the same rules still apply and some additional precautions address today’s changing climate.

• Stay informed and assess risks. Knowing that storms are trending toward rapid intensification, you should stay tuned into all weather forecasts. Recently, storms have developed in quick succession, leaving little recovery time and straining rescue services. When storms are predicted, follow the announcements and set alerts. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) provides real-time forecasts and advisories, while FEMA offers guidelines on hurricane preparedness.
• Driver preparedness. Remind your drivers to keep cell phones charged, regularly check weather updates and set their devices to receive emergency alerts. Ensure that they understand the risks of inland flooding, storm surges and high winds—90% of hurricane deaths are due to water hazards.
• Communication plans. Develop an emergency communication protocol for drivers, as well as clear evacuation plans for all employees. Leverage your telematics systems to track driver locations effectively.
• Be “road ready”. If drivers get caught unexpectedly in a storm, be certain they are in vehicles that keep them safe. Maintain a check-list of critical items that become crucial during adverse weather: tires, wipers, fuel tank or charging levels, brakes, lights. Confirm that each vehicle has an emergency roadside kit onboard.
• Safe driving during the storm. Ensure that your drivers understand safe driving practices during hazardous weather. These precautions include slowing down, maintaining a safe distance, being aware of strong winds, and monitoring blind spots. And, of course, not driving into flooded areas, just a few inches of water can stall an engine. Just twelve inches of water can cause some vehicles to float. Additionally, standing water can hide downed wires (electrifying the water), potholes and fallen branches.
• Higher ground. Today’s storms can escalate more quickly and surge unpredictably, fleets might need to reconsider parking and storage strategies. Areas previously not impacted by flooding may now be at risk, so perhaps a reassessment is due.
• Documentation. If your facility is at risk of taking a direct hit, take photos and shoot video before potential damage occurs. However, always comply immediately with evacuation orders.

Additional Hurricane Driving Tips

Storms are becoming stronger and intensifying faster. Preparation is essential for mitigating these hazards. Wheels constantly monitors risks to our clients and will communicate promptly when necessary. For more detailed driving tips, visit our Wheels Hurricane Driving Tips .In the end, getting drivers home safely is always the primary concern.