VI Urged to Prepare for Hurricane Season
NOAA forecasters on May 2026 announced an Atlantic hurricane season outlook calling for 8–14 named storms, 3–6 hurricanes and 1–3 major hurricanes, noting El Niño as a suppressing factor. The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) is using the forecast to urge residents, businesses and communities across the Virgin Islands to finish storm preparations now and not be complacent. This update incorporates the Government of the Virgin Islands' press release with additional contact details and preparedness resources available at bviddm.com, and repeats DDM Director Jasen Penn's warning about rapid storm intensification following recent events such as Ernesto in 2024, Irma, Beryl and Melissa.
NOAA forecasters announced at a May briefing that the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season — which begins June 1 — is expected to produce between eight and 14 named storms, of which three to six could become hurricanes and one to three may reach Category 3 strength or higher, with El Niño cited as the main factor likely to suppress overall activity this year (NOAA).
The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) has used that forecast to remind the public that a quieter-than-normal season does not eliminate the risk of severe local impacts. In a government press release and at a press conference, DDM Director Jasen Penn urged residents, businesses and communities to complete their storm preparations now and not let a lower seasonal outlook lead to complacency (Government of the Virgin Islands). “As we experienced with Ernesto in 2024, just one impact of a tropical storm has the potential to cause serious damage and interrupt our routines.
We are all safer and more comfortable if we remain prepared,” Director Penn said, stressing that even small or short-lived storms can cause major disruption. Penn also highlighted the growing frequency of rapid storm intensification, which can sharply shorten the time available to prepare.
He pointed to past storms — including Hurricane Irma, Beryl and Melissa — many of which were tropical storms only two days before becoming major hurricanes, underscoring the importance of being ready before any storm forms (DDM/Government of the Virgin Islands). The DDM recommends immediate, practical steps households and businesses should take: clear drains, gutters and channels and remove bulky waste that could block stormwater flow; review or update household and workplace emergency plans and confirm evacuation routes and contact points; and assemble at least three days' worth of essential supplies including food, water, medications and personal items.
Officials also urged residents to stay informed through official channels such as the DDM mobile application, the DDM WhatsApp channel and the DDM website, where preparedness tools are available. The department's resources at www.bviddm.com include an emergency shelter list, template emergency plans for families and businesses, an emergency supply checklist and a storm-tracking map (Government of the Virgin Islands).
Homeowners and renters were reminded to check or secure insurance ahead of the season. “If you have insurance, it’s a good idea to review your insured amounts and any responsibilities your policy requires,” Penn said, noting that understanding coverage can speed claims and recovery.
The Virgin Islands continues to prioritise hurricane preparedness following the devastation of Irma and Maria in 2017, and the DDM — accredited by the Emergency Management Accreditation Programme — says that advanced planning pays off, especially given the region’s history of fast-changing storms.
For media or further enquiries, the Government of the Virgin Islands lists BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com and DDM contacts via their website and phone/WhatsApp lines. This article brings together NOAA's outlook and the DDM's latest public advisory to help residents take concrete steps now to reduce risk and speed recovery in the event of storm impacts.
Primary source: BVI Government