Governor Abigail Spanberger has urged all Virginians to prepare for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which officially began on June 1. The Governor emphasized the importance of reviewing emergency plans and ensuring families are ready for potential severe weather, highlighting that all communities across the Commonwealth can be impacted.
To bolster statewide readiness, Governor Spanberger convened emergency management and public safety leaders at the Virginia Emergency Operations Center in Chesterfield. This tabletop exercise aimed to strengthen interagency coordination and preparedness, building on lessons from past events like Hurricane Helene, which caused significant damage to Virginia.
"As Atlantic hurricane season begins, I urge every Virginian to take the time now to review their emergency plans and make sure their families are fully prepared for the months ahead," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. She added that while state agencies are strengthening collaboration, first responders, community organizations, and individual Virginians are equally crucial for effective disaster response.
The hurricane season runs until November 30, with late summer and early fall posing the highest risk for Virginia. Tropical systems can bring damaging winds, flooding, tornadoes, storm surge, and prolonged power outages. Lauren Opett, Acting State Coordinator of Emergency Management, stressed that "Preparedness starts long before a storm appears on the forecast map."
Virginians are advised to build or refresh emergency kits, know their evacuation zones via KnowYourZoneVA.org, review family communication plans, sign up for local alerts, secure important documents, check generators, and plan for pets. Further information is available at vaemergency.gov/prepare and ready.gov/hurricanes.