Mayor Helena Moreno joined city officials, first responders, and regional partners on May 26 to outline the City of New Orleans’ preparedness efforts for the 2026 hurricane season. With hurricane season set to begin June 1, officials detailed plans for emergency response, public safety coordination, infrastructure readiness, and communications to address hurricanes, flash flooding, and other severe weather threats throughout the year.
“Hurricane season starts in less than a week. NOAA is predicting a below average season—which is good news for us, but we still need to be ready just in case something severe comes our way,” Mayor Helena Moreno said. “This is why this meeting with our local and state partners is important to ensure everyone is set before hurricane season starts so we can keep New Orleanians safe. And while we do that, it’s important for you to come up with and go over your emergency plan with your family to make sure you are also prepared.”
City agencies reported ongoing efforts such as strengthening emergency operations through NOLA Ready alerts; reviewing shelter-in-place and evacuation plans; coordinating transportation support via the Regional Transit Authority; conducting preventive maintenance by the Sewerage and Water Board; power restoration planning by Entergy New Orleans; readiness exercises led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; public health initiatives targeting vulnerable populations by the Department of Health and Human Services; as well as continued outreach from tourism organizations hosting major conventions.
The National Weather Service forecasts a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season due to anticipated El Niño conditions but warns that even one storm could have significant impact on the Gulf Coast. Officials urged residents to sign up for emergency alerts (by texting “NOLAREADY” or “ESP” for Spanish), gather supplies including medications and documents, review plans at ready.nola.gov, register medical or mobility needs through Smart911 if applicable, clear debris from storm drains ahead of storms, coordinate pet evacuation where necessary, stay connected via official channels during events—and include special considerations such as carbon monoxide safety when using generators.
The city emphasized partnerships across agencies—including federal teams like USACE—to ensure operational testing continues throughout hurricane season so that levee systems perform as designed during tropical events. Leaders encouraged all residents—especially those who are elderly or have chronic medical concerns—to consult healthcare providers about preparations. Facilities serving vulnerable populations must comply with readiness standards by June 1.
Preparedness resources remain available online at ready.nola.gov. The City will continue providing updates throughout hurricane season.