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When is hurricane season and what to stock up on

The 2026 hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th. As someone who grew up in Florida and now lives in Hawaii, I can attest to the importance of storm preparedness. I have probably experienced more severe weather in my lifetime than most could even imagine. From Hurricane Andrew in Miami in 1992 to the recent floods on the North Shore of Oahu, I’ve seen just about everything. What these experiences have taught me is that preparation is key when it comes to dealing with any natural disaster. That’s why having all the essentials before, during, and after a storm is of the utmost importance. The best starting point for this is Amazon, thanks to its fast shipping and variety of products.

There’s no better planning tool for the next storm than your experiences during the last one. That’s why I’m perfectly positioned to offer this advice. The best storm kit products are the ones that help you avoid disruptions in your daily routine and ones that allow you to respond to an emergency quickly and effectively.

Leaton Hand Crank Solar Radio, Charger, and Flashlight, $37 (was $53) at Amazon

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Two of the most important commodities during and after a bad storm are light and information. This product can deliver both, and do so without breaking the bank. It’s rechargeable, can give you all the updated weather information even when there’s no internet connection, and has an SOS alarm if things go from bad to worse. The powerful flashlight includes 20 LED bulbs, which will allow you to see plenty, even in the darkest conditions. The unit even allows you to plug your devices in via USB to charge in a pinch.

How are these products useful?

If you don’t want to get caught in the proverbial rain the next time a bad storm hits, then getting a hurricane kit or severe weather kit is the best answer. I’ve found that having a kit ready well before it’s needed is always the best plan. Some of the most obvious impacts of these weather systems are power outages, injuries due to wind and rain exposure, and food loss due to no refrigeration. Any products that can help you navigate these situations and beyond are well worth the investment. Even if you don’t live near the ocean, atmospheric rivers, tornadoes, and even blizzards can result from these storms. That’s why everyone should have a storm kit, no matter where you live.

Ready America Emergency Kit with Backpack, $25 (was $36) at Amazon

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After the storm has passed, you might need to leave in a hurry. That’s why this kit, which comes in its own travel backpack, is such a great buy. Inside you’ll find a first aid kit, emergency food, a survival blanket, ponchos, fresh water packs, and a light stick, among other things. The beauty of the backpack is that you can fit even more essentials inside if you wish. What comes with the bag is intended to sustain one person for three days.

Related: The emergency essentials to have in your home kit for max preparedness

Readywise 120-Serving Emergency Food Supply, $98 (was $154) at Amazon

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Perhaps no emergency item is more vital than sustenance. That’s why an emergency food kit might be the most important buy of all. This kit includes 120 servings of food, which is meant to keep a family fed for an extended period of time. You don’t have to be a doomsday prepper to see the value of this kit. It includes dehydrated freeze-dried meals that provide all the essential nutrients to keep your body and mind healthy during a crisis. It even has a shelf life of 25 years, so you can put it in the back of your closet and forget about it until it’s needed.

Details to know about hurricane season

• 2026 forecast: Colorado State University predicts 13 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes of category 3 or higher.

• 2025 impacts: There were four major hurricanes resulting in 126 deaths and causing 9.36 billion dollars in damage according to the American Enterprise Institute.

• A decade of storms: According to the National Weather Service, tropical cyclones and hurricanes have caused more than 6,300 direct and indirect deaths in the United States alone since 2015.

Jackery Solar-Powered Emergency Generator, $699 (was $1,299) at Amazon

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While gasoline-powered generators are popular for the energy they can produce, they’re not necessarily as practical as their solar-powered counterparts. This model comes with its own solar panels, so you can soak up the sun and use it as electricity as needed. It has an output of 200 watts, which should be more than enough to keep your devices running and to power small appliances and electronics during an outage. Gasoline can run out quickly during an emergency, so a renewable energy source is one of the best things you can have when resources start running out.

Staaricc LED Flashlight 6-Pack, $19 (was $30) at Amazon

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What’s better than a flashlight when the lights go out? How about six flashlights? That’s what this kit includes, and it’s the best way to keep your family safe when the storm hits. If there’s major damage due to high winds, then just walking to the car at night can be perilous. You want to be sure that you’ve got something to light your way. These tactical lights have five lighting modes and a high lumen rating to keep you from being trapped in the dark during and after a disaster.

Hurricane season never arrives late, so neither should you when it comes to preparation. If you get everything you need well in advance, then you might be perfectly positioned to help yourself and others if/when the time comes.

This story was originally published by TheStreet on Apr 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the Deals section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.