Hurricane Season Starts June 1: Walton County Hosting Preparedness Town Halls This Week
Hurricane season starts June 1, and Walton County Emergency Management is hosting a preparedness town hall tomorrow night in DeFuniak Springs.
Photo: A NOAA satellite view of a massive Hurricane Erin churning off the U.S. East Coast taken August 20, 2025. (NOAA Satellites)
2026 Atlantic Hurricane Outlook: Below-Normal Season Predicted
NOAA’s 2026 Atlantic hurricane season outlook, released May 22, predicts a below-normal season — a 55% chance of below-normal activity, 35% chance of near-normal, and just 10% chance of above-normal. Forecasters expect 8-14 named storms, 3-6 hurricanes, and 1-3 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). An average season produces 14 named storms.
The below-normal prediction is driven by a developing El Niño, which tends to suppress Atlantic hurricane activity — though warmer-than-average ocean temperatures and weaker trade winds could offset some of that effect.
“Although El Niño’s impact in the Atlantic Basin can often suppress hurricane development, there is still uncertainty in how each season will unfold,” said NOAA National Weather Service Director Ken Graham. “It only takes one storm to make for a very bad season.”
Hurricane season officially begins June 1, and Walton County Emergency Management wants to make sure you’re ready before the first storm forms. The agency is hosting a series of preparedness town halls across the county, and the next one is tomorrow night in DeFuniak Springs.
Town Hall Tomorrow Night in DeFuniak Springs
The DeFuniak Springs town hall takes place Thursday, May 28, at 6:00 PM at the Walton County Emergency Operations Center, 75 South Davis Lane. The session will cover disaster preparedness essentials, an inside look at the county’s emergency response process, practical tips for strengthening your home or business, and a Q&A with emergency management professionals.
A second town hall is planned for South Walton on June 26 — details on time and venue will be posted on the Walton County Emergency Management website.
Registration is not required, but signing up ensures you receive updates. You can register at bit.ly/WCEMHurricaneTownhall.
Freeport’s Evacuation Role
Freeport sits on State Road 20, one of Walton County’s key east-west evacuation corridors. During a hurricane threat, SR-20 carries traffic from the coast inland toward DeFuniak Springs and beyond. That makes understanding evacuation routes and timing especially important for Freeport residents — you’re both a destination for coastal evacuees and potentially in the path yourself.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management maintains detailed evacuation route and zone maps for Walton County at floridadisaster.org/planprepare/disaster-preparedness-maps. FLASH, the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, also publishes an evacuation guide at flash.org with tips on when and how to leave. If you live in Freeport, now is the time to familiarize yourself with your zone and your route — before a storm is bearing down on the Gulf.
Tax-Free Disaster Supplies — Now Year-Round
Good news for your prep budget: Florida’s disaster preparedness sales tax exemption is now permanent. As of August 2025, commonly used emergency supplies — including batteries, certain generators, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, helmets, life jackets, insect repellent, and sunscreen — are tax-free year-round. No more rushing to stock up during a two-week window.
Note that some items previously covered by the temporary holiday, such as flashlights, candles, food coolers, and certain pet supplies, are no longer on the exemption list. For the full list of eligible items, visit floridadisaster.org.
HERricane Camp for Young Women
Walton County Emergency Management is hosting its 5th annual HERricane Florida camp, a free week-long program for young women entering 7th, 8th, or 9th grade during the 2026-2027 school year. The camp runs July 28–31 at South Walton Fire District Headquarters (911 N County Hwy 393, Santa Rosa Beach).
Campers will learn disaster preparedness, leadership, drone operations, land navigation, CPR certification, basic first aid, and fire safety — mentored by female leaders from local, state, and national emergency response agencies.
Applications are open now through July 23 at bit.ly/2026HERricane. For questions, contact Catie Feeney at [email protected] or call (850) 401-4070.
Build-A-Bucket Returns to Freeport in September
Last year’s inaugural Build-A-Bucket event drew over 2,500 residents, and it’s coming back to Hammock Bay. The 2026 Build-A-Bucket is set for Saturday, September 26, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at 1871 Great Hammock Bend in Freeport. The free, family-friendly event will distribute 2,000 disaster supply buckets (one per household, first come first serve), plus touch-a-truck experiences, live fire extinguisher demos, food trucks, live music, raffles, and a kid zone.
The event is also planning a new Friday night kickoff — details to come. Sponsorship opportunities are available by emailing Doug Hirsch at [email protected].
Get Ready Now
The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, with peak activity typically in August through October. Colorado State University’s 2026 forecast calls for 13 named storms, six hurricanes, and a few reaching major hurricane status — slightly quieter than average, thanks to a strengthening El Niño pattern. But as every Floridian knows, it only takes one storm.
Tomorrow night’s town hall is the single best step you can take this week. Show up, bring your questions, and get #WaltonReady.
Sources: NOAA 2026 Hurricane Outlook | Walton County Emergency Management | Town Hall Registration | Florida Division of Emergency Management | FLASH — Federal Alliance for Safe Homes | Florida Disaster Preparedness Tax Exemption | WUSF: Permanent Tax Exemption
