When most people think of hurricanes, they picture coastal regions such as Florida. However, that image does not tell the full story. Some of the most disruptive hurricane losses now occur hundreds of miles inland.
As the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins, NOAA is forecasting a below-normal season overall, largely due to the influence of El Niño conditions. According to NOAA, there is a 55% chance of a below-normal season, a 35% chance of a near-normal season, and a 10% chance of an above-normal season.
Additionally, NOAA is predicting between 8 and 14 named storms this season, including 3 to 6 hurricanes and 1 to 3 major hurricanes. Despite the lower overall forecast, officials continue to stress that even a single storm can cause catastrophic flooding, severe business interruption, and widespread damage far from the coastline.
What Inland Flooding Means for Businesses
When a hurricane moves inland, its winds typically weaken, and rainfall often intensifies. This can create major operational and financial risks for businesses located hundreds of miles from landfall.
- Fluvial Flooding: Prolonged rain can cause rivers and streams to rise and overflow, threatening facilities, warehouses, and distribution hubs near waterways.
- Pluvial Flooding: Heavy rainfall can overwhelm soil and drainage capacity, leading to sudden flooding that damages property and halts operations.
- Urban surface flooding: In built environments, stormwater and sewer systems may be quickly overloaded, flooding streets, buildings, and critical infrastructure.
- Compound flooding: Multiple hazards, such as storm surge combining inland rainfall and swollen rivers, can interact to create more severe flooding than any one event alone.
Why Inland Flooding is Becoming a Bigger Risk
NOAA officials stressed that inland flooding remains one of the deadliest hurricane-related threats. In many recent storms, more fatalities occurred inland from flooding than from coastal wind impacts.
Additionally, indirect fatalities following tropical storms and hurricanes often exceed direct storm-related deaths. Extended power outages, lack of access to medication, unsafe generator use, and dangerous travel conditions all contribute to elevated post-storm risks.
For businesses, this can result in:
- Property and warehouse damage
- Transportation and logistics disruption
- Utility outages and infrastructure failures
- Supply chain delays
- Business interruption losses
Critical transportation corridors, rail systems, ports, distribution centers, and utility networks can all be impacted by inland flooding events, creating ripple effects across regional and national commerce.
NOAA also noted that tropical storm and hurricane watches should not be ignored in inland communities. Flooding impacts can extend well beyond the initial landfall zone, particularly when storms weaken slowly or stall over populated regions.
Real World Lessons from Recent Seasons
One of the major takeaways from the 2025 hurricane season, according to NOAA officials, was the importance of not letting your guard down, especially later in the season.
Although 2026 is forecasted to be below normal overall, NOAA cautioned that seasonal totals do not determine where storms track or where impacts occur. Forecasters also noted there may be an elevated risk focus for portions of the Mid-Atlantic and New England, although officials emphasized that forecasting regional impacts this far in advance remains challenging.
Notably, 2015 was the last Atlantic season forecasted to be below normal, reinforcing that quieter outlooks are relatively uncommon and should not reduce preparedness efforts.
Managing Inland Flood Risk for Businesses
A “below normal” forecast shouldn’t change the way businesses look at inland flooding.
Preparedness should include:
- Reviewing inland marine, cargo, and stock-throughput coverage
- Identifying flood-related insurance coverage gaps
- Elevating critical equipment and inventory
- Improving drainage and flood mitigation measures
- Updating continuity and emergency response plans
- Mapping flood exposure using FEMA and NOAA resources
- Stocking nonperishable food, medications, and emergency supplies
- Accounting for pets in evacuation planning
- Training employees on severe weather and evacuation procedures
Emergency officials also highlighted several recurring post-storm dangers:
- Downed power lines remain one of the most significant hazards after storms
- Improper generator use continues to cause preventable fatalities
- Floodwaters should never be underestimated — “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” remains a critical safety message
Key Takeaways
Hurricanes may begin at the coast, but their impacts often extend far inland. As the 2026 hurricane season begins, businesses should evaluate not only wind exposure, but also how inland flooding could disrupt operations, infrastructure, transportation networks, and supply chains a “below-normal” forecast does not eliminate risk. Even a single storm can create catastrophic flooding and widespread operational disruption far from landfall. Organizations should remain proactive, review emergency plans, and ensure flood preparedness measures are in place well before peak hurricane season.
Falvey’s risk management team specializes in helping organizations anticipate and manage complex risks across the supply chain. To learn more about how our tailored solutions can address inland flood exposure, contact us today. For additional resources, visit hurricanes.gov and ready.gov.
