Hurricane season is underway, and now is the time to make sure you and your family are prepared before a storm threatens the Outer Banks.

Dare County Emergency Management Director Drew Pearson and National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist Erik Heden will host three free Hurricane Preparedness Forums in July to help residents, property owners and visitors better understand the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season and the steps they can take to stay safe.

While advance registration is encouraged to assist the organizers in planning for materials and resources, registration not required. If you are able to join a forum at the last minute, the event organizers will gladly accommodate you. The goal is to share this important information with as many people as possible.

Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
Hatteras Civic Center (56658 N.C. Highway 12, Hatteras, NC)
Register now.

Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 10 a.m.
Kitty Hawk Town Hall (101 Veterans Memorial Drive, Kitty Hawk, NC)
Register now.

Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 2 p.m.
Dare County Emergency Operations Center (370 Airport Road, Manteo, NC)
Register to attend in person.
Virtual option available. Register to attend virtually.

During each forum, attendees will receive the latest outlook for the current hurricane season, learn preparedness strategies and hear about updates to National Weather Service forecast products. Presenters will also explain why it's important to focus on a storm's potential impacts—such as flooding, storm surge, high winds and tornadoes—rather than relying solely on its hurricane category when making decisions.

At the end of each forum, time will be set aside for a community discussion during which attendees can ask questions and share their concerns and receive guidance directly from local emergency management and weather experts.

All forums are free and open to the public. Whether you're a longtime resident, a new homeowner or frequent visitor during hurricane season, these forums offer valuable information to help you make informed decisions before severe weather strikes.

For more information about the Hurricane Preparedness Forums, please contact Erik Heden at erik.heden@noaa.gov or Drew Pearson at 252-475-5655 or drew.pearson@darenc.gov.