Hurricane Tracker 2026: VA Benefits for Veterans

Hurricane Tracker 2026: What Veterans Should Know About VA Benefits and Emergency Assistance

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity between mid-August and mid-October . For veterans, hurricanes pose unique risks including medication access disruptions, power loss for medical equipment, and exposure to extreme heat. The VA has established critical emergency benefits including the Disaster Pharmacy Benefit for emergency prescription refills, the VA Fourth Mission for community medical support, and housing assistance through FEMA coordination. Veterans should keep a 2-week medication supply, know their local VA medical center phone number, and update their contact information at VA.gov before storms approach .

Quick Facts

2026 Hurricane Season: Current Tracking and Forecast

Where We Stand in the 2026 Season

The 2026 season has been relatively slow so far, with only three named systems as of mid-August: Tropical Storms Arthur and Bertha, and the short-lived Cristobal . The National Hurricane Center is currently tracking two tropical waves in the Atlantic:

• Invest 92: Located about 400 miles east of the Caribbean’s Windward Islands. Development chances are low at 20%, but it may bring gusty winds and heavy rain to the Lesser Antilles .

• Invest 94: Located in the central tropical Atlantic, more than 1,000 miles west of the Cape Verde Islands. This system has a 30% chance of development in the next two days and 50% in the next seven. Some computer models show it potentially approaching Florida after moving near Puerto Rico and Hispaniola .

If either system develops into a named storm, it would become Tropical Storm Dolly .

NOAA 2026 Forecast

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has updated its seasonal forecast, calling for:

• 7 to 13 named storms (lower than the average of 14)

• 2 to 6 hurricanes (lower than the average of 7)

• 0 to 2 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher) 

The forecast has been reduced further due to lower-than-average storm generation predictions. However, the height of hurricane season is just beginning, running between mid-August and mid-October .

How to Track Hurricanes

The VA’s emergency preparedness page recommends these official tracking resources :

VA Emergency Benefits During Hurricanes

Disaster Pharmacy Benefit

If a hurricane cuts off access to your VA pharmacy, the VA can help you get emergency prescription refills through community pharmacies .

What it covers: A broad range of essential medications. Veterans can bring their empty medication bottles to a community pharmacy to receive an emergency supply .

How it works: Local VA leadership activates this benefit during declared emergencies. Veterans can call VA Health Connect by dialing their local VA medical facility phone number and pressing “#1” for pharmacy. VA staff will coordinate with a nearby community pharmacy .

Real example: After Hurricane Milton struck Florida in October 2024, a Veteran in the Sarasota area called the clinical contact center two days after the storm. His car was flooded and he couldn’t reach a pharmacy. The VA team coordinated with a local pharmacy to get him an emergency refill .

What to do now:

• Write down your local VA medical facility phone number and save it in your phone 

• Keep at least a 2-week supply of medications on hand 

• Carry a written list of all your prescriptions 

VA Fourth Mission: Medical Support for Communities

The VA has a “Fourth Mission” that authorizes support not just for enrolled veterans, but for entire communities when local medical systems buckle under a storm’s weight .

What this means for you:

• VA can surge mobile medical units into storm-damaged communities

• VA can transfer patients from threatened hospitals before landfall

• VA can keep veterans connected to care through telehealth when roads are impassable and clinics are dark

• VA coordinates directly with FEMA, the Department of Health and Human Services, state emergency managers, and local agencies 

The AVERT Crises Act

Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) have introduced the Advancing VA’s Emergency Response to (AVERT) Crises Act—legislation to strengthen VA’s response to natural disasters, pandemics, and other emergencies .

Key provisions:

• Increases coordination between VA and FEMA during emergencies

• Streamlines VA’s disjointed emergency management offices

• Examines whether VA’s Regional Readiness Centers are being used to their fullest potential

• Helps ensure continuity of VA medical care for veterans during emergencies 

Health and Medical Support During Hurricanes

Medications and Medical Equipment

If a natural disaster affects your access to needed prescriptions or medical equipment like oxygen tanks, VA can work with mobile clinics, home health teams, and community care providers to get you what you need .

Emergency pharmacy service: VA may deploy self-contained emergency pharmacy vehicles that can serve as outpatient pharmacies within a few hours .

If you use electricity-dependent medical devices (oxygen, CPAP, dialysis equipment, power wheelchair, IVs, feeding pumps):

• Talk to your VA provider today about backup options 

• Know your power vulnerabilities

• Have a plan for when the power goes out 

VA Health Connect and Virtual Care

During disasters, VA may contact veterans in affected areas by phone, text, or email with real-time information about clinic closures, alternate care sites, pharmacy refills, and evacuation guidance .

To ensure VA can reach you:

• Keep your phone charged and save your VA medical center’s number 

• Update your contact information (phone, address, email) at VA.gov 

• Register for My HealtheVet and opt-in for email notifications 

• Use the VA Health and Benefits mobile app or My HealtheVet secure messaging for non-urgent questions 

Veterans Crisis Line During Storms

Free, confidential support is available 24/7 for veterans in crisis by phone, text, or chat :

• Dial 988 then Press 1

• Send a text to 838255

• Chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net

• Support for deaf and hard of hearing: 1-800-799-4889

Housing and Financial Assistance

FEMA Registration

If your home is damaged by a hurricane, contact FEMA right away to begin the disaster application process :

• Online: DisasterAssistance.gov

• Phone: 1-800-621-3362

To receive maximum assistance, you must register with FEMA before their deadline expires .

VA Home Loan Assistance

If you have a VA-backed home loan and your home was affected by a natural disaster :

• VA encourages mortgage servicers to put a 90-day pause on foreclosures

• VA encourages servicers to waive late charges

• Contact your mortgage servicer if you can’t make payments

• Call VA at 1-877-827-3702 for help (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET) 

Specially Adapted Housing Grants

If you have previously used a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant and your adapted primary residence is destroyed or substantially damaged during a disaster, call 1-877-827-3702 for help .

Small Business Administration Loans

Don’t pay your loan in full before checking with the SBA about a loan for the uninsured portion of your loss. Additional support—including low-interest loans, cash grants, and housing assistance—may be available from agencies associated with the disaster recovery effort .

Homeless Veterans Assistance

If you or a veteran you know needs immediate housing assistance in the aftermath of a natural disaster, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, available 24/7: 1-877-424-3838 .

Insurance and Repairs

If your home was damaged :

1. Contact your insurance company to file a claim as soon as possible

2. Don’t make a hasty settlement on insurance

3. Get at least 2 estimates from licensed contractors for repair costs

4. Insurance checks for personal property and living expenses should be payable to you only

5. Checks for damage to your home should be payable to both you and your mortgage company

Other Sources of Help

Contact local offices of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), or other Veterans Service Organizations. They may be able to offer special assistance even if you’re not a member .

Common Questions

1. What VA benefits can I use during a hurricane?

VA offers the Disaster Pharmacy Benefit for emergency prescription refills, the VA Fourth Mission for community medical support, housing assistance through FEMA coordination, VA home loan forbearance, and the Veterans Crisis Line for mental health support .

2. How do I get emergency prescriptions if a hurricane hits?

Call VA Health Connect by dialing your local VA medical facility phone number and pressing “#1” for pharmacy. VA staff will coordinate with a nearby community pharmacy. You can bring your empty medication bottles to receive an emergency supply .

3. What should I do if I use electricity-dependent medical equipment?

Talk to your VA provider today about backup options. Know your power vulnerabilities and have a plan for when the power goes out. Keep a list of your equipment and backup power needs .

4. How do I get help with my VA home loan after a hurricane?

Contact your mortgage servicer if you can’t make payments. VA encourages servicers to put a 90-day pause on foreclosures and waive late charges. You can also call VA at 1-877-827-3702 for help .

5. How do I register for FEMA disaster assistance?

Register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362. You must register before FEMA’s deadline expires to receive maximum assistance .

6. Will VA help me if I’m homeless after a hurricane?

Yes. Call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-424-3838, available 24/7. VA may also deploy Public Contact Teams to shelters and Disaster Recovery Centers to connect veterans with housing and benefits .

7. How does VA reach veterans during a storm?

VA may contact veterans in affected areas by phone, text, or email with real-time information about clinic closures, alternate care sites, pharmacy refills, and evacuation guidance. Make sure your contact information is updated at VA.gov .

8. What should I put in a hurricane emergency kit?

Store enough non-perishable food and water for you and your family for three days or more. Include important documents (insurance policies, ID), a first-aid kit, prescription medications, and any special items. Also prepare a car emergency kit .

9. How long is hurricane season?

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity between mid-August and mid-October .

10. How active is the 2026 hurricane season?

NOAA forecasts 7 to 13 named storms and 2 to 6 hurricanes—lower than average. The season has been slow so far with only three named systems, but the peak period is just beginning .

11. Will I lose my GI Bill benefits if my school closes due to a hurricane?

If your school closes temporarily due to a disaster, VA may continue payments. Contact GI Bill specialists at 1-888-442-4551 for guidance .

12. What should I do if I can’t reach VA by phone during a disaster?

Use the Ask VA online tool or My HealtheVet secure messaging for non-urgent questions. If you think your life or health is in danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room .

Key Takeaways

• 2026 hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, with peak activity mid-August to mid-October 

• NOAA forecasts 7-13 named storms and 2-6 hurricanes this season, lower than average 

• VA Disaster Pharmacy Benefit provides emergency prescription refills at local pharmacies when VA pharmacies are unreachable 

• VA Fourth Mission authorizes VA to support entire communities when local medical systems are overwhelmed 

• Keep a 2-week supply of medications and know your local VA medical center phone number 

• Update your contact information at VA.gov so VA can reach you during emergencies 

• Register with FEMA at DisasterAssistance.gov or 1-800-621-3362 if your home is damaged 

• VA home loan forbearance includes 90-day foreclosure pause and late fee waivers after disasters 

• National Call Center for Homeless Veterans is available 24/7 at 1-877-424-3838 

• Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 at 988 (Press 1) or text 838255 

• The AVERT Crises Act would strengthen VA’s emergency response capabilities 

Official Resources

U.S. Government

• VA Disaster Help: www.va.gov/resources/disaster-help 

• VA Health and Benefits Mobile App: Available for download

• My HealtheVet: www.myhealth.va.gov 

• FEMA Disaster Assistance: www.disasterassistance.gov 

• FEMA Phone: 1-800-621-3362 

• NOAA National Hurricane Center: www.nhc.noaa.gov 

• Ready.gov – Hurricanes: www.ready.gov/hurricanes 

• National Weather Service: www.weather.gov 

VA Contact Information

• Veterans Crisis Line: 988 (Press 1) or text 838255 

• National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: 1-877-424-3838 

• MyVA411 Main Information Line: 1-800-698-2411 

• VA Home Loan Help: 1-877-827-3702 

• VA Health Benefits Hotline: 1-877-222-8387 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. ET) 

• GI Bill Hotline: 1-888-442-4551 

• Caregiver Support Line: 1-855-260-3274