Generac Releases 2026 Preparedness Guide Forecasting 13 Storms and Citing $113B Damage
Generac’s 10th annual Hurricane Preparedness Guide forecasts 13 named storms, six hurricanes and two major storms in 2026 while outlining backup power planning. The company highlighted 2024’s record 1.5 billion electric outage hours and 5.4 million generator runtime hours during Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which caused 9.5 million power outages and $113 billion in damages.
1. Guide Forecasts 2026 Hurricane Season
Generac’s 10th annual preparedness guide projects 13 named storms, six hurricanes and two major storms for 2026. It expands the nation’s highest-risk zone data and outlines step-by-step backup power planning for homeowners.
2. Record Outage and Runtime Data
In 2024, the U.S. experienced a record 1.5 billion electric outage hours. During Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Generac’s whole-home standby generators logged 5.4 million runtime hours while communities endured 9.5 million outages and $113 billion in storm damages.
3. Homeowner Preparedness Recommendations
The guide provides emergency kit checklists, home inventory forms and safety tips for before, during and after storms. It also includes detailed guidance on selecting, installing and maintaining backup power solutions to minimize cost and disruption.