While hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, late July marks the start of the most dangerous stretch in the tropics.
Here at Wolf Creek, we pay careful attention to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Atlantic hurricane outlook each year. Why? Because their weather forecast helps us with our inventory forecast, so we can ensure our customers on the coastline have the portable piping products they need to respond quickly to any flooding.
So, what can we expect from the 2026 hurricane season? This year’s forecast calls for a 55% chance of a below-normal season, with a total of 8 to 14 named storms, 3 to 6 hurricanes, and 1 to 3 major hurricanes.
However, below normal doesn’t mean zero risk. Heavy rains and tropical storms can quickly overwhelm drainage systems, flood roadways, and leave large volumes of standing floodwater.
For pump rental companies, contractors, municipalities, and disaster response teams, hurricane season preparedness has to begin before a storm appears on the map. Once flooding occurs, every hour counts.
Here’s how we recommend you prepare for the storm:
Assess Your Pipe Inventory
When it comes to flood response, moving large volumes of water as quickly and efficiently as possible is the name of the game.
That’s why Wolf Creek maintains a large inventory of portable piping across 4-, 6-, 8-, 10- and 12-inch diameters. We offer both galvanized steel pipe and HDPE poly pipe for a variety of applications.
If you expect to respond to seasonal flooding, now’s the time to assess your warehouse or yard and determine:
- How much usable pipe is currently on hand?
- Is existing inventory organized for transportation?
- Which fittings and adapters will you require?
- Do you have damaged or worn components that need to be replaced?
Placing those orders now will give your team more flexibility and peace of mind when a storm does arrive.
Protect Your Valuable Pumps
Floodwater moves quickly, and it often carries with it rocks, lumber, trash, and other debris that can damage your valuable pumping equipment.
Only Wolf Creek offers Hunnebucket inline strainers designed to protect your pump investment while fitting seamlessly into your setup. Our Hunnebuckets are available in 6-, 8-, 10-, and 12-inch sizes. In fact, our new 10-inch sizes are among the most popular because two 10-inch hose lines fit perfectly in a manhole cover. Installed on the suction side of your pump, the Hunnebucket traps materials before they can enter your expensive pump. With an easily accessible top-facing viewport, your crew can easily inspect and empty the basket strainer without disassembling the entire suction line.
Mind the Details
While you’re ordering pipe and fittings for hurricane season, it’s important to inspect the O-rings and gaskets in your existing inventory. Worn-down or damaged seals can lead to leaks, lost pressure, and costly installation delays. Keeping replacement O-rings and gaskets on hand is a simple, cost-effective way to prevent unnecessary downtime.
It’s also important to have the right installation tools on hand. Wolf Creek’s Warhammer Multi-Closing Tool helps your crew open and close both A-type and B-type fittings more easily and efficiently, especially in demanding conditions.
These details are all about making installation faster, safer, and easier so you can respond quickly under pressure.
Mobilize Even Faster with Pipe Storage Racks
Wolf Creek’s popular pipe racks do more than keep your inventory organized. Our pipe racks can be fully stocked with your pipe order and loaded onto a flatbed truck for direct transport to your job site or warehouse.
This way, instead of loading up individual pipe sticks after an emergency begins, your crew can simply unload the prepared rack and get moving.
Count On Fast Turnaround
Wolf Creek has taken steps to provide an even faster turnaround on galvanized products for our customers. Combined with our extensive inventory and 24-hour shipping window for most in-stock orders, we help ensure essential piping products are ready when and where you need them.
Get Ready Now, Before the Storm Arrives
When a major storm is on the horizon, you don’t want to discover that your pipe is scattered, your gaskets and O-rings need replacing, or your supplier needs several weeks to ship. Now’s the time to make sure you have a reliable supplier who’s ready to respond. Look no further than Wolf Creek!
We have the inventory, expertise, and fast turnaround to help you prepare for hurricane season with confidence. Check out our catalog for more portable piping products, or contact us today with any questions. We’re here to make your life easier!