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2025 is shaping up to be another high-stakes hurricane season, so your emergency plan should include more than just batteries and a go-bag. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued hurricane warnings, highlighting the need to be prepared.
Hurricane Erin has intensified to a Category 5, racing through the Atlantic and prompting mandatory evacuations along North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Powerful storms like this can disrupt homes, displace families and create unexpected expenses in hours.
That’s why having a dedicated emergency fund, ideally in a High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA), is no longer optional. Whether it’s an unexpected hotel stay, extra gas or last-minute supplies, ready cash can be the difference between scrambling under pressure and staying financially afloat.
Your Financial Lifeline: Why a HYSA Is Hurricane-Proof
When hurricanes strike, the costs add up fast—hotels, gas, last-minute supplies and even pet boarding. And scrambling for cash only adds to the stress. That’s where a HYSA can make a real difference.
Even those outside immediate “hurricane zones” shouldn’t be complacent. History shows inland areas aren’t immune—Hurricane Helene caused major flooding in North Carolina and Virginia last year, proving that being farther from the coast doesn’t guarantee safety. A HYSA ensures you’re prepared, wherever you live.
Unlike certain investments or certificates of deposit (CDs), money in a HYSA is fully accessible when needed. This gives families immediate financial flexibility during a crisis and makes it suitable for an emergency fund.
But a HYSA does more than hold cash. It earns interest, meaning your emergency funds can grow quietly in the background while sitting safely apart from everyday spending.
How To Start Your Emergency Fund With a HYSA
Getting started with a HYSA is straightforward. Easily choose from some of the best HYSA options, open an account and start depositing money. Your savings will begin to grow steadily with interest, giving you a ready financial cushion when you need it most. For example, if you choose the American Express® High Yield Savings Account, you get 3.50% APY ($0 minimum to earn APY). If you put in an extra $300 every month, your emergency fund could grow to around $3,700 in a year.
Another option is the Western Alliance Bank High Yield Savings Premier Account, with a whopping 4.30% APY. Although there’s a $500 minimum deposit, this account can deliver higher returns. If you put in $300 every month, you could see your emergency fund grow to around $3,800 a year—all while keeping your money liquid and ready for storm-related expenses.
American Express® High Yield Savings Account rates accurate as of 07/23/2025 and Western Alliance Bank High Yield Savings Premier Account rates accurate as of 07/29/2025.
Make Your HYSA Work for You
Start by picking a goal for your emergency fund—preferably three to six months of basic living expenses is a good rule of thumb. You can then keep the money in a HYSA so it’s not tempting to spend. Set up automatic deposits, so your account grows on its own without having to think about it.
When a storm hits, having that money ready can make a real difference, turning your HYSA into an actual financial safety net rather than just another account.
Bottom Line
The 2025 hurricane season is forecast to be more active than usual. With storms like Hurricane Erin already making waves, having cash that’s accessible and earning interest isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
A HYSA offers financial agility when every decision counts. Before the storm, ensure your money is where it’s most needed: ready, resilient and working for you.