Preparing for Hurricane Season in Texas

Every year from the end of summer through the late fall, hurricane season brings powerful storms that pummel the Texas coastline, disrupting daily life, causing damage property, and putting families at risk. If you’re facing down a hurricane, the destructive force can seem overwhelming. The good news is that preparation makes a difference. With the right plan and supplies, you can stay safe even in the worst of weather.

Everything you do before a storm matters: from knowing evacuation routes to storing important documents and helping neighbors.

This guide explains some practical steps to keep you better prepared for whatever this year’s hurricane season brings.

Hurricane season is the time of year when warm ocean waters and shifting weather patterns make tropical storms and hurricanes more likely to occur.

For the Atlantic region impacting the southern US coastline, the Caribbean, and Mexico, the season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity in early fall, around September. In fact, there have been 82 tropical or subtropical storms hitting Texas since 1980, with September being the most active month, while even deep Fall had as many storms as the early summer months combined.

How is a hurricane different from a tropical storm or high winds? The main difference between a regular storm and a hurricane is intensity. Tropical storms bring heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds, but when wind speeds reach 74 miles per hour or more, the system is classified as a hurricane.

At that point, the dangers escalate: hurricane-force winds can rip through windows and doors, knock down trees, and damage homes and businesses. Even inland, far from the Gulf Coast, communities can face serious risks from storm surge, tornadoes, and flooding. During 2017’s Hurricane Harvey, towns like Houston and Beaumont, an hour or more north-east of the coastline, experienced severe flooding and destruction of thousands of homes, and unfortunately resulted in 68 fatalities in the city.

Because storms vary by region, preparation tips depend on where you live. Along Texas’ southern coast, families may need to evacuate when authorities contact local counties with warnings. Inland residents may be told to stay home, but still must prepare for blocked roads, drains, and commerce disruptions.

What exactly is the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning?

Hurricane Watch
A hurricane watch means conditions are favorable for a tropical storm or hurricane to occur within 48 hours. It’s the time to prepare:

• Gather emergency supplies
• Check your emergency kit
• Review your plan
• Decide whether you may need to evacuate

Hurricane Warning
A hurricane warning, on the other hand, means dangerous conditions are expected within 36 hours. At this stage, authorities may order evacuations in coastal counties like those around Corpus Christi, Houston, South Texas, and the Rio Grande Valley near the Mexican border.

Texas Transmission and Distribution Service Providers (TDSPs) and Retail Electric Providers (REPs) play pivotal roles in managing power outages during hurricanes.

TDSPs like CenterPoint Energy and Oncor are responsible for maintaining the power lines and distribution systems. During storms, they prioritize restoring power to critical infrastructure and work to repair damaged lines.

For instance, during Hurricane Harvey, over 300,000 customers were left without electricity, and more than 17,000 rescues were conducted across the state.

REP companies such as Reliant and TXU Energy provide customers with information about outages, estimated restoration times, and emergency contact numbers. They also offer alerts and updates through various communication channels.

Following Hurricane Beryl in 2024, CenterPoint Energy faced criticism for inadequate communication with customers regarding power outages, prompting the Texas Public Utilities Commission to urge improvements in its communication strategies.

When preparing for hurricane season, one of the most powerful steps you can take is to create a detailed family emergency plan. Every household should have a clear plan for what to do when severe weather strikes.

• Before the storm:
  • Decide in advance whether you’ll shelter in place or evacuate, depending on the storm’s severity and official guidance.
  • Choose a safe meeting location in case family members get separated.
  • Keep a list of nearby shelters in your city, county, or region.
    • Check with local emergency offices: many share maps of public shelters and community resources online.

  Stay connected:

  • Keep a fully charged cell phone, and have a portable charger in your emergency kit.
  • Practice sending quick texts to let family and friends know you’re safe.
  • Teach children how to contact other family or emergency authorities if separated.
  • If you live near the coast, plan inland evacuation routes ahead of time in case roads flood or become blocked.

You should have emergency supplies on hand at all times, as an important part of disaster preparedness. Experts recommend gathering enough supplies to last at least three days, since flooding, blocked roads, or downed power lines can cut off access to stores and delivery services.

A well-stocked emergency kit can make all the difference during a severe storm.

Be sure to include:

• Bottled water
  • At least one gallon per person per day for several days
• Non-perishable food
  • Like canned goods, granola bars, and peanut butter
• Flashlights and extra batteries
  • To keep lights on if power goes out
• First-aid kit
  • Including any prescription medicines your family may need
• Hygiene essentials
  • Like hand sanitizer, soap, and personal care products
• Cell phone chargers and portable power banks
  • To stay connected
• Important documents
  • IDs, insurance papers, medical records stored in waterproof bags

You should also think beyond the basics. Pack blankets, sturdy shoes, and tools to shut off gas or water lines. Keep propane tanks outside, away from the house, and never use them indoors; doing so can release carbon monoxide, which can be extremely dangerous. If you own a generator, use it safely outdoors and far from windows, doors, or the garage to protect your health. Having cash on hand is also wise, since card systems may go down during a major storm.

If you have pets, include them in your plan with carriers, food, and supplies ready to grab.

Families with infants, seniors, or pets should prepare extra emergency supplies such as formula, special diets, or carriers. If you’re in South Texas, the Rio Grande Valley, or along the Gulf coast, check with local authorities in your city or counties for recommended shelter locations and supply checklists.

Your vehicle is important during hurricane season, no matter if you need to evacuate or simply to reach a safe place in your community. Start by making sure your car is in good working order by checking oil, tires, brakes, and gas levels. Keep the fuel tank at least half full at all times, since power outages can limit access to gas stations during a storm.

Pack a vehicle emergency kit with essentials to protect your family if you get stuck on the road. A fully stocked kit ensures that your loved ones remain safe during unexpected flooding, tornadoes, or other dangerous situations that can occur during hurricane-force winds.

If you don’t have a car, you should have an idea of how you can get out of harm’s way if the time comes. Contact authorities, friends, or community resources in your city or counties near the Gulf or inland to confirm where you can get a ride to a shelter or safe place.

One of the most important steps in preparing for hurricane season is knowing when a tropical storm or hurricane is approaching. Stay updated with weather alerts from reliable sources so you can protect your family and make timely decisions about whether to stay home or evacuate. Sign up for cell phone notifications from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and local authorities in your region or city.

Local news stations, community updates, and Spanish-language outlets in South Texas, the Rio Grande Valley, Corpus Christi, and along the Gulf are also valuable for real-time updates.

As we wrap up, it’s clear that being prepared for hurricane season involves multiple steps and considerations. From understanding key dates and differences between watches and warnings to developing a family emergency plan and staying informed through reliable sources, every action you take can significantly impact your safety and well-being. Assembling an emergency kit, securing your home, and ensuring vehicle readiness are vital aspects of preparedness.

Remember, protecting your property through proper insurance coverage and documenting belongings can streamline recovery efforts. Community involvement plays a crucial role in enhancing resilience and support during these challenging times.

By taking these steps, you are not only protecting yourself and your loved ones but also contributing to the overall safety and preparedness of your community. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay safe.