Ready or not, it’s officially hurricane season! Whether you’re new to Houston or have hunkered down through previous storms, I’m sharing tips that will help you prepare for hurricane season. Let’s get to it!
How Long Does Hurricane Season Last?
Hurricane season begins on June 1 and lasts all the way until Nov. 30. The peak season for the Texas coast usually falls between August and September. It’s time to start preparing now because the storm season can be unpredictable. For example, last year, Houstonians experienced Hurricane Beryl on July 8. It was the earliest time on record for a Category 5 hurricane to develop in the Atlantic. By the time it made landfall near Houston, it had weakened to a Category 1. But as Matt Lanza with Space City Weather recently told City Cast Houston, one big lesson from Beryl is that “there is no such thing as only a Category 1.” Beryl knocked out power for over 2 million people and caused billions in damage.
Tropical Storm vs. Hurricane?
Throughout the summer, you may hear that Houston has been issued a tropical storm warning. What is the difference between a tropical storm and a hurricane? Primarily, their wind speed. A hurricane needs a couple of ingredients to begin to form: warm ocean water and moist, humid air. As the storm strengthens, it can go through different stages. It can start as a tropical disturbance and then strengthen to a tropical storm if wind speeds reach between 39 to 73 miles per hour. Once wind speeds reach 74 miles per hour or higher, then we have a hurricane on our hands. Still, a tropical storm can still wreak havoc, like Tropical Storm Allison that dumped over 30 inches of rain on Houston in 2001.
How Can You Prepare?
Check out this checklist from Harris County on what to do before, during, and after the storm. Some key items to take care of right away:
- Build your disaster kit.
- Make sure you have flood insurance.
- Create a plan for your pets.
- Sign-up for emergency alerts on all your devices.
- Check in with your elderly loved ones and neighbors to see if they have hurricane plan.
- Think about your power outage plan. Make sure you have what you need if you lose power for days.
- Stock up on water and non-perishable items now.
Have more questions? Check out our full conversation with Space City Weather’s Matt Lanza on what to expect this hurricane season.
