Texas Gulf Coast residents face hurricane season from June 1 through November 30 each year. This guide covers preparation steps, evacuation planning, post-storm safety, and live tracking resources—so you can protect your family and property before, during, and after a storm.
Last updated: September 2026
A hurricane's most lasting impact on Texas households is often not wind damage but extended power loss. After a major Gulf Coast landfall, outages can last days to weeks — and in the humid, 90°F+ aftermath, losing air conditioning becomes a health hazard, not just an inconvenience. That's why hurricane preparedness and electricity reliability go hand in hand: the supplies in our Disaster Preparedness Guide (generators, batteries, water) are exactly what get a household through the days after landfall. This page focuses on the storm itself — tracking, securing your home, evacuation, and post-storm safety — with live tracking links you should bookmark before season begins.
Bookmark these sites before storm season. During an active system, check multiple sources for the latest forecasts, model guidance, and evacuation orders.
Official NOAA source for Atlantic & Eastern Pacific forecasts, cone graphics, and advisories.
FEMA preparedness checklists, evacuation guidance, and post-storm recovery resources.
Texas-specific alerts, shelter maps, and state evacuation route information.
Interactive tracking maps, model spaghetti plots, and storm history data.
Detailed storm analysis, model guidance, and expert commentary during active systems.
Real-time wind, rain, and pressure visualization with hurricane layer overlays.
Install storm shutters or board up windows with 5/8" exterior-grade plywood. Reinforce garage doors, which are a key vulnerability. Clear yard of projectiles—patio furniture, trash cans, and limbs become dangerous in 100+ mph winds. Seal gaps around doors and windows to prevent water intrusion.
Pack a 3–7 day supply kit: one gallon of water per person per day, non-perishable food, manual can opener, first-aid kit, flashlight with extra batteries, NOAA weather radio, whistle, dust mask, moist towelettes, garbage bags, plastic sheeting, duct tape, wrench/pliers, maps, and copies of insurance documents in a waterproof bag.
Know your evacuation zone (check with your county emergency management office). Fill your gas tank early—stations run dry before landfall. Map at least two routes. Identify shelters that accept pets if needed. Keep a physical map in case cell towers go down. Tell family members your destination before you leave.
Monitor NOAA Weather Radio (battery or hand-crank). Sign up for local emergency alerts on your phone. Follow verified sources on social media—avoid unverified rumors. A battery or solar radio is essential when power and internet are out, which can last days or weeks after a major storm.
Back up important files to cloud storage. Photograph your home and belongings for insurance claims before the storm. Charge all devices and power banks fully. Store phones in waterproof bags. Keep a list of emergency contacts on paper. Consider a solar charger for extended outages.
If anyone in your household depends on electricity for medical equipment, register with your utility's critical-care program and arrange for backup power or evacuation. Keep a 2-week supply of prescription medications. Note the nearest hospital and urgent care on your evacuation route.