🌊 Texas Hurricane Preparedness: What Coastal Residents Should Know in 2026

Texas communities are continuing to prepare for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which runs from June 1 through November 30. State emergency officials are encouraging residents to prepare before a storm threatens the Texas coast rather than waiting until conditions deteriorate.

What This Means for Local Residents

Hurricanes can bring high winds, storm surge, flooding, power outages, and transportation disruptions. While coastal communities are particularly vulnerable, hurricane impacts can also extend well inland.

Texas officials recommend that residents review evacuation routes, create an emergency plan, assemble essential supplies, and sign up for local emergency alerts.

Steps Residents Can Take Now

• Review your evacuation routes and identify at least two possible routes out of your area.
• Prepare an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and important documents.
• Sign up for local emergency alerts and know where to find official evacuation information.
• Make plans for pets, older adults, people with disabilities, and anyone who may need additional assistance.
• Review your flood risk and insurance coverage before a storm threatens the area.
• Keep your vehicle fueled and ready if evacuation becomes necessary.
• Never drive through flooded roads—remember, Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

Community Preparedness

Texas has been actively preparing for the 2026 hurricane season. The Texas Division of Emergency Management conducted a statewide hurricane exercise in March involving state, local, and federal partners to strengthen coordination for a major hurricane response.

Residents can also use the state’s Texas Hurricane Center to find preparedness information, evacuation resources, shelter information, and emergency contacts.

Stay Informed

During hurricane season, residents should monitor official weather forecasts and follow instructions from local emergency management officials. Conditions and evacuation orders can change quickly.

Reliable Resources

• Texas Hurricane Center — evacuation routes, preparedness information, shelters, and emergency resources
• Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) — statewide emergency preparedness and response information
• Texas Department of Public Safety — hurricane safety and preparedness guidance
• National Weather Service — hurricane forecasts, watches, and warnings
• Ready.gov — federal hurricane preparedness guidance

Hurricane conditions can change rapidly. Always follow evacuation orders and instructions from local officials, and rely on official sources for the latest information affecting your community.