Be prepared: Here's what to know for hurricane season in South Texas

Jun 14, 2023

Hurricane season starts June 1, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting a near-average Atlantic season, a difference from the past seven years of above-average expectations.

To better prepare, it is recommended that people sign up for Reverse Alert emergency notifications.

The city of Corpus Christi and Nueces County partnered to provide the emergency alert program for citizens. It allows officials to alert the public about a potential safety hazard or concern through a voice or text message.

Sign up by texting BEREADYCCNC to 888777 to receive alerts.

The Caller-Times put together its annual guide to everything you need to know on preparation, forecast and things to know for the weeks to come.

NOAA's outlook predicts a 40% chance of a near-normal season, a 30% chance of an above-normal season and a 30% chance of a below-normal season.

Forecasters with the division of the National Weather Service are expecting a range of 12 to 17 total named storms with winds of 39 miles per hour or higher. Of those, five to nine could possibly become hurricanes with winds of 74 miles per hour or higher.

As well, NOAA is forecasting one to four major hurricanes — category 3, 4 or 5 — with winds of 111 miles per hour or higher. NOAA has a 70% confidence in the ranges.

NOAA also released the 21 names for potential hurricanes, which include Arlene, Bret, Cindy, Don, Emily, Franklin, Gert, Harold, Idalia, Jose, Katia, Lee, Margot, Nigel, Ophelia, Philipe, Rina, Sean, Tammy, Vince and Whitney.

Your family may not be together when a hurricane strikes, so it is important to plan in advance.

Ask yourself: How will you get to a safe place? How will you contact one another? What will you do in different situations?

In preparation for a hurricane, ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." Have your family check in with the contact in case of separation.

Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water, how and when to call 9-1-1, police or the fire department and which radio and TV stations to tune into for emergency situations.

Preparing your home:

Your emergency kit should include:

Floods can happen anywhere, especially after a hurricane or heavy thunderstorm.

Talk to your agent, or look online, to get a flood, windstorm and hurricane policy. Be sure to act quickly because there's a 30-day waiting period before it's active.

As well, once a named storm enters the Gulf of Mexico, most insurance companies enact a moratorium — a temporary suspension — and stop selling new policies or making changes to existing ones.

Make sure to consider comprehensive auto insurance that will cover damage to your car from flood, hail, fire or wind.

A hurricane watch means conditions are expected within 48 hours. Here's what to do during a watch:

A hurricane warning means conditions are expected within 36 hours. Here's what to do during a warning:

In the event of an incoming hurricane, the city of Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority and Corpus Christi ISD have devised a system that gets you safely out of the path of the storm.

People should head to the nearest RTA bus stop and you will be taken, free of charge, to a hub for processing. By way of a CCISD bus, you will be transported out of town and out of harm's way. For more information, contact the Office of Emergency Management at 361-826-1100.

If you plan on evacuating on your own, know your route and have a plan for where you can stay. Leave as soon as possible and try to avoid flooded roads and watch out for washed-out bridges.

Secure your home by unplugging appliances and turning off electricity and the main water valve. Turn off propane tanks, empty refrigerator and freezer, lock your home and take all pets with you.

Be sure to inform someone outside of the storm where you are going.

Alternative evacuation routes:

While some may take precaution and evacuate, others might stay behind and attempt to brave the storm.

Residents should abide by instructions issued by city officials and leave immediately if ordered.

If you are staying, take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level during the storm. Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can.

Stay away from windows, skylights and glass doors.

If the eye of the storm passes over your area, there will be a short period of calm, but as soon as the eye passes the wind speed will rapidly increase to hurricane force winds coming from the opposite direction. Be sure to stay sheltered until the storm has fully passed if you're staying home.

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John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at [email protected] or Twitter @johnpoliva.

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