Hurricane Preparedness Guide

Hurricane season on the upper Texas coast runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity from mid-August through mid-October. Houston has been struck or significantly affected by Hurricane Carla in 1961, Hurricane Alicia in 1983, Tropical Storm Allison in 2001, Hurricane Rita's evacuation in 2005, Hurricane Ike in 2008, Hurricane Harvey in 2017, and Hurricane Beryl in 2024. Each event taught the region something different, and the guidance below reflects lessons from all of them.

Watches Versus Warnings

A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible in the watch area, typically within 48 hours. A hurricane warning means hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. Storm surge watches and warnings are issued separately and apply to coastal and bay-adjacent areas, including parts of Harris, Galveston, Brazoria, and Chambers counties. The National Weather Service Houston-Galveston office at weather.gov/hgx is the authoritative source.

Evacuation Zones and Routes

Harris County and the coastal counties divide the region into evacuation zip-zones labeled A (coastal) through C (further inland). Officials call evacuations zone by zone to avoid the gridlock that defined the 2005 Rita evacuation. If you are not in an evacuation zone and your home is structurally sound and not in a flood-prone area, sheltering in place is often the safer choice. Look up your zone in advance at ReadyHarris.org.

When evacuation is ordered, the primary routes out of the Houston region are I-45 north toward Dallas, I-10 east toward Louisiana or west toward San Antonio, and US-290 northwest toward Austin. TxDOT can activate contraflow lanes on I-45 north, reversing the southbound side to provide additional outbound capacity. Leave as early in the evacuation window as possible, fuel up before leaving home, and carry water and snacks in the vehicle.

Supply Checklist

At minimum, prepare one gallon of water per person per day for seven days, a one-week supply of non-perishable food, prescription medications, a first-aid kit, flashlights and batteries, a battery- or hand-crank weather radio, phone chargers and a backup battery pack, copies of important documents in a waterproof bag, cash in small bills, and a basic tool kit. Add tarps, duct tape, and contractor-grade trash bags for post-storm cleanup. See our supply checklists for a more detailed breakdown.

Securing Your Home

Bring in or secure anything that could become a projectile: patio furniture, grills, planters, garbage bins, children's toys. Trim weak tree branches before the season begins. Houston's building stock is largely unprotected by storm shutters, so plywood cut to fit windows is a common alternative; have it measured and labeled before a storm is in the Gulf. Photograph each room before the storm for insurance purposes.

Vehicle Preparation

Fill fuel tanks when a storm enters the Gulf. Check tire pressure, wiper blades, and windshield washer fluid. Keep an emergency kit in the trunk with water, a flashlight, jumper cables, and basic tools. Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways — see our severe weather road conditions page for more detail. Park vehicles on the highest available ground, away from trees and power lines.

Post-Storm Safety

After the storm passes, stay indoors until local officials confirm it is safe. Downed power lines should be treated as live. Do not wade through standing water, which can hide debris, sewage, and electrical hazards. Generators must be operated outdoors and at least 20 feet from windows; carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of post-hurricane deaths in Texas. Document damage with photographs before beginning cleanup, and contact your insurance carrier as soon as practical.