TAC Blog

The upcoming hurricane season, which starts June 1, is expected to be busier than normal, with as many as seven major hurricanes expected, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Active La Niña conditions in the Pacific Ocean and "near-record warm ocean temperatures" in the Atlantic Ocean, as well as hurricane-feeding wind conditions, are contributing to the forecast for a potentially devastating hurricane season.

Vulnerable counties can prepare by shoring up their properties for wind and flood damage, reviewing emergency preparedness and response plans, ensuring personnel safety provisions are included in any plans, and reviewing coverage documents, among other steps.

"For counties at risk for hurricanes, now is the crucial time to review your property and auto coverage, check evacuation plans, secure your property, and gather essential supplies, instead of waiting until there's a storm in the gulf," said Clem Zabalza, TAC Deputy Director of Risk Control Services.

It's also important to note that counties hundreds of miles inland from the Gulf Coast can potentially be impacted during hurricane season. For example, Hurricane Harvey's destruction reached as far into Central Texas as Bastrop, Caldwell and Lee counties in 2017.

"While many believe hurricanes only impact the coast, Hurricane Harvey stands as a stark reminder that their effects can be felt hundreds of miles inland," Zabalza said.

The federal agency predicts an 85% chance of an above-normal season, producing 17 to 25 named storms — those that have at least 39-mph winds. Of those, an estimated eight to 13 will become hurricanes (at least 74-mph winds) and four to seven could become major hurricanes, with winds of at least 111 mph.

Hurricane season lasts until Nov. 30.

TAC Risk Management Pool's website is your one-stop shop for hurricane readiness: www.county.org/resources/resource-library/rms/flood-and-hurricane-resources.

Also, don't hesitate to contact your TAC Consultants for training: www.county.org/map.