Hurricane Preparedness: Understanding potential risks in Southeast Texas

May 3 through 9 is Hurricane Preparedness Week and the ABC13 Weather Team is here to remind you that now is the time to dust off the cobwebs and get ready for the next six months of the year. The three aspects of preparing for hurricane season include identifying potential risks, making a plan, and staying informed.

Potential risks

Hurricanes are powerful forces of wind and water. There are four main threats when it comes to hurricanes: storm surge, flooding from heavy rains, strong winds, and tornadoes.

Rip currents are also a potential threat associated with these weather systems. So even if a tropical storm or hurricane is making landfall elsewhere in the Gulf, rip currents could still pose a threat to the Texas coast.

Make a plan

Next, you'll want to consider how each of these potential threats could affect your daily life and make a plan accordingly. Examples could include brushing up on the latest local flood projects from the Harris County Flood Control District and evacuation protocols for your local zip zone.

And every Houstonian should have some basic essentials in a hurricane kit that can last them all season long.

Stay informed

Finally, it's important to stay informed all season long, from June to November, on the latest outlooks and storm tracks.

If a tropical storm or hurricane were to threaten Southeast Texas, you'll want to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and information. This can be done through a NOAA weather radio, the ABC13 app, and by making sure the emergency alerts on your phone are turned on and set to ring.

It's also important to follow local law enforcement before, during, and after the storm.