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Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th every year. While it has always been a tense time for those living on or near the Gulf Coast, it seems that storms of all types have only gotten stronger and more frequent.
But have they really?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes. According to NASA climate scientists, this is due to a number of reasons, including warmer ocean temperatures and rising sea levels, in relation to climate change. Because of this, individuals who live in areas prone to hurricanes should stay prepared. So, let’s go over some common misconceptions about hurricanes and hurricane preparedness.
I’ve lived in hurricane country my whole life… I don’t need your advice!
While lived experience can be helpful, global warming is predicted to cause more frequent storms with heavier rainfall, increasing the flood risk for Gulf Coast residents in ways we have never seen before. In fact, only a handful of years in recorded history have experienced as many hurricanes as the 2024 season, with severe storms increasing by as much as 150% in the next 50 years. With this new normal, hurricane preparation will look different than it did a decade ago!
But it’s just rain! It can’t be that bad?
Well, not really…hurricanes also come with a risk of high winds and intense flooding that can damage homes and infrastructure. Sustained damage can cause power outages for weeks at a time. Individuals in need of life-saving medication or medical care may not be able to access such needs due to road blockages or labor shortages from storms. So, the misconception that hurricanes are just rain only keeps people from properly preparing for them!
I’ll know days before the storm! Why prepare now?
Actually… increasing global temperatures have led to storms that can rapidly intensify right before making landfall which can catch both forecasters and community members alike by surprise. In times like this, as was the case for hurricane’s Helene, Harvey, and now Milton, it can be hard to predict the severity and cost of a storm before it happens. Hurricanes don’t always follow the set pattern that meteorologists initially predict either, leading to individuals having to make evacuation decisions in a much shorter time frame than initially expected.
Therefore, the best we can do to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe is to stay informed and prepare for more severe storms in the future.
Alright, I’m convinced. How do I stay prepared?
There are a number of ways that you can stay prepared, but here’s a little tl;dr for you:
- Stay informed! HCPL has an incredibly useful emergency preparedness page with links to resources that can help you gauge the flood risk in your area and know your evacuation routes.
- Make a plan! The most useful item in an emergency is a well-thought-out plan. Ready.gov can help you lay out exactly what you want to do during a hurricane so there’s no need to panic when the time comes.
- Keep updated! Being on top of the latest weather updates can help you decide what the best course of action for your family is. Bookmarking pages like weather.gov and keeping emergency alerts on your cellphone turned on can let you know when there is severe weather in your area and how to avoid it.
- These are not your mother’s hurricanes! Last, but not least, understand that storms are projected to continue intensifying year by year due to global warming. Just because you’ve lived along the Gulf Coast your whole life does not make you immune to the damage that harsher storms may bring in years to come.
On behalf of the Harris County Public Library, our hearts are with the communities that have been devasted by hurricanes this season. If you wish to help those who have been recently affected by storms Milton and Helene, consider learning about and supporting local aid organizations detailed on the Volunteer Florida webpage.
Stay safe (and dry) out there, folks!
For more information, here is a list of books about hurricane preparedness:
Hurricane Season in Texas officially starts June 1st and lasts until November 30th. Here are some books to help you feel secure, prepared, and ready.