Hurricane Preparedness

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About Hurricanes

A Hurricane is the strongest type of tropical cyclone, a weather system that derives its energy from warm ocean waters and is characterized by a closed counterclockwise circulation in the Northern Hemisphere. It typically has a cluster of thunderstorms around the center of circulation and bands of thunderstorms spiraling outward.

The tropical cyclone is often called a tropical depression, tropical storm, or hurricane depending on the strength of the maximum winds in the storm.

The hurricane often has an eye, a rain-free area in the center of the storm where the winds are very light. Every storm is different and contains some combination of damaging winds, storm surge flooding, tornadoes, and flooding.

The greatest chance of a hurricane landfall for Texas is during August and September although hurricanes have struck the Upper Texas coast during every month from June to October.

National Weather Service: Hurricane & Severe Weather Guide.
- Servicio Nacional de Meteorología-Houston/Galveston en Espanol: Guía de huracanes y clima severo
Brazoria County: Disaster and Hurricane Guide.
Texas Homeowner's Handbook: Coastal Natural Hazards

Hurricane Terms and Phrases

Before a Hurricane, it's important to understand terms and phrases used by officials when a hurricane strike is imminent.

Hurricane Watch & Warning Terms
Tropical Storm Watch	High winds (39-73 mph) are possible within 48 hours.
Tropical Storm Warning	High winds (39-73 mph) are likely within 36 hours
Hurricane Watch	Hurricane-force winds (74 mph or greater) are possible within 48 hours.
Hurricane Warning	Hurricane-force winds (74 mph or greater) are likely within 36 hours.
Storm Surge Watch	Life-threatening coastal flooding from storm surge is possible within 48 hours
Storm Surge Warning	Life-threatening coastal flooding from storm surge is likely within 36 hours.
Flood Advisory	Fiooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning, but may cause significant inconvenience. If caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.
Flash Flood Warning	Flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.
Flood Watch	Hazardous conditions are favorable for flooding. Flooding possible.
Flood Warning	Hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

When a hurricane watch is issued for Pearland

When a WATCH is issued for your area, you should do the following:

• Continue to monitor local TV or radio stations for instructions.

• Check supplies, especially water (at least one gallon per person/pet per day for up to seven days).

• Fuel vehicles and generators.

• Cover windows with plywood.

• Bring in all outdoor furniture, toys, and tools.

• Moor any boats securely or move boats to a safe place.

When a hurricane warning is issued for Pearland

Continue to monitor local TV and radio stations for instructions.

Move out of evacuation zones early if told to do so by officials

Check tie-downs if you live in a mobile home. Find a sturdy shelter to ride out the storm.

If you’re not in the evacuation zone, review and verify that your emergency plan checklist(s) are completed.

Clean and fill bathtubs and all available containers with extra water.

Turn off utilities, if requested.

Stay away from windows, doors, and openings.

Should an evacuation be announced, television and radio, official social media accounts, official web sites, and freeway signs will be used to provide motorists with important evacuation information.