As the hurricane season progresses, officials are urging residents to remain prepared and review their emergency plans. The Atlantic hurricane season began on June 1, 2025, and typically reaches its most active period from mid-August through late October. According to the National Hurricane Center, this is when most tropical cyclones develop in the Atlantic Basin.
State Representative Todd Hunter emphasized the importance of readiness during this time. “I am revisiting this topic because the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has updated its prediction for this year’s hurricane season. Now, NOAA is projecting that this hurricane season will have above-normal activity. According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, the outlook predicts a 60% chance of an above-normal season. The Climate Prediction Center is forecasting between 13 to 19 named storms, with about 6 to 10 hurricanes, including 3 to 5 major hurricanes.”
Tropical cyclones form more frequently during hurricane season. These weather systems are organized groups of clouds and thunderstorms with a closed low-level circulation that rotate counterclockwise over tropical or subtropical waters. They can vary in strength: a tropical depression has maximum sustained winds of up to 38 mph; a tropical storm has winds between 39-73 mph; hurricanes reach at least 74 mph; and major hurricanes have sustained winds of at least 111 mph.
Hunter advised residents to assess their homes’ vulnerability to hazards such as storm surge, flooding, and wind damage. He also encouraged reviewing insurance policies for adequate coverage and preparing both an emergency kit and family evacuation plan.
The Texas Department of State Health Services recommends coastal residents include items such as first-aid supplies, prescription medications, important documents, cash or credit cards, battery-operated radios with extra batteries, contact numbers for family members, road maps, food and water supplies for at least three days per person, tools like can openers and fire extinguishers, extra keys and clothing, personal hygiene products, and necessary items for pets in their evacuation kits.
Hunter highlighted practical steps homeowners can take to reduce potential property damage from storms. This includes trimming trees or removing damaged limbs from yards before a storm hits and having materials ready to board up windows. Residents should also bring loose outdoor items inside and secure all doors—including garage doors—and move vehicles into garages or other protected areas if possible.
To stay informed about developing storms throughout the remainder of hurricane season, residents are encouraged to monitor updates from the National Hurricane Center as well as check resources provided by the National Weather Service. Additional local preparedness information is available on Representative Hunter’s website under Hurricane Preparedness Resources.
Hunter invited constituents with questions regarding state agencies or constituent services to contact his Capitol Office at 512-463-0672 or District Office at 361-949-4603.
“Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and Nueces County (Part). He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.”
