June 1 is the start of hurricane season, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.
To better prepare, one important thing to do first is sign up for Reverse Alert emergency notifications.
The city of Corpus Christi and Nueces County partnered to provide the emergency alert program, which allows officials to alert the public about a potential safety hazard or concern through a voice or text message.
Sign up by texting BEREADYCCNC to 888777 to receive alerts.
Here’s the annual guide to everything you need to know on preparation, the forecast and things to know for the weeks to come.
What is the forecast for 2025?
The National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration announced May 21 a 35% chance of a near-normal season, a 10% chance of an above-normal season and a 55% chance of a below-normal season.
NOAA is predicting eight to 14 tropical storms being named, three to six hurricanes and one to three major hurricanes forming in the Atlantic Ocean.
In 2025, 13 named storms formed, with five becoming hurricanes, of which four strengthened into major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher).
The first disturbance, Tropical Storm Andrea, formed on June 23, 2025, marking the latest start to an Atlantic season since 2014, when Hurricane Arthur formed July 1.
NOAA has a 70% confidence with these ranges, according to a news release.
How do I prepare?
It is best to plan for any possible situations in advance.
Important questions to ask yourself and family are: How will we get to a safe place? How will we contact each other? What if our plan has to adapt to a sudden change?
If possible, ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as a “family contact” and have your family members check in with them in case of separation.
Make sure all family members know how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water, as well as how and when to call 911 and which radio and TV stations to tune into for emergency situations.
Preparing your home:
Packing your emergency kit:
What do I do during a hurricane watch or warning?
When in a hurricane watch, meaning conditions are expected within 48 hours, here’s what to do:
A hurricane warning means conditions are expected within 36 hours, so here’s what to do:
How should I plan my evacuation?
The city of Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority and Corpus Christi Independent School District partner annually to provide a system to help people get safely out of the path of a possible incoming storm.
People should head to the nearest RTA bus stop and you will be taken (free of charge) to a hub for processing. By way of a CCISD bus, you will be transported out of town and out of harm’s way. For more information, contact the Office of Emergency Management at 361-826-1100.
Secure your home by unplugging all appliances and turning off electricity and the main water valve. Turn off propane tanks, empty the refrigerator and freezer, lock your home and take all pets with you.
Be sure to inform someone outside of the storm where you are going in case of an emergency.
What are some alternative evacuation routes?
Plan on evacuating on your own? Know your route and have a plan for where you will stay once you reach your destination. Leave as soon as possible, avoid flooded roads and watch out for washed-out bridges.
What if I want to stay home and not evacuate?
While some may evacuate if a hurricane is set to make landfall, others might stay and brave the storm. Those who remain should abide by instructions issued by city officials and leave immediately if ordered.
If you are staying, take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level of the building during the storm. Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can. Stay away from windows, skylights and glass doors.
If the eye of the storm passes over your area, there will be a short period of calm, but as soon as the eye passes, the wind speed will rapidly increase to hurricane-force winds coming from the opposite direction. Be sure to stay sheltered until the storm has fully passed if you don’t evacuate.
What do I do after a storm?
Stay tuned to local radio, television and online news sources for information.
If you’re able to, help injured or trapped people. If they are seriously injured, do not move them unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Give first aid where appropriate and call for help.
Once authorities advise residents to return home, do so. Avoid loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company, police or fire department.
When entering your home, do it with caution as snakes, insects and animals may be inside from avoiding floods. Open your windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home in the case of a flood. Check your refrigerator for spoilage and discard if necessary.
If you need to drive anywhere, only do so if necessary. Avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Have a story idea? Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: 2026 hurricane season starts June 1. Here’s how to prepare
Reporting by John Oliva, Corpus Christi Caller Times / Corpus Christi Caller Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
