Corpus Christi Urges Prep as Storm Season Begins June 1
Corpus Christi Urges Prep as hurricane season officially begins on June 1. In response, city and Nueces County officials are calling on residents to start preparing now. Given that meteorologists are forecasting an active 2025 storm season, local leaders emphasize that early planning is essential to safeguard lives and minimize property damage.
Stay Informed: Sign Up for Reverse Alert
One of the most critical steps is enrolling in Reverse Alert, the region’s emergency notification system. This free service, provided by the City of Corpus Christi and Nueces County, delivers critical information during emergencies through voice or text.
To subscribe, text BEREADYCCNC to 888777 and receive alerts instantly.
2025 Hurricane Forecast: A Busier-than-Usual Season
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced on May 22released its forecast for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, predicting:
- 13 to 19 named tropical storms
- 6 to 10 hurricanes
- 3 to 5 major hurricanes
With a 70% confidence rate, this outlook reflects several contributing factors — including warmer-than-average ocean temperatures, neutral El Niño/Southern Oscillation conditions, reduced wind shear, and an active West African monsoon, which typically spawns stronger and longer-lasting storms.
Storm Names to Know in 2025
The National Hurricane Center names storms to improve communication and tracking. This season’s potential names include:
Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dexter, Erin, Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Imelda, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van, and Wendy.
Hurricane Prep Starts at Home
Preparing early can significantly reduce risk. Sit down with your family and ask key questions:
- How will we reach safety?
- How do we stay in contact?
- What if we’re separated?
Designate an out-of-state contact and teach family members to turn off utilities, call emergency services, and tune in to local broadcasts.
Home Preparation Tips:
- Trim trees and repair fencing
- Check roofs and clear gutters
- Reinforce garage and entry doors
- Install or inspect hurricane shutters
- Store outdoor furniture
- Check mobile home tie-downs (evacuate if necessary)
Emergency Kit Essentials:
- Battery-powered TV/radio & flashlight (plus extra batteries)
- 7-day supply of food and water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Manual can opener, first aid kit, whistle, hygiene items
- Baby supplies, medications, glasses, extra clothes, blankets
- Waterproof matches, phone charger, local maps
- Car emergency gear: tire kit, jumper cables, pump, flares
- Cash and copies of IDs, insurance, prescriptions, utility bills
During a Hurricane Watch (within 48 hours)
- Monitor local broadcasts
- Review and finalize emergency kits
- Sign up for the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry if you or a loved one has special needs.
- Fill your gas tank
- Secure outdoor items and close windows
- Chill your fridge/freezer, limit opening
- Store water in clean containers
- Review your evacuation plan
During a Hurricane Warning (within 36 hours)
- Listen to emergency updates constantly
- Evacuate if in a mobile home
- Move valuables to higher levels and waterproof storage
- Avoid elevators
Corpus Christi’s Evacuation System: What to Know
Corpus Christi, CCISD, and the Regional Transportation Authority work together to evacuate needy residents. Go to any RTA bus stop for free transportation to a processing hub. From there, CCISD buses will take you safely out of the area.
Before leaving:
- Unplug appliances and shut off utilities
- Lock your home and bring pets
- Let someone outside the storm area know your plans
Alternative Evacuation Routes:
- U.S. 181 North to San Antonio
- U.S. 181 North to State Hwy 123 (Karnes City)
- SH 35 to Gregory > FM 136 > FM 2678 > U.S. 183 to Austin
- FM 624 through Orange Grove > SH 16 North to San Antonio
- SH 44 West via Robstown > U.S. 59 to Laredo
Insurance Considerations
Flooding is likely during hurricanes. Speak with your insurance agent about flood, hurricane, windstorm, and auto coverage. Many policies take 30 days to activate. Insurers typically stop issuing new policies once a storm enters the Gulf of Mexico (also called the Gulf of America).
If You Choose Not to Evacuate
Some residents choose to stay. If you do, follow every directive from emergency officials. Take shelter in a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest floor. If the storm’s eye moves over your area, do not leave your shelter—winds will return quickly from the opposite direction.
After the Storm
- Stay updated via radio or news outlets
- Help others if it’s safe
- Avoid downed power lines and report hazards
- Re-enter homes cautiously—watch for animals or flood damage
- Ventilate flooded areas
- Take photos of the damage for insurance
- Only drive if necessary—avoid flooded or damaged roads