(Harris County, Texas) – Harris County officials are marking the end of the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season on November 30.
As the 2023 hurricane season comes to an end, the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) urges residents to remain prepared throughout the year. “While Harris County was fortunate to avoid tropical weather this year, residents still dealt with record-breaking summer temperatures and drought” said Harris County Emergency Management Coordinator Mark Sloan. “We must remain prepared as a community for any type of event, whether that be hurricanes, floods, extreme cold or heat.”
In all, there were a total of 19 named storms this season. Seven of those became hurricanes, with Franklin, Idalia, and Lee being classified as major hurricanes.
Tropical Storm Arlene formed on June 2 and following a lull in activity, August saw the formation of four tropical storms in less than 48 hours - Emily, Franklin, Gert, and Harold. Although Harris County was spared a major storm, parts of south Texas did receive heavy rains and high winds when Tropical Storm Harold made landfall on Padre Island. The final system of the active season, Tropical Storm Tammy, formed October 18 and intensified to a Category 2 Hurricane that lasted five days at that strength before being downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone.
Although hurricane season has officially ended for the year, HCOHSEM encourages residents to stay prepared and informed before, during, and after hurricanes or other disasters. Residents can sign up for emergency alerts and access disaster preparedness tools, including checklists, hurricane brochures and resources for kids by visiting www.readyharris.org.
The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane season begins June 1, 2024.
About HCOHSEM
HCOHSEM is a national model of best practices in emergency planning, preparation, response, and recovery. HCOHSEM helps prepare, safeguard, and protect the residents and property of Harris County from the effects of disasters through effective planning, preparation, response, and recovery activities. HCOHSEM partners with regional transportation, industry, healthcare, education, and non-profit groups to ensure Harris County is resilient and ready to respond to any emergency. Harris County is the third largest county in the United States, covering 1,777 square miles.
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