As hurricane season nears, Galveston officials are revising their emergency response plans by adding an extra day to mandatory evacuation orders, citing significant I-45 construction delays and historical lessons from past storms.
Galveston officials have announced a significant update to their hurricane evacuation strategy for this year, implementing mandatory evacuation orders nearly three days ahead of a storm, marking a full 24 hours earlier than in past seasons.
Emergency Management Coordinator Byron Frankland has announced an update that serves as a proactive measure in response to ongoing construction along Interstate 45, which is the city’s primary evacuation route.
“If we need to evacuate the island, we plan to issue the evacuation order at least a day earlier than usual,” Frankland stated. “This decision is aimed at providing individuals with additional time to exit.”
Two significant projects are underway on I-45, aimed at widening lanes and enhancing flood resistance. However, these developments have led to a reduction in roadway capacity, prompting worries about potential evacuation delays in the event of a significant storm.
In a recent development, Galveston has announced that evacuation notices will now be issued 36 hours before the anticipated landfall of a storm. The newly implemented policy has expanded the timeframe to encompass 60 to 72 hours.
Officials indicate that the decision is influenced by previous storm experiences. In 2005, Hurricane Rita caused a catastrophic traffic jam as thousands sought to evacuate, resulting in numerous fatalities due to heat-related illnesses. The 2020 mandatory evacuation for Hurricane Laura proved to be more effective, enabling residents to steer clear of the severe impact of a formidable storm.
Emergency officials are closely observing tidal surges and wave patterns as they assess the appropriate timing for issuing evacuation orders. Frankland observed that when winds drive water into the bay, it can result in water being pushed further inland.
The National Weather Service is facing increased challenges due to staffing shortages. Three leadership positions are currently unfilled at the Houston-Galveston office, with NOAA committing to appoint candidates by June.
In light of recent developments, Frankland has provided reassurance to residents, stating that the forecasts continue to be sufficiently accurate to inform decision-making.
Residents are being urged to establish personal evacuation plans and to consult the city’s hurricane preparedness guide, which is accessible online. The guide provides essential checklists, official contact information, and home protection tips—vital resources for ensuring safety during this season.
The start of hurricane season is officially marked on June 1.
