Galveston County launches hurricane countdown

Officials in Galveston County have launched a new series of digital billboards to prepare residents for the upcoming 2026 hurricane season, which is set to begin on June 1.

Billboards positioned throughout the county feature a countdown to the upcoming season, encouraging residents to prepare in advance by assembling emergency kits and reviewing their evacuation plans.

Jesse Ryholt, the director of the Galveston County Office of Emergency Management, emphasized that the campaign prioritizes consistent and practical preparation over last-minute measures.

“You can sort of pace it out over a couple of weeks,” Ryholt stated, discussing the process of collecting essential supplies like batteries and nonperishable food items.

County officials advise that emergency kits should contain essential items such as water, food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and important documents. According to a recent county news release, residents are advised to stock up on supplies for at least 72 hours for each member of their household, which includes pets and individuals with special dietary requirements.

Officials are advising residents to prepare for possible power outages by ensuring electronic devices are fully charged, securing alternative power sources, and becoming acquainted with evacuation routes. The campaign emphasizes the importance of signing up for local emergency alerts.

A proactive initiative is underway as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration prepares to unveil its official forecast for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, scheduled for release on May 21. Although forecasts can offer valuable insights, Ryholt stressed that readiness should not rely solely on seasonal predictions.

“A single storm can cause significant damage,” he stated.

Researchers at Colorado State University have released early-season projections, forecasting a total of 13 named storms. This includes six hurricanes, two of which are expected to reach major hurricane status. We anticipate forecast updates throughout the summer season.

In a collaborative effort with Clear Channel Outdoor, Galveston County has unveiled eight countdown billboards, with the advertising space generously provided at no charge. Campaigns of this nature are broadening their reach to adjacent regions, with billboards already unveiled in Montgomery County and set to debut in Fort Bend County.

Officials announced that the objective of the campaign is to maintain awareness of hurricane preparedness as the season approaches, especially for coastal communities at greater risk.