Hurricane Preparation for Texas Ranches: When the Big One Heads Your Way

When a Hurricane Sets Its Sights on Your Ranch

Texas coastal ranches face a unique threat that inland operations don't: hurricanes. These storms bring not just wind but storm surge, prolonged flooding, and conditions that can last for days. From Hurricane Harvey's catastrophic flooding in 2017 to Hurricane Ike's devastating coastal impact in 2008, Texas ranchers have learned hard lessons about hurricane preparedness.

Whether you're on the coast or within 100 miles of it, hurricane season demands serious preparation.

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Understanding Hurricane Threats to Texas

Hurricane Season

Texas Coast Hurricane History

Hurricane Hazards

• Gusts significantly higher
• Destroys structures, uproots trees
• Flying debris is deadly
• Can exceed 20 feet in major storms
• Occurs rapidly at landfall
• Leading cause of hurricane deaths
• Harvey dropped 40-60 inches in some areas
• Flooding persists for days to weeks
• Affects areas far inland
• Usually right front quadrant of storm
• Brief warning
• Add to wind damage

Know Your Zone

Evacuation Zones

• Zone B: Moderate surge risk
• Zone C: Higher elevation, evacuate for major hurricanes
• Check KnowYourZone.com
• Local news provides zone information
• Maps available at county offices

Distance from Coast

• 10-50 miles: Wind danger primary, surge possible in major storms
• 50-100 miles: Wind damage and flooding, tropical storm conditions
• 100+ miles: Flooding, wind damage decreases but still possible

Timeline for Preparation

Beginning of Hurricane Season (June 1)

• Update livestock inventory
• Inspect storm shutters/materials
• Check generators and fuel supplies
• Update contact lists
• Test communication equipment
• Review evacuation routes

When Storm Enters Gulf (3-5 Days Out)

• Begin non-essential equipment preparation
• Top off fuel supplies
• Contact livestock haulers
• Verify evacuation destination availability
• Begin securing loose items

When Watches Issued (48 Hours Out)

• Begin moving high-value animals
• Fill all fuel tanks
• Complete structure preparations
• Final supply purchases
• Alert family to potential evacuation

When Warnings Issued (36 Hours Out)

• Complete property preparation
• Personal evacuation if in surge zone
• Fill bathtubs and containers with water
• Final communication check

12-24 Hours Before Landfall

• If staying, shelter in place
• All outdoor activities cease
• Generators fueled and tested
• Last contact with family/neighbors

Livestock Preparation

Evacuation Decisions

• Elevation of property
• Expected surge height
• Availability of transport
• Time until conditions deteriorate
• Destination availability

Livestock That Should Be Evacuated

• Show cattle and breeding stock
• Small livestock in surge zones
• Animals that can't survive flooding

Livestock That May Stay

• Animals with access to high ground
• Self-sufficient herds

If Livestock Cannot Be Evacuated

• Open gates between pastures for movement
• Do NOT confine to small pens or stalls
• Ensure access to fresh water above flood level
• Provide extra feed in accessible location
• Remove halters, blankets, fly masks
• Mark animals with identification (paint, livestock marker)

Transport Arrangements

• Have agreements in place
• Know trailer capacity
• Practice loading under stress
• Arrange destination
• Have health papers ready
• Plan route avoiding surge zones

Property Preparation

Structures

• Board windows with 5/8" plywood
• Reinforce garage doors (most vulnerable entry point)
• Check all door hardware
• Clear debris from gutters
• Secure loose metal roofing
• Know your roof age and condition
• Brace large doors
• Consider sacrificial structures (don't risk life protecting them)

Equipment and Vehicles

• Move equipment away from trees
• Fill fuel tanks
• Disconnect batteries if flooding expected
• Park tractors with keys in ignition (for emergency movement)

Loose Items

• Tools and equipment
• Trash cans and feeders
• Signs and decorations
• Anything that becomes projectile in wind

Propane and Fuel

• Secure tanks from floating/movement
• Know shut-off locations for all fuel
• Move portable tanks to secure storage

Power and Water Planning

Generator Preparation

• Test run with load
• Calculate fuel needs
• Stock sufficient fuel
• Carbon monoxide kills quickly and silently
• Have CO detectors in home
• Plan refueling safely

Water Storage

• Fill drinking water containers
• Fill stock tanks to maximum
• Know manual operation of well pump
• Consider portable water storage

Food Storage

• 7+ days without shopping
• Non-perishable foods
• Manual can opener
• Pet and livestock feed

Evacuation Considerations

When to Evacuate

• In manufactured/mobile home
• In flood-prone area
• Have special medical needs
• Have livestock requiring evacuation
• Do not feel safe

Evacuation Logistics

• Book accommodations early
• Bring go-bag and important documents
• Know livestock destination and contact info
• Tell someone your plans
• Leave early to avoid traffic

If You Stay

• Outside surge zone
• Sufficient supplies for 7+ days
• Means of emergency communication
• Understanding that help will not come during storm

During the Storm

Riding Out the Hurricane

• Have multiple flashlights ready
• Monitor weather radio
• Stay away from flooding
• Don't go outside in eye (winds return suddenly)
• Winds return from opposite direction
• Often stronger on back side
• Do NOT go outside to assess damage

If Flooding Begins

• Don't go in attic without escape route to roof
• Take tools to break through roof if needed
• Call for help if trapped
• Watch for downed power lines
• Avoid flood waters (contaminated, dangerous)

After the Storm

Immediate Safety

• Daylight preferred for safety
• Assume power lines are down and live
• Watch for weakened structures
• Beware of wildlife driven by flooding

Property Assessment

• Check for structural damage before entering buildings
• Don't touch electrical equipment if wet
• Watch for broken glass and debris

Livestock Check

• Check for injuries
• Provide fresh water (standing water is contaminated)
• Assess pasture damage
• Watch for delayed stress or illness

Documentation

• Make detailed list of losses
• Save damaged items if possible
• Keep all receipts
• Contact insurance promptly

Special Considerations

Coastal Ranches

• Understand surge predictions
• Evacuation often only option
• Saltwater intrusion damages pastures long-term
• Building loss is common in surge zones

Ranches Near Rivers/Bayous

• Flooding can occur days later
• Monitor upstream conditions
• Know historical flood levels
• Evacuation routes may be cut off

Working Alone During Hurricane Threat

• Tell multiple people your plans
• Don't attempt last-minute saves alone
• Keep communication devices charged
• Your life is the priority

Bottom Line

• Know your zone - Evacuation zones exist for a reason
• Prepare in June - Not when storm enters the Gulf
• Livestock evacuation takes days - Start early
• Horses in barns die - If they stay, they stay loose
• Surge kills more than wind - Respect the water
• Generators kill - Never run indoors
• Plan for 7+ days - Without power, water, shopping
• Document everything - For insurance claims
• Don't return too early - Hazards persist
• Your life is worth more than property - Evacuate if in doubt

Related Articles

• Flash Flood Safety
• Emergency Communication Plans
• Generator Safety
• Severe Weather Hub

Texas Resources

• National Hurricane Center: Official forecasts and tracking
• Texas Division of Emergency Management: State-level coordination
• Local Emergency Management: County-specific information
• KnowYourZone.com: Evacuation zone lookup
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Agricultural hurricane preparation