Hurricane Preparation for Central Texas: Rain, Outages and Home Safety

Prepare for a hurricane or tropical system by following local alerts, planning for outages, and addressing known drainage or leak problems before conditions become dangerous. In Central Texas, inland rainfall and flooding can matter even when a storm’s strongest winds stay far away. Do not use the hurricane category alone to decide whether to take action.

What hurricane categories actually describe

The Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale rates sustained wind speed. It does not measure rainfall flooding, storm surge, or tornado risk. Category 1 and 2 hurricanes are dangerous, and a tropical storm can also bring damaging flooding.

Follow evacuation and shelter instructions whenever authorities issue them, regardless of the category. This article is a preparation checklist, not a current storm forecast.

Make a household plan before you need it

The National Weather Service preparation guide recommends an emergency kit, a family communication plan, and a review of insurance. Decide how household members will contact each other, where to go if directed to leave, and what pets and people who need extra help will need.

Gather drinking water, shelf-stable food, necessary medications, flashlights, batteries, chargers, and copies of essential records. Review quantities against current emergency-management guidance and your household’s needs. Keep supplies accessible rather than in a room that regularly floods.

Reduce avoidable property problems

• Arrange safe gutter and downspout cleaning before severe weather arrives.
• Have a qualified contractor check known roof, flashing or window leaks.
• Secure loose outdoor items while conditions are safe.
• Keep important belongings away from known leak areas and directly off storage-room floors.
• Photograph the property’s condition and keep insurance contact details available.

Do not begin roof or ladder work during a storm. If rain has entered previously, note where it appeared; our hidden storm-damage guide explains why the visible wet area may not identify the entry point.

Plan for outages safely

Charge devices and identify how you will receive alerts if power or internet service fails. Follow food-safety guidance for refrigerator and freezer outages. If someone depends on electrically powered medical equipment, make a backup plan with their provider before the emergency.

Portable generators produce carbon monoxide. CDC guidance says to operate them outdoors more than 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents, never inside a home or garage even with doors open. Use a battery-powered or battery-backup carbon monoxide detector and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.

After the storm: inspect only when safe

Follow official guidance before returning or entering a damaged building. Stay away from downed lines, flooded roads, wet electrical equipment, and sagging ceilings. Do not enter standing water to reach a breaker panel or appliance.

Document damage from a safe position and contact your insurer about a possible claim. Outdoor floodwater may be contaminated; avoid tracking it into unaffected rooms. Source repair, contamination cleanup, and drying may require different specialists.

Before approving urgent work, read our guide to avoiding contractor scams after a storm.

Flood coverage differs from many plumbing-leak claims. Read our flood insurance article and ask your insurer about your specific policy. A contractor cannot guarantee coverage or payment.

Plan for property cleanup after the storm

If water has entered your property, tell us the water source, affected rooms, and whether standing water remains. Explore storm damage services, flood cleanup, and water extraction and structural drying to understand the work Rapid Dry provides.

Check Central Texas service coverage or request an inspection. Call (254) 218-3757 for an active water emergency for priority emergency dispatch. Tell us your location, affected rooms and any safety concerns.