It’s been a relatively quiet 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season so far, but the 5th named storm has formed. As Tropical Storm Earl creeps westward through the Caribbean on Tuesday afternoon, August 2nd, 2016, Texans are wondering how the storm might impact them. Here’s what we know now:
- Earl should achieve landfall on the eastern Yucatan Peninsula on Wednesday night, August 3rd, 2016.
- In its current formation, Earl will probably not ever reach the requisite 74 mph wind speed to be elevated to Category 1 Hurricane.
- The storm is not expected to affect the United States in any way, except for the chance of rip currents on the Texas Gulf Coast.
But before you wipe your brow in relief, we would encourage you to use this opportunity to assess the status of your hurricane preparedness. Do you have the supplies, gear, and plans in place necessary to either weather a storm in your home or evacuate before it arrives? To make sure your family and home are ready if a future storm does visit Texas, use the information in these articles!
- Will the 2016 Hurricane Season Affect Texas?
- How Hurricanes Impact You and How to Prepare for Them
- Hurricane Season 101
- Texas Storm Preparation Tips: What to Do When a Hurricane Heads Your Way
- How Can I Prepare My Small Children for Bad Weather?
We will provide more information about Tropical Storm Earl if he does decide to bend northward toward Texas over the next few days.
Stay safe out there, Texas – but if you do experience a power outage because of bad weather, please contact your local utility company for assistance.