"It's a reminder that we're in hurricane season" Galveston County taking precautions ahead of potential weather threat

GALVESTON COUNTY, Texas — A weak tropical system is expected to develop in the Bay of Campeche by Tuesday.  Regardless of development, landfall is not expected to be anywhere near the Houston area, but heavy rain is.

Galveston County’s emergency operations facility near League City was built to withstand a category five hurricane.

“One of the safest places we can be,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Dan Reilly.

The NWS provides county officials with immediate data since it shares space in the same building.

“And I’ll say we have our broadcast meteorology partners that are getting information as well,” Reilly said.  “So, we all kind of work together, you know, when we’re facing severe weather.”

In this case, all eyes are on the southwestern Gulf of Mexico.

“We do not expect that disturbance to make landfall in Galveston County,” said Galveston County Judge Mark Henry.  “But we expect it to dramatically affect our water patterns for the next few days.”

Heavy rain, high winds along with rough surf are all anticipated. It’s prompted the beach patrol to relocate lifeguard towers to higher ground as a precaution.

Meanwhile, red flag warnings were already in effect Monday as some visitors considered changing their plans.

“So, we’re contemplating whether to go back early,” said one visitor from Louisiana.

Henry estimates that 20% to 25% of locals, many of whom are new to the area, have never experienced a hurricane or tropical storm.

So, if nothing else, events like this are key to being prepared for this hurricane season.

“Make a plan, build a kit and stay informed,” Henry said.  “And be prepared to evacuate should we have to call an evacuation.”

That’s something that’s not on the radar at this time.