August 17, 2022 – In Texas, we are in the middle of the hurricane season, and historically the strongest storms are in August and September. The National Forest and Grasslands in Texas have hurricane/severe weather plans for our ranger districts, ensuring visitor and employee safety.
District Rangers execute their hurricane or severe weather plans if any storms are approaching. These plans focus on visitor and employee safety.
Visitors can expect temporary closure of district offices and recreation areas 48-72 hours before threatening storms arrive. In addition, campers in potentially severe/hurricane weather paths will be asked to relocate, and roads and trails will also be closed as deemed necessary.
Once weather conditions improve and there is no longer a direct threat to visitors and employees, the NFGT will send out crews to assess any damage to areas in the forest, including recreation areas, roads, and trail systems.
“Our ranger districts assist our local communities impacted by severe weather events in tree clearing to aid in road opening efforts for emergency response vehicles and residents living in and around storm-affected areas.” Said Forest Supervisor Kimpton Cooper, “We will open any areas temporarily closed as soon as it is safe to do so.”
The NFGT can provide specialized support for storm-affected areas, such as chainsaw crews, heavy equipment, and aerial assets (drones and helicopters, when available). This assistance is coordinated with local and state emergency responders while assisting the local communities.
“Our specialized, trained, and qualified personnel assists our local communities and other states as needed,” said Cooper.
In past years NFGT personnel have responded to tornado cleanup, hurricanes, snowstorms, and other extreme weather events.
For more information about potential weather impacts: National Weather Service.
For more information, visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/texas.
