‘Extremely Active’ 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season Comes to an End

November 30th marked the official end of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, which was one for the record books before it even officially started. The season produced 31 tropical depressions, of which 30 became tropical storms and 13 became hurricanes, including six major hurricanes.

In all, 12 tropical cyclones made landfall on United States coastlines. Only Hurricane Hanna and Tropical Storm Beta made landfall in Texas.

As the 2020 hurricane season comes to an end, the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) urges residents to remain prepared through the year.

“Preparedness does not end with the hurricane season,” said Harris County Judge Hidalgo, Director of HCOHSEM. “We are very fortunate that our county was not impacted in any way by a hurricane, but storms such as Laura and Beta remind us to never underestimate the power of tropical systems.”

In late August and September, Tropical Storms Laura and Beta headed to the Gulf of Mexico, prompting a wave of warnings and watches in Harris County. HCOHSEM activated a total of four days to support response working with the federal government, the City of Houston and other local governments in the region while continuously responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although hurricane season officially ended yesterday, meteorological officials warn that storms could continue through December. As extremely active as it was, weather experts believe the 2020 Hurricane Season could repeat itself in coming years.

HCOHSEM encourages residents to stay prepared and informed before, during, and after hurricanes or other disasters. Sign up to receive emergency alerts at www.readyharris.org and closely monitor the news media. Your local officials and this office will provide information about current conditions, evacuations and recovery. Follow at ReadyHarris on social media for information and preparedness tips.

The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1, 2021. 

About HCOHSEM

HCOHSEM is a national model of best practices in emergency planning, preparation, response, and recovery. HCOHSEM helps prepare, safeguard and protect the residents and property of Harris County from the effects of disasters through effective planning, preparation, response, and recovery activities. HCOHSEM collaborates with regional transportation, industry, healthcare, education, and non-profit groups to ensure Harris County is resilient and ready to respond to any emergency. Harris County is the third largest county in the United States, covering 1,777 square miles.