Houston is strategically located along the Gulf of Mexico, making the city a prime location for the NOAA Hurricane Hunters. NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which studies and tracks the world’s worst weather, bases a Lockheed WP-3D Orion four-engine turboprop aircraft at Ellington Airport. The high-flying meteorological station is dispatched during a hurricane to help forecasters make accurate predictions of the storm’s strength and timeline and to help researchers better understand the science behind the severe weather.  

That data and research helps Houston Airports improve its emergency readiness and responses.   

Frank Ciaccio, Emergency Manager for Houston Airports, confirms Houston Airports All-Weather Hazard and Emergency Plan includes coordination among more than two dozen people who represent city, state and federal government agencies or airlines.  

“The plan is reviewed annually during a pre-hurricane seminar presented to Houston Airports,” says Ciaccio of the seminar that happens in May, a month before hurricane season begins. “While Houston Airports is not required to train airport tenants and stakeholders, we do. The airport system believes it's good business practice to educate and empower all parties on what they can expect of Houston Airports during a hurricane or tropical storm.”  

NOAA is forecasting a near-average season this year, predicting between 12 to 17 named storms and 5 to 9 hurricanes, with 1 to 4 of those being Category 3 or higher. 

“Houston Airports is constantly monitoring the weather and is in communication with the National Weather Service and the Office of Emergency Management,” said Ciaccio. “Once a storm is in the Gulf of Mexico and appears to be heading in our direction, we activate our hurricane plan and begin working through our checklist.”  

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The process usually starts five days, or 120 hours, before the storm is expected to make landfall. Ciaccio says airlines will also begin flying out as many aircraft as possible. Life safety is the top priority for Houston Airports, then the protection of property. 

Houston Airports has a complex and effective drainage system that runs throughout the grounds at all three airports, Ellington Airport, William P. Hobby Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The drainage system is designed to keep water off the airfield.  

Ciaccio uses Bush Airport as an example. “The airport is essentially an island, and the runways and taxiways are built at a higher elevation. There is a system of drainage ditches and pumping system to keep the water moving and preventing it from ponding and flooding the airfield and surrounding roadway.”  

Once a hurricane or tropical storm passes Houston, Ciaccio and the Emergency Management Division of Houston Airports will begin assessing damage and making repairs. “Our goal is to get the airport operational as quickly as possible.”  

Ciaccio’s best advice for those flying during hurricane season is, “stay in touch with your air carrier. Each airline has specific triggers for moving passengers and canceling flights. Those decisions are not made by Houston Airports.”   

CHECK THE FORECAST: Before you head to the Airport, research the weather during the duration of your travel, including all destinations.   

CALL YOUR AIRLINE: If your flight may be affected by severe weather, communicate with your airline. Some airlines have apps, online chat features or email options which may be faster than a phone call.  

MAKE A PLAN: If there are potential delays or cancellations on the horizon, have a plan in place for family, pets, property and more in case you can’t return home quickly.