City of Galveston Emergency Management

09/13/2026

Eighteen years ago today, Hurricane Ike made landfall on Galveston Island.

On September 13, 2008, Ike came ashore as a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of approximately 110 mph.

But the number “2” did not tell the whole story. Ike became an important lesson in understanding hurricane risk. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale classifies hurricanes based on wind speed. It does not tell us how high the storm surge will be, how much rain will fall, or the extent of flooding a storm may produce.

Despite its Category 2 wind rating, Ike was an enormous hurricane. Its size and wind field drove a devastating storm surge into the Upper Texas Coast. In some locations, storm surge reached approximately 15 to 20 feet—levels more commonly associated at the time with much stronger hurricanes.

The lesson from Ike remains just as important today:

Do not prepare for a category. Prepare for the hazards.

Every hurricane is different. Wind, storm surge, rainfall, flooding, tornadoes, storm size, forward speed, and the location of landfall all contribute to the danger a community may face.

As we remember Hurricane Ike and those whose lives were forever changed by the storm, we also remember the lessons it taught our city and region.

Historic Resilience. A Culture of Preparedness.

City of Galveston, Texas - Government
US National Weather Service Houston-Galveston Texas
Galveston Police Department
Galveston Fire Department
Texas Division of Emergency Management
NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center
FEMA Region 6

09/11/2026

Today, we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to honor the courage, sacrifice, and service demonstrated in the hours, days, and years that followed.

We remember the nearly 3,000 people who never returned home to their families. We honor the firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, military members, public servants, and ordinary citizens who answered an extraordinary call to serve.

We also remember the families who continue to carry the loss of that day and the first responders and survivors who still live with its lasting effects.

September 11 reminds us of the strength found in service, the importance of community, and our shared responsibility to stand together in times of crisis.

May we never forget those we lost, those who responded, and those who continue to serve.

City of Galveston, Texas - Government
Galveston Fire Department
Galveston Police Department

09/11/2026

We need your help.

In emergencies, accurate information is critical for decision making. The State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, or STEAR, is a planning tool that communicates potential needs when emergencies or disasters threaten our community. This annual registration allows emergency managers to identify resource needs in advance of emergencies and disasters.

Who should register:
-People with disabilities
-People who are medically fragile
-People with limited mobility
-People with communication barriers
-People who require transportation assistance
-People who require personal care assistance

Registration is free, but the information is priceless.

If you or a loved one may need assistance during an emergency or disaster, please consider registering with STEAR.

09/09/2026

On September 8, 1900, Galveston was struck by the deadliest natural disaster in United States history.

The Great Storm forever changed our island. Thousands of lives were lost, families were changed forever, and much of the city was devastated. What followed became an equally important part of Galveston’s story.

Galveston rebuilt.

Our community raised the grade of the island, constructed the Seawall, strengthened its infrastructure, and carried forward lessons that continue to shape how we prepare for disasters today.

More than a century later, resilience remains part of who we are. But resilience is more than recovering after a disaster. It means learning from our history, understanding our risks, preparing before the storm, and looking out for one another.

Today, we remember those who were lost on September 8, 1900. We honor those who rebuilt Galveston. And we carry their legacy forward by ensuring that preparedness remains part of our community’s culture.

City of Galveston, Texas - Government
US National Weather Service Houston-Galveston Texas
Texas Division of Emergency Management
NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center
FEMA Region 6

09/08/2026

We can't wait to meet the neighbors!

⚠️‼️𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: 𝐇𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 🌀

Due to predicted weather, our Hurricane Preparedness Event has been rescheduled for 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟖𝐭𝐡!

Join St. Vincent’s House, the American Red Cross and City of Galveston as we distribute Hurricane Preparedness Kits (while supplies last), assist neighbors and families with STEAR Program registration, and serve breakfast!

A special thank you to Johnny Smecca and Mario's Seawall Italian Restaurant for generously providing breakfast for our community.

Please help us spread the word about the new date, and we will see you September 8th!

09/04/2026

As we move into Labor Day weekend, remember that we are now in the peak of Hurricane Season. Rest up; review your plans and address any gaps you find. Recovery starts before the storm.

City of Galveston, Texas - Government
Galveston Fire Department
Galveston Police Department
US National Weather Service Houston-Galveston Texas
NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center
Texas Division of Emergency Management
FEMA Region 6

09/01/2026

The City of Galveston, continues to monitor Tropical Storm Edouard as it moves slowly towards Sabine Pass. Significant impacts to the City are not forecast at this time, but mariners could encounter hazardous conditions in coastal waters. For official forecast and current conditions, visit NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center and the US National Weather Service Houston-Galveston Texas. For a current radar with weather alerts and storm tracking, visit: nowcast.noaa.gov

09/01/2026

Tropical Storm Edouard has formed in the northern Gulf, off the coast of Louisiana. Edouard has the potential to bring much needed rain to the area. It is possible that we might see periods of heavy rain as Edouard moves into Texas, so use caution when driving.



City of Galveston, Texas - Government
US National Weather Service Houston-Galveston Texas
Texas Division of Emergency Management
NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center

08/31/2026

The City of Galveston, continues to potential tropical cyclone #5 as it moves westward along the northern Gulf. Overnight and into tomorrow, the City may experience periods of heavy rainfall. As always, stay prepared and weather aware.

US National Weather Service Houston-Galveston Texas
NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center
Texas Division of Emergency Management

08/31/2026

The NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center continues to watch a system the Gulf for potential development. The City of Galveston, Office of Emergency Management is actively monitoring and remains in contact with our local and regional partners. We will provide updates as additional information becomes available.

US National Weather Service Houston-Galveston Texas
Texas Division of Emergency Management