Hurricane Season ’24 arrives | Once again Galveston holds its breath 

By Forest Riggs 

After a relatively short spring, June has arrived, and with it comes the dreaded 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Galvestonians are very familiar with hurricanes and storms, however as the season nears, folks in Galveston and elsewhere along the Texas Gulf Coast become a little nervous and fearful. Having seen the destruction and damage that a strong storm can bring, island residents seriously make preparations. As the old saying goes, “Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.”  

It seems Galveston has been in the news a lot lately, or at least connected to some news stories, most of which were not very flattering. First, ex-basketballer and mouthpiece Charles Barkley made comments about Galveston water — “that shitty Galveston water…” — and his remarks caused quite a stir. What does he know? Stick to basketball. The island has worked very hard in building its reputation as a popular tourist destination and cruise terminal. He says he was just “joking” but Galvestonians found no levity in his comments.  

Next, articles appeared in various places around the internet and press, stating that before too long Galveston will be another Venice due to rising sea levels. Climate change information abounds and there is evidence that sea levels are rising. But come on — Venice? The little island of Galveston has pretty thick skin and has weathered bigger comments and storms. 

Speaking of storms. Get ready. The Atlantic season started June 1st and already there have been reports of “activity” and “areas of interest” identified in the Atlantic. 

This year is expected to be a particularly active season, due primarily to extreme warm waters and the La Nina atmospheric currents. NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) is predicting 17-to-25 named storms with 8 to 13 of them reaching hurricane status (75+ MPH winds) and four major hurricanes (111+ MPH winds). NOAA administrator Rich Spinrad says, “This season is looking to be and extraordinary one.”  

Ken Graham, Director of the National Weather Service agrees, stating, “All the ingredients are definitely in place of having an active season.” 

So, you might wonder, what are those ingredients? La Nina, arriving in mid to late summer, more or less turbo charges the Atlantic storm activity. With decreased pressure aloft, the air currents are more likely to make for more “storminess” below, especially when combined with extremely warm water temperatures. The Atlantic and Gulf waters have had record-setting warm temperatures over the last several months. Brian McNoldy, University of Miami Tropical Meteorology Researcher says, “We’ve never had a La Nina combined with ocean temps this warm in recorded history. This is a little ominous. Water surface temps and La Nina might combine to bring about major tropical activity.” 

As always, we along the Gulf Coast are the first ones the forecasters mention when it comes to storms and possible hurricanes. They all love to make Galveston a point of reference when describing locations and forecasting landfalls. Galvestonians are used to this. Then will come the spaghetti maps that literally look like pasta thrown against a map.  

No one knows for certain. The main thing is to be prepared. Store food items, batteries, candles, first aid supplies, pet foods, medicines and lots of water (fill emptied two-liter soda jugs and other bottles to help flush a toilet). Have charcoal and lighter fluid on hand in order to heat and cook.  

Don’t get caught off guard and then panic having to wait for assistance and services. It is critical to fill a gas container and have it ready if needed. History has shown that should an evacuation be needed, water and gasoline are the most important items to have ready. As the Boy Scouts say, “BE PREPARED!” 

Just in case there is a bad storm and it brings flooding to island, making it another Venice, I hope someone will put Charles Barkley in a gondola and take him up to LaKing’s for a chocolate pie! 

Be safe and, again, be prepared.  

Forest Riggs lives in Galveston. His book, ‘Galveston Memories and Related Stories’ is available at Amazon.com, OutSkirtsPress.com and ForestRiggs.com. 

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