Houston Airports, in collaboration with the City of Houston Office of Emergency Management, is preparing George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and Ellington Airport (EFD) for the threat of severe weather this week. 

As of 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 9, the National Weather Service confirms Tropic Storm Francine has formed win the Gulf of Mexico. The NWS is forecasting that Francine will strengthen to a hurricane on Tuesday, Sept. 10 as it approaches the Louisiana coast on Wednesday.

Houston Airports readied its Hurricane Preparedness Plan at the start of the 2024 Hurricane Season which runs from June 1 to November 30. Houston Airports employees navigated severe storms in May with a Derecho and again in July with Hurricane Beryl.

“Weather can change from one hour to the next. With a potential hurricane looming near the Texas Coast, Houston Airports seized the opportunity provided by clear skies this past weekend to implement essential storm preparation measures,” said Scott Hill, Chief Maintenance Officer for Houston Airports. “Our maintenance team focused on clearing storm drains, inspecting structural defenses and securing airport infrastructure at Bush and Hobby airports.”

Hurricane season presents an annual challenge for Gulf Coast cities, and Houston Airports adheres to a comprehensive hurricane preparedness plan, which includes storm readiness assessments, safety protocols and coordination with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as airlines and airport stakeholders. With Francine's potential to bring strong winds, heavy rain and flooding, these measures are designed to protect not only airport operations but also the thousands of passengers and employees who pass through daily.

"Proactive preparation is key to minimizing disruption and ensuring the safety of everyone who relies on Houston Airports," said Steve Runge, Chief of Operations for Houston Airports. "Our teams have worked tirelessly to reinforce our facilities and ensure critical systems are in place before the storm develops further."

Hurricane Preparedness Efforts at Houston Airports:

• Facility Hardening: Crews board up vulnerable areas at all three airports to minimize wind damage.
• Equipment Readiness: Essential vehicles and equipment are inspected and readied for potential deployment during and after a storm.
• Backup Power: All critical operations can access backup power sources to ensure uninterrupted operation.
• Flood Mitigation: Drainage systems are being cleared and pump stations are tested to ensure proper functionality in case of heavy rainfall.
• Debris Removal: Airport grounds are regularly inspected and cleared of any debris that could become airborne in high winds.
• Communication and Training: A detailed hurricane plan has been communicated to all employees, ensuring everyone knows their roles and responsibilities during a storm.