Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Hurricane Preparedness topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City manager briefs council on 2026 hurricane season; free sandbag events set for June
Summary
Corpus Christi officials told the council the 2026 hurricane season began June 1 but forecasts show a below‑normal season; city emergency management said the community should still prepare and announced two free sandbag distributions at Cabaniss Athletic Complex on June 13 and June 27.
City Manager Peter Zanoni told the City Council on June 2 that the 2026 hurricane season began June 1 and will run through Nov. 30. He said the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts a below‑normal season but warned, “it only takes one” storm to cause serious local damage and urged continued preparedness.
Jace Johnson, the city’s emergency‑management coordinator, gave a detailed briefing on the city’s response capabilities and partners. Johnson said the Emergency Operations Center at the Fire Administration Building is staffed and ready to activate 24/7. He described 14 emergency teams made up of about 600 city employees who perform functions from evacuation support to volunteer management, and said the city coordinates with the National Weather Service, Coast Guard, Red Cross, hospitals, Port Corpus Christi, Texas Division of Emergency Management and federal partners as needed. “We never rest,” Johnson said, adding that the National Weather Service has recently incorporated new AI tools into forecasting.
Ernesto Delagarza, director of public works, described the city’s sandbag distribution plan and logistics. He said the department will provide up to eight prefilled sandbags per vehicle and perform loading for residents. The two events will be at Cabaniss Athletic Complex, 3061 Saratoga Boulevard: Saturday, June 13, 8 a.m.–noon, and Saturday, June 27, 1–5 p.m. Delagarza said staff will manage traffic with CCISD and TxDOT support and that residents should know their evacuation zones and routes.
Zanoni and Johnson also emphasized the city’s layered approach to communications, including reverse‑alert signups tied to neighboring counties and frequent outreach through utility bills, social media and local media partners. Council members asked about timelines and how the city coordinates with wholesale and regional partners; staff said outreach will continue through June community sessions and the drought‑planning process.
The council did not take formal action on the briefing; the city manager’s comments served as an informational presentation ahead of later agenda items.
