Hurricane Season 2009 begins calmly

Last week a tropical depression formed off the coast of South Carolina. It never organized enough to strengthen to a named storm. Apart from this, there has not been any activity to speak of at the start of this year's tropical season. Compare this to the past two years when each season started with quite a few pre season storms.

2009 hurricane season is now among us


Ike-damaged Galveston preps for 2009 season (Dallas Morning News)

Galveston leaders are prepping for this year's storm season as recovery efforts continue from 2008's devastating Hurricane Ike.

A town hall meeting is scheduled Wednesday night at the Galveston Island Convention Center.
...

The Galveston County Daily News reports Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas is expected to encourage island residents to make hurricane evacuation plans before a storm approaches.

Thomas also said she will provide details Wednesday on a new re-entry plan for Galveston residents when they are forced to flee due to weather.

One comment that I can make is that I visit Galveston during Texas Spring Break with two of my teens. In my opinion, the entire city looks GREAT! There was very little damage still visible, a couple of buildings along Seawall Blvd. still needed work and the Flagship Hotel is still in very bad shape. But except for these few things which you had to look for, the city looked really good. The beach was clean and wide - as if new sand had been brought in, the roads were clean and everything was open. We had a really enjoyable day.

Fort Bend Residents to Prepare For Hurricane Season 2009(The Examiner)

Area residents are urged to be prepared for potential tropical storm strikes. It is advised to have emergency supplies ready, as well as to know all possible evacuation routes from the area. Supplies to have include emergency generators, battery-powered radios and lamps, fully-charged cellular phones, first aid kits, and readily available money. As well, full emergency preparations should be made for
elderly and disabled family members. Pets should not be forgotten
either, as all of their foods and supplies should be prepared for transport
in the case of an emergency evacuation.

OOPS, The problem with using the same story each year with a few updates. The message is correct but it seems the authors forgot about Ike tearing a hole from Galveston through Houston.

2009 Atlantic hurricane season begins quietly (AP)