Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters, like those found in the Gulf of Mexico. The hurricane season starts June 1 and ends November 30,  however, hurricanes can (and have) struck the Texas coast during every month of the hurricane season.

Since 1851, 63 hurricanes have hit the Texas coast. That is one every three years on average.

Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is typically issued 36 to 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm-force winds.

Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the warning. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is typically issued 24 to 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings: Take these alerts seriously. Although Tropical Storms have lower wind speeds than hurricanes, they often bring life-threatening flooding and dangerous winds. Take precautions.

It is virtually impossible for a hurricane to strike with no warning, but it's not unheard of go directly to a WARNING and not issue a WATCH as some cyclones can develop quickly and close to land. Be ready to move quickly.

Monitor the tropics through local radio and television and NOAA Weather radio.