Hurricane Information

Of all the natural disasters, hurricanes potentially can result in the greatest amount of damage.  Not only do the winds from the storm potentially exceed 150mph, the associated storm surge can cause widespread flooding in coastal areas.  Hurricanes also spawn tornados that can occur inland. 

The Southwest Region Hurricane Information web site has been created to guide the actions of employees and inform the public regarding hurricane impacts.

Links to Hurricane Resources:

• FEMA Hurricane Updates
• National Hurricane Center
• NOAA National Marine Fisheries Services
• National Weather Service - NOAA
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Emergency Preparedness and Response
• USGS
• Homeland Security - Emergencies & Disasters
• Disaster Preparedness Information

The Hurricane Response Plan guides the actions of Fish and Wildlife Service employees in response to a significant hurricane making landfall along the Texas Gulf Coast.

The objective of the Hurricane Response Plan is to outline general procedures to be followed before, during, and after hurricanes and associated natural events. This plan focuses on the field-level activities required after significant or severe hurricane damage and includes establishing communication channels, effectively dispatching emergency response resources, and coordinating planned recovery efforts for Service assets.

Post Evacuation Information for FWS Employees

This page will provide notification to employees regarding when they can return to worksites. These worksites may be located within the storm impact zone or outside the zone depending on severity of damage.

Refuge Closures

There are no hurricane related closures at this time.

Endangered Species Emergency Consultation

Until further notice, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will address all hurricane related Federal activities within counties of Presidentially-declared disaster areas following the approach below. Environmental compliance for areas outside of Presidentially-declared disaster areas is also addressed. The Section 7(p) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the emergency consultation provisions of the regulations that implement the ESA (50 CFR section 402) will be used.

FWS Press Releases

This page will contain information provided by the Southwest Region's Division of External Affairs. This information is intended to inform the public on the status of Fish and Wildlife Service facilities and services affected by the hurricane.

This information is intended for Service employees and their families.

In the event of a hurricane, follow your established evacuation plan. Contact the hurricane desk within 12 hours of the storms passing be phone or email and provide them with your current status.

Hurricane desk Toll-Free Number: 1-877-265-5887
Hurricane Desk Email Address:
FW2HurricaneDesk@fws.gov

Visit the National Hurricane Center for current information on the storm.

Employees of the USFWS, Southwest Region, can access more information at: https://inside.fws.gov/go/
post/R2_Hurricane

This site is for employees only and will require an Active Directory Username and Password.

Please check this site for updates to approved leave and other administrative notices.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with
others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and
their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

All images Credit to and Courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service unless specified otherwise.