2023 Hurricane Awareness Tour: Free, public event coming to Houston

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(Photo courtesy of National Weather Service - Houston/Galveston)

HOUSTON - If you've lived in Houston long enough, you're aware of how much the city has been plagued by hurricanes.

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That's why the National Weather Service (NWS) in Houston's Hurricane Awareness Tour will be making a highly-anticipated comeback with its free event just in time for Hurricane Season.

On Monday, May 1, guests are invited to Ellington Airport near Hangar G on Blume Ave. in South Houston. The free event looks to raise awareness of tropical cyclone impacts and the danger of getting caught without a personal hurricane plan, which is why this year's tour is said to be kicking off in Houston.

CHECK OUT METEOROLOGIST JOHN DAWSON'S HURRICANE GEAR TEST

Additionally, it gives Houstonians an opportunity to learn about weather safety and preparedness, meet with hurricane forecasters, and tour Hurricane Hunter aircraft. FOX 26 Meteorologist John Dawson flew with the Air Force Hurricane Hunters in 2012 and is excited to have the tour back in town.

"The data these planes gather is one of the most critical parts of creating a forecast for a hurricane," he said. "These guys fly into danger to help keep all of us out of danger."

Meteorologist John Dawson flew with the Air Force Hurricane Hunters in 2012 (Photo courtesy of Meteorologist John Dawson)

The National Hurricane Awareness Tour last visited Houston in 2014 and Galveston in 2016. It was expected to return in 2020, but was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year's is expected to be bigger and better than ever. Did we mention it was free?

Your Gulf Coast Weather Authority will also be there covering the event, so you might get a chance to meet your favorite meteorologists.

"In addition to getting a close-up look at some cool airplanes, this event allows folks to visit with hurricane forecasters and local NWS meteorologists, along with some emergency managers," Dawson added. "It’s a great way to get us all thinking about hurricane season and our preparations that will need to be reviewed."

(Photo courtesy of Meteorologist John Dawson)

Hurricane Awareness Tour will be held from 12:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. but the gates will be closed at 3 p.m.

The Primary Parking Location for the event will be in front of the TSU Flight Offices as seen in the image below. Organizers said there will be signs directing guests where to go as they get near.