Hurricane Evacuation

I-10 Is the Main Hurricane Evacuation Route Out of Orange County

When a hurricane threatens, I-10 westbound is the main official evacuation route for Orange County residents heading inland.

Orange County Cars & Driving

Orange County is in Southeast Texas and sits in the path of Gulf hurricanes. Hurricane Harvey in 2017 caused major flooding here. TxDOT names I-10 as a contraflow evacuation route for this area. Contraflow means lanes are reversed so all traffic moves away from the coast.

When officials call an evacuation, they may switch I-10 to contraflow. Do not wait to leave. Watch for local emergency alerts. Call the statewide road hotline at 800-452-9292 for live conditions. After Harvey, FEMA opened disaster recovery centers in Orange County. That shows how hard storms can hit here.

Source to confirm: TxDOT – Hurricane Preparation and Contraflow

More Orange County notes

Property Tax Basics

Orange County Has Two Separate Property Tax Offices

The appraisal district sets your property value; the tax assessor-collector handles your bill and payment.

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Homestead Exemption

File for a Homestead Exemption to Lower Your Tax Bill

Homeowners who live in their home on January 1 can apply for a homestead exemption to lower their tax bill.

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Flood Risk

Orange County's FEMA Flood Maps Have Been Updated

FEMA released revised preliminary flood maps for Orange County in early 2025, which may change flood insurance requirements for some properties.

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Wind Insurance

Orange County Is Not in the TWIA Windstorm Insurance Zone

TWIA is the state's backup windstorm insurer for coastal counties. Orange County is not on its covered list.

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