Dr. Hal Needham, known as Hurricane Hal, shares his expertise on coastal ecosystems, weather patterns, and beach safety for visitors to Galveston Island. From explaining the science behind changing water colors to offering practical safety advice, Dr. Needham provides valuable insights for enjoying Gulf Coast beaches safely and appreciating their natural dynamics.

• Natural sargassum seaweed plays crucial role in marine ecosystems and helps build beaches by capturing sand
• Galveston's water changes color due to suspended sediment from shallow sandy bottoms and nearby rivers
• Rip currents pose the deadliest coastal hazard—stay calm and don't fight against them if caught
• Sunburn risk depends on shadow length, not temperature—visit beaches before 10:30am and after 5pm to avoid burns
• Hurricane season typically begins around August 11th, after most summer vacations conclude
• Barrier islands are dynamic formations that constantly evolve and change with natural forces

Follow Hurricane Hal on social media for non-hype weather forecasts and coastal science insights.

Galveston Unscripted

What is Galveston Unscripted?

Follow Galveston Unscripted on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! More history content on Visit Galveston!

The diamond-shaped plaques scattered throughout Galveston Island mark buildings that survived the devastating 1900 hurricane, America's deadliest natural disaster with up to 12,000 lives lost. These small markers represent structures that withstood catastrophic winds and flooding, serving as reminders of Galveston's remarkable resilience and recovery.

• Before 1900, Galveston was the "Wall Street of the Southwest" with numerous Texas firsts: post office, opera house, telephone, electric lights, medical college
• The hurricane struck on September 8, 1900, bringing 8-15 foot storm surges and 130+ mph winds that destroyed half the city
• Storm survivor plaques were created by the Galveston Historical Foundation in 2000 to commemorate the hurricane's centennial
• Buildings with plaques have been verified through historical records as having survived the catastrophic storm
• Fewer surviving buildings exist near the beachfront where damage was worst, with more found inland where debris formed a protective barrier
• Following the disaster, Galveston undertook massive engineering projects including the seawall and raising the island's elevation up to 17 feet
• Many surviving buildings were physically lifted or relocated during the grade-raising project between 1904-1910

To plan your own walk through Galveston's history and discover these remarkable survivor buildings, visit visitgalveston.com for resources, walking tours, and more information.

Galveston Unscripted

What is Galveston Unscripted?

Follow Galveston Unscripted on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! More history content on Visit Galveston!

Galveston Island has created its own unique surf culture, embracing the Gulf's inconsistent waves and even finding creative alternatives like tanker surfing. What started with lifeguards using rescue boards has evolved into a thriving community that values connection, rhythm, and the joy of riding waves on their own terms.

• Over 30 miles of beaches have attracted visitors to Galveston for more than a century
• Legendary lifeguard Leroy Colombo, deaf since childhood, saved over 900 lives and became an early Gulf Coast waterman
• Galveston's rock groins (jetties) create reliable surf breaks when conditions align
• Unique "tanker surfing" phenomenon allows rides up to five miles long on waves created by ships
• Local surf culture includes clubs, camps, and programs that pass knowledge to new generations
• The Texas Surf Museum preserves the history and stories of Gulf Coast surfing

Visit the Texas Surf Museum on Galveston Island to experience the evolution of board riding from ancient Hawaiian boards to Texas-built models and learn about local surf legends.

Galveston Unscripted

What is Galveston Unscripted?

Follow Galveston Unscripted on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! More history content on Visit Galveston!