Hurricane season is a reality for oil and gas operations along the Texas Gulf Coast and throughout the Eagle Ford. For companies that rely on automation systems—control panels, power infrastructure, and instrumentation—a storm can mean more than just downtime. It can put critical assets, data, and even personnel safety at risk.

The good news? With the right preparation, your automation systems can withstand severe weather and help you recover faster when conditions improve.

Here’s a step-by-step checklist to get ready before the next storm hits.

1. Secure and Inspect Control Panels

Control panels are often exposed to the elements at wellsites and facilities. Before hurricane season:

  • Seal and weatherproof enclosures to prevent water intrusion.

  • Check door gaskets and latches for wear and replace if needed.

  • Elevate critical panels where possible to minimize flood risk.

  • Label and document wiring so repairs and recovery can happen quickly if damage occurs.

2. Protect Power Systems

Unstable power is one of the biggest risks during a storm. A short outage can cascade into shutdowns across the field. To minimize the impact:

  • Test backup generators, UPS systems and batteries to ensure they’re operational. 

  • Inspect solar packages and battery banks for secure mounting and weather protection.

  • Check surge protection devices and grounding systems. Lightning and power surges are common during hurricanes.

  • Stock critical spares like radios, fuses, breakers, and connectors.

3. Harden Instrumentation in the Field

Field sensors and transmitters are your eyes and ears during a storm—but they’re also vulnerable.

  • Inspect enclosures for proper sealing and corrosion protection.

  • Check cable terminations and conduit entries for gaps or loose fittings.

  • Calibrate key instruments ahead of time so you know you’re starting from a reliable baseline.

  • Install protective covers or shields for exposed devices where practical.

4. Validate Telemetry and Remote Access

When roads are flooded or unsafe, the ability to monitor and control equipment remotely is essential.

  • Verify telemetry links (wireless, cellular, satellite, or fiber) are healthy.

  • Test SCADA alarms and notifications to ensure critical events will reach operators.

  • Confirm remote shutdown capabilities so you can secure equipment without sending personnel into dangerous conditions.

5. Develop a Storm Response Plan

Preparation goes beyond equipment—it requires people and processes.

  • Create a checklist of shutdown/startup procedures for automation systems.

  • Assign clear responsibilities for monitoring, communication, and site checks.

  • Ensure vendor and service partner contact info is up to date. Local technicians in South Texas can be the fastest way to restore operations.

  • Back up configurations and programs for RTUs, PLCs, and HMIs to off-site or cloud storage.

Why Preparation Matters in South Texas

Every year, hurricanes disrupt operations across the Gulf Coast. For companies operating in Corpus Christi, the Eagle Ford, and surrounding regions, preparation is the difference between a quick restart and weeks of downtime. MRI Automation’s team has been through these storms alongside our customers. We know what it takes to design, harden, and restore automation systems under extreme conditions.

Be Ready Before the Next Storm

Don’t wait until the forecast shows a hurricane in the Gulf. By preparing your automation systems now, you safeguard your people, your production, and your bottom line.

Contact MRI Automation today to schedule a pre-season inspection or consultation. Together, we’ll build resilience into your automation infrastructure—so your operation is ready when the next storm arrives.

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