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Where’s the heart of Southeast Texas? The answer: Beaumont.
One of the best cities for prospective homeowners, this place ranks among the top in Texas when it comes to affordability. The cost of living is way below the state’s average. Adding to this is the city’s ever-growing job market, proximity to major cities, and a family-friendly environment.
There are many options for fun activities, as the city is surrounded by natural areas like Big Thicket National Preserve and Cattail Marsh. It’s a great place to live! Though there is one drawback…
Like much of East Texas, Beaumont sits on the wrong side of the digital divide. Limited internet coverage and frequent internet outages are common. What makes the situation worse is that the region is prone to hurricanes and storms. Many residents – both in the city and rural outskirts – risk being cut off during emergencies, making reliable connectivity even more essential.
Why Hurricane Preparedness in Beaumont is Crucial
As of September 2025, Beaumont is deep into the hurricane season, and the risk will only increase through November. From Hurricane Audrey in 1957 and Hurricane Bonnie in 1987 to Hurricane Ike in 2008 and Hurricane Delta in 2020, failing to consider Beaumont, TX, hurricane preparedness is a grave mistake.
Here’s why you need to stay prepared before things go wrong.
Transportation Shutdown
Hurricanes and storms in this part of East Texas bring with them heavy rainfall and flooding. In 2019, tropical storm Imelda dumped 40 inches of rain on Beaumont. Low-lying neighborhoods and highways can flood quickly – and become a nightmare if the Neches River and bayous overflow.
I-10 is one of the first highways to get flooded, which cuts off access from Houston, Port Arthur, and Louisiana. When that happens, the residents are stuck, and there’s no place they can go.
Power and Internet Outages
Did you know that winds during hurricanes and storms can go as fast as 120 mph? Power lines, along with fiber and cable lines, are knocked down. This may lead to prolonged power outages and internet blackouts that can last for days or weeks.
That’s why preparing for these events is essential, so you can stay connected to your loved ones during such difficult and uncertain times.
The Beaumont Hurricane Survival Guide
Prepping for a hurricane isn’t one of those “once in a blue moon” projects. Hurricanes are regular occurrences in this part of the world, and Beaumont residents need to be ready. Here are some ways you can minimize the damage and stay ahead of the situation.
Stay Connected and Online
A stable and reliable internet works wonders for people during such natural disasters. It allows them to stay updated on evacuation orders, refuge centers, transportation alternatives, and traffic situations. Additionally, it keeps families and friends connected. When you can keep track of your loved ones’ whereabouts, it significantly lowers the panic and chaos of an emergency situation.
So, how to avoid internet blackouts in Beaumont? Let’s explore the available options. The service providers that offer internet connection in Beaumont include:
Spectrum
One of the top options in Beaumont is Spectrum. It offers a speed of up to 1 Gbps with no data caps. It is widely available and offers good performance for everyday internet use.
EarthLink Fiber
A widely available internet connection is EarthLink Fiber. It offers a speed of up to 5 Gbps, perfect for interruption-free streaming and gaming.
AT&T Fiber
The second option is AT&T. It is not the most widely available option, but it reaches a significant part of Beaumont. Similar to EarthLink, even this option offers excellent speeds, up to 5 Gbps. It is among the top-value DSL options.
Satellite and Wireless Options
Other options that you can consider in Beaumont include satellite and wireless connections, such as HughesNet, Viasat, Starlink, and 5G home internet like T-Mobile or Verizon. These offer almost full coverage here; however, the speed it offers is lower than that of other options. They serve as good backups in case other connections are lost.
Creating a Reliable Setup for Internet Blackouts
Now that you know which options are available in your city, you need to select internet plans and connections that offer the most reliable protection against potential internet blackouts and outages during hurricanes and storms.
Go Wired
Try to get wired, high-reliability connections like fiber or cable if available.
Always Have a Backup Plan
Get a mobile hotspot. It can serve as a reliable fallback in case wired services go down. You can also opt for satellite connections, as they are trustworthy when terrestrial services are unavailable.
Consider Dual-Layer Coverage
If possible, combine a fast wired service (like EarthLink or Spectrum) with a wireless/satellite backup. This dual-layer can keep you connected even when the grid falters.
Stay Informed
Track local outage history and choose providers with proven recovery times.
Being Prepared is Better than Being Stuck
Reliable internet in Beaumont – whether for city homes or rural areas – isn’t just about convenience. It’s about safety, security, and staying connected during emergencies.
SmarterHome.ai makes it easier by comparing providers in your area, evaluating reliability, and helping you choose the best plan for your family before the next storm hits.
