Houston, located near the Gulf Coast, experiences hurricanes and tropical weather systems. Its geographic position makes it a frequent recipient of these powerful storms. Hurricane season for the region spans from June 1 to November 30 each year, with highest activity in late August through September.
Houston’s Geographic Vulnerability
Houston’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, about 50 miles northwest of Galveston, places it directly in the path of many Gulf storms. The city’s topography is notably flat, with an average elevation of about 59 feet (18 meters) above sea level. This flat terrain, combined with extensive urban development and impermeable surfaces, exacerbates flooding during heavy rainfall.
A network of bayous, including Buffalo, Brays, White Oak, and Sims Bayous, dissects the city and contributes to its drainage. These waterways are essential for flood control but can overflow quickly during intense rainfall, channeling water through the city. Gulf storms often bring heavy rain directly into this low-lying, bayou-laden region, increasing the risk of widespread inundation.
Historical Hurricane Encounters
Houston and the surrounding region have a history of significant hurricane impacts. Since 1980, the Greater Houston region has experienced five hurricanes and five tropical storms, alongside numerous other rain and flood events. Hurricanes make landfall in Texas approximately three times every four years.
Hurricane Alicia, a Category 3 storm, made landfall near Galveston in August 1983, with its eye passing just west of downtown Houston. This storm caused billions in damage. Later, Hurricane Ike, a strong Category 2 storm, struck Galveston Island in September 2008 with sustained winds of 110 mph. Another event was Hurricane Harvey in August 2017, which intensified to a Category 4 before making landfall on the Texas coast.
Common Hurricane Hazards in Houston
Hurricanes pose multiple dangers to the Houston area, extending beyond wind. High winds are a direct threat, capable of damaging structures, shattering windows, and transforming loose debris into projectiles. For instance, Hurricane Alicia’s 115 mph winds caused glass cladding on downtown Houston skyscrapers to shatter.
Storm surge, the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm, presents a severe threat, especially to coastal areas and those connected to Galveston Bay. During Hurricane Ike, storm surges reached 12 to 15 feet across Harris County, extending 15 to 18 miles inland in some areas. Even if Houston itself is inland, its surrounding areas are vulnerable, and significant surge can cut off access and impact infrastructure linked to the Houston Ship Channel.
Inland flooding is frequently the most extensive hazard for Houston, primarily due to its flat terrain and bayou system. Hurricane Harvey, for example, dropped approximately 50 inches of rain in some areas of Houston over several days, leading to widespread flooding that inundated hundreds of thousands of homes. This level of rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems, even for storms that have weakened to tropical storms or depressions. Additionally, hurricanes can spawn tornadoes; Hurricane Alicia produced at least 23 tornadoes, and Hurricane Harvey generated 57 such events.
Preparing for Hurricane Season
Preparing for hurricane season involves several steps for Houston residents. Understanding your evacuation zone is a primary consideration, as local authorities may issue evacuation orders based on the threat level to specific zones. Knowing designated evacuation routes and practicing them with your family can facilitate a quicker and safer departure if an order is given.
Assembling an emergency kit is also recommended. This typically contains enough non-perishable food and water for at least three days, medications, a first-aid kit, flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio. Many also include important documents in waterproof containers, cash, and personal hygiene items. Developing a family communication plan helps ensure everyone knows how to contact each other if separated, including designating an out-of-town contact and having multiple communication methods like text messages.
Staying informed through official sources like the National Weather Service, the National Hurricane Center, and local emergency management agencies is also important. Signing up for emergency alerts from organizations such as AlertHouston or Ready Harris can provide timely updates. Securing your home by trimming trees, clearing gutters, and having plywood or storm shutters ready for windows can help mitigate damage from high winds and heavy rain.