Houston, a metropolitan area with a long history of interacting with tropical weather systems, frequently experiences the effects of hurricanes and tropical storms due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. These events often bring significant challenges, primarily through heavy rainfall and storm surge.
The Historical Count: Defining a Hurricane’s Impact on Houston
Defining a hurricane’s impact on Houston goes beyond a direct hit. Storms making landfall on the upper Texas coast or even further away can still cause widespread damage due to their expansive nature and heavy rainfall. For Houston, the most common and damaging impacts come from flooding, regardless of a storm’s precise landfall location or strength.
According to data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Greater Houston region has experienced five hurricanes and five tropical storms since 1980 that led to federally declared disasters. Texas generally sees a tropical cyclone make landfall along its coastline about three times every four years. Impacts vary in severity based on the storm’s characteristics and path, ranging from localized flooding and power outages to extensive, long-lasting devastation across the metropolitan area.
Notable Hurricanes and Their Legacy in Houston
Several hurricanes have left indelible marks on Houston, demonstrating the varied ways these storms can inflict damage. Hurricane Alicia, a Category 3 storm, made landfall near Galveston Island in August 1983. Its strong winds caused widespread destruction, particularly to downtown Houston’s skyscrapers where many lower-level windows were shattered. Alicia resulted in $3 billion in damages and prompted changes in the city’s building codes.
Tropical Storm Allison, though never reaching hurricane strength, became one of the most destructive tropical storms in U.S. history when it stalled over Southeast Texas in June 2001. It delivered over 40 inches of rain in parts of Houston, causing catastrophic flooding that inundated 73,000 homes and 95,000 vehicles. The Texas Medical Center, a major healthcare complex, suffered extensive damage, with some facilities experiencing 22 feet of water in their basements.
Hurricane Ike, a large Category 2 hurricane, made landfall on Galveston Island in September 2008. While Galveston bore the brunt of the storm surge, Houston experienced widespread power outages affecting over 3 million households. Ike’s strong winds damaged trees and caused window and roof damage in downtown Houston, leading to significant disruptions.
Most recently, Hurricane Harvey, a Category 4 hurricane, struck the Texas coast in August 2017. Harvey’s most impactful characteristic for Houston was its unprecedented rainfall, with some areas receiving approximately 50 inches over several days. This caused catastrophic and widespread flooding, submerging nearly one-third of Houston at its peak. The storm damaged over 150,000 homes in Harris County alone and resulted in an estimated $125 billion in damages, making it the costliest natural disaster in Texas history.
Geographic and Environmental Factors Influencing Houston’s Hurricane Exposure
Houston’s geographical and environmental characteristics contribute to its susceptibility to hurricane impacts. Its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico places it directly in the path of storms forming or intensifying in the warm waters, frequently exposing it to landfalling tropical cyclones.
The region’s low elevation and flat topography exacerbate flooding risks, making it vulnerable to storm surge pushing inland. Houston’s extensive network of bayous, natural drainage systems, can quickly become overwhelmed by heavy rainfall. When these bayous overtop their banks, they contribute to widespread urban flooding. The large amount of impervious surfaces from urban development also reduces the ground’s ability to absorb water.