Which Hurricanes Have Hit Texas?

Texas, located in the southern United States, is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms due to its coastal location. Over the years, the state has faced numerous devastating hurricanes that have caused significant damage and loss of life. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most notable hurricanes to hit Texas.

1. The Galveston Hurricane of 1900

The Galveston Hurricane remains the deadliest natural disaster in United States history, killing an estimated 6,000 to 12,000 people. The Category 4 hurricane made landfall on September 8, 1900, causing widespread destruction and flooding in Galveston, which was then a major port city. The storm surge destroyed much of the city, and it took years for Galveston to recover.

2. Hurricane Carla (1961)

Hurricane Carla made landfall on September 11, 1961, as a Category 3 hurricane near Matagorda Bay. The storm caused significant damage and flooding along the Texas Gulf Coast, particularly in the Houston and Corpus Christi areas. The storm claimed the lives of 43 people and caused \(306 million in damages, which is equivalent to over \)2.5 billion today.

3. Hurricane Betsy (1965)

While Hurricane Betsy didn’t directly hit Texas, it did make a close approach to the state’s coastline. The storm made landfall in Louisiana as a Category 3 hurricane, but the storm surge and heavy rainfall caused significant flooding in southeastern Texas, particularly in the Beaumont and Port Arthur areas.

4. Hurricane Alicia (1983)

Hurricane Alicia made landfall on August 18, 1983, as a Category 3 hurricane near Galveston. The storm caused significant damage and power outages, and the storm surge flooded many coastal communities. The storm claimed the lives of 21 people and caused $3 billion in damages.

5. Hurricane Ike (2008)

Hurricane Ike made landfall on September 13, 2008, as a Category 2 hurricane near Corpus Christi. The storm caused widespread damage and flooding, particularly in the Houston and Galveston areas. The storm surge flooded much of Galveston, and the storm caused 112 deaths and $29.5 billion in damages, making it the costliest natural disaster in Texas history.

6. Hurricane Harvey (2017)

Hurricane Harvey made landfall on August 25, 2017, as a Category 4 hurricane near Rockport. The storm caused catastrophic flooding in southeastern Texas, particularly in the Houston area, with rainfall totals reaching over 60 inches in some areas. The storm caused 89 deaths and $125 billion in damages, making it one of the costliest hurricanes in U.S. history.

Conclusion

As you can see, Texas has faced numerous devastating hurricanes over the years. It’s essential for residents and visitors to be prepared for these storms, which can bring powerful winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges that can cause significant damage and loss of life. By staying informed about weather conditions and taking necessary precautions, we can minimize the impact of these storms and keep our communities safe.