Which Hurricanes Have Hit Houston?

Houston, Texas, is a city located in a region prone to hurricanes. The city’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico makes it vulnerable to storms that form in the Gulf and intensify before making landfall. Over the years, Houston has faced its share of hurricanes, some of which have caused significant damage and disruption. Here are some of the most notable hurricanes to have hit Houston:

1. Hurricanes Carla (1961) and Beulah (1958)

While not direct hits, Hurricanes Carla and Beulah had a significant impact on Houston. Carla, a Category 3 hurricane, made landfall in Robstown, Texas, about 140 miles west of Houston, causing \(307 million in damages (equivalent to over \)2.5 billion today). Beulah, a Category 3 hurricane, made landfall in Brownsville, Texas, about 250 miles south of Houston, causing significant flooding and damage along the Texas coast.

2. Hurricane Alicia (1983)

Hurricane Alicia made landfall in Galveston, Texas, about 50 miles south of Houston, as a Category 3 hurricane on August 18, 1983. The storm caused 21 deaths and \(3 billion in damages (equivalent to over \)9 billion today). Alicia’s strong winds and flooding caused extensive damage in Houston, particularly in the Energy Corridor and Memorial areas.

3. Hurricane Rita (2005)

Hurricane Rita made landfall in Johnson’s Bayou, Texas, about 30 miles northeast of Houston, as a Category 3 hurricane on September 24, 2005. While not a direct hit, Rita caused significant flooding and damage in Houston, particularly in the eastern parts of the city. The storm caused an estimated $10 billion in damages and 120 deaths.

4. Hurricane Ike (2008)

Hurricane Ike made landfall in Galveston, Texas, about 50 miles south of Houston, as a Category 2 hurricane on September 13, 2008. The storm caused 112 deaths and an estimated $29.5 billion in damages, making it the second-costliest hurricane in U.S. history. Ike’s storm surge caused significant flooding and damage in Houston, particularly along the Houston Ship Channel.

5. Hurricane Harvey (2017)

Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Rockport, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Houston, as a Category 4 hurricane on August 25, 2017. The storm stalled over southeastern Texas, causing catastrophic flooding in Houston and surrounding areas. Harvey caused an estimated 89 deaths and $125 billion in damages (the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history). The storm’s flooding caused widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure in Houston.

Conclusion

Houston, Texas, has a long history of being affected by hurricanes, some of which have had significant impacts on the city. From Carla and Beulah in the 1950s and 1960s to Harvey in 2017, each hurricane has brought its own unique challenges and damage to the city. As Houston continues to grow and develop, it is essential to remain prepared for future hurricanes and take steps to mitigate their impacts. By understanding the city’s history with hurricanes, residents and business owners can better plan and prepare for future storms.