Texas has seen its fair share of powerful storms over the years.
From hurricanes with devastating winds and rain to intense tornadoes that carve paths of destruction, the state’s storm history is both significant and sobering.
What are the biggest storms to ever hit Texas and how have they impacted the state?
This article takes a closer look at some of the most memorable and destructive storms, examining their effects on communities and explaining why they remain important in the state’s weather history.
1. 1900 Galveston Hurricane
The 1900 Galveston Hurricane, also known as the Great Galveston Hurricane, is the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history.
This Category 4 hurricane struck Galveston, Texas, on September 8, 1900. Winds reached speeds of up to 145 miles per hour.
Between 6,000 and 12,000 people lost their lives. Most reports typically cite around 8,000 deaths.
The city was not prepared for such a massive storm, which led to significant loss and devastation.
Galveston was almost completely destroyed. Thousands of buildings were flattened, and the storm caused severe flooding.
The event remains a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness in the face of such disasters.
For more details, read about the Galveston hurricane of 1900.
2. Hurricane Carla (1961)
Hurricane Carla was one of the most intense storms to make landfall in Texas during the 20th century.
Developing from a tropical depression on September 3, 1961, Carla quickly gained strength as it moved northwest.
By September 11, Carla had intensified into a Category 4 hurricane. It struck the Texas coast near Port Lavaca with estimated central pressure of 931 mb, marking it as one of the largest and most powerful hurricanes to hit the United States.
The storm brought devastating winds and storm surges. Sustained winds reached 115 mph in Matagorda and 110 mph in Victoria.
Significant damage occurred along the coast from Port Mansfield to Galveston. Homes, businesses, and infrastructure were heavily impacted due to the extreme weather conditions.
You can find more detailed information on Hurricane Carla from the National Weather Service and Wikipedia.
3. Hurricane Alicia (1983)
Hurricane Alicia was a powerful tropical cyclone that struck the Greater Houston area in August 1983.
Despite its relatively small size, it caused significant destruction. Winds reached 115 mph, and the storm surge was around 10 feet.
The hurricane was responsible for $3 billion in damages, making it the costliest Atlantic hurricane at the time. It also resulted in the tragic loss of 21 lives.
Alicia’s path over the rapidly growing metropolitan area of Houston greatly contributed to the high damage toll.
The storm made landfall near Galveston Beach and left a lasting impact on Southeast Texas. For more information, see the Wikipedia page on Hurricane Alicia.
4. Hurricane Harvey (2017)
Hurricane Harvey was a devastating Category 4 hurricane that hit Texas in August 2017.
It made landfall near Corpus Christi, bringing fierce winds and historic levels of rainfall.
Harvey caused catastrophic flooding, especially in the Houston area.
The storm inflicted around $125 billion in damages, making it one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history.
The hurricane resulted in more than 100 deaths.
It rapidly intensified over the Gulf of Mexico before making landfall, causing widespread destruction and long-lasting impacts on the affected communities. Many areas took years to recover from the severe flooding and damage.
5. Hurricane Ike (2008)
Hurricane Ike struck Texas on September 13, 2008. It made landfall near Galveston Bay as a strong Category 2 storm. Winds reached up to 110 mph.
The storm caused significant destruction, especially in coastal areas. It was one of the most damaging hurricanes Texas had ever faced.
Hurricane Ike affected infrastructure, agriculture, and the economy. Many homes and businesses were destroyed.
Over 80 people lost their lives due to the storm.
The impact of Ike was long-lasting. It caused $19.3 billion in damages in Texas.
The storm also disrupted oil and gas supplies, affecting prices nationwide. More information can be found here.
6. Tropical Storm Allison (2001)
Tropical Storm Allison struck Texas in June 2001.
The storm lasted an unusual 15 days and caused significant damage. It formed from a tropical wave in the northern Gulf of Mexico.
Allison hit the Texas coast and brought heavy rains for four days. The flooding was severe, especially in Houston. The Texas Medical Center alone experienced $2 billion in damages.
Allison resulted in 23 deaths and caused $4.8 billion in total damages. This storm was one of the few tropical storms to have its name retired. For more information, visit the Wikipedia page on Tropical Storm Allison.
7. Hurricane Rita (2005)
Hurricane Rita was one of the most powerful storms to strike Texas.
It made landfall on September 24, 2005, near the Texas-Louisiana border. At its peak, Rita had maximum sustained winds of 180 mph, placing it as a Category 5 hurricane.
The storm heavily impacted Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana.
It caused significant damage, especially in coastal areas. The hurricane brought storm surges of 8 to 10 feet, affecting communities near the coast.
Rita triggered one of the largest mass evacuations in U.S. history.
Between 2.5 and 3.7 million people evacuated from the Gulf coast, notably from the Greater Houston area. The overall damage from Rita was estimated to be about $26.6 billion.
Learn more about Hurricane Rita’s impact and statistics.
8. Hurricane Claudette (2003)
Hurricane Claudette struck South Texas in July 2003.
This storm started as a tropical wave in the eastern Caribbean and quickly moved westward.
Claudette made landfall near Port O’Connor on July 15, 2003. It was the first hurricane to hit that area since Hurricane Fern in 1971. Wind gusts reached up to 81 mph, with significant rainfall.
Upon landfall, Claudette caused damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The strong winds knocked out power for many residents. Two people lost their lives due to the storm.
The hurricane later weakened to a tropical storm as it traveled further inland. Heavy rains continued to affect central Texas. For more information, visit the National Weather Service.
9. Hurricane Dolly (2008)
Hurricane Dolly was a strong tropical cyclone that made landfall in Deep South Texas in July 2008.
As the fourth tropical cyclone and second hurricane of the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season, Dolly developed on July 20 from a strong tropical wave. It officially became a hurricane as it approached Texas.
Dolly made landfall near South Padre Island on July 23, 2008.
It brought sustained winds that caused significant damage in the region. Areas like Brownsville experienced intense winds and heavy rainfall, affecting homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
The storm impacted the Coastal Bend and Rio Grande Plains, extending its reach as far north as Corpus Christi.
Tropical storm-force gusts were felt even at the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station. It was noted for being the first hurricane to directly hit the Rio Grande Valley in many years. More detailed information on this event can be found at Hurricane Dolly.
10. Hurricane Humberto (2007)
Hurricane Humberto struck Texas in September 2007.
It was a Category 1 hurricane, known for its rapid intensification. No other North Atlantic tropical cyclone had ever strengthened so quickly before landfall.
Humberto developed on September 12 in the Gulf of Mexico. It made landfall in Jefferson County early on September 13.
The hurricane caused significant damage, with winds reaching 69 mph and rainfall up to 14.13 inches.
The damage was estimated at $67.2 million.
Despite being a weaker hurricane, it surprised many with its quick development and impact. Hurricane Humberto holds a special place in weather history due to its swift intensification.
Weather Patterns in Texas
Texas experiences a wide range of weather conditions due to its varied geography and seasonal changes.
Both geographical influences and seasonal trends shape the unique weather patterns observed across the state.
Geographical Influences
Texas is a large state with diverse landscapes that impact its weather significantly.
The Gulf Coast sees a lot of humid, tropical weather due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. This area is prone to hurricanes and heavy rains.
In contrast, West Texas has a more arid climate. This region frequently experiences extreme heat and droughts.
The central part of Texas, known as the Hill Country, can experience severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes.
The Panhandle, with its flat terrain, often encounters frequent wind events.
These regions comprising deserts, plains, and coastal areas create a mix of weather conditions across the state.
Seasonal Trends
Texas weather changes through the seasons.
Summers are usually very hot, especially in places like West Texas. Temperatures can exceed 100°F easily.
The Gulf Coast gets humid and experiences tropical storms and hurricanes, which can cause significant damage.
Winters in Texas vary. The northern parts could see snow and ice, while the southern areas remain mild.
For example, Winter Storm Uri brought record cold weather in recent history, disrupting power across the state.
Spring and fall are transitional seasons.
Spring often brings severe thunderstorms and tornado outbreaks, especially in Tornado Alley, which includes parts of Texas.
Fall weather is more stable, with cooler temperatures and less severe weather.
These seasonal variations make Texas weather interesting but sometimes unpredictable.
Preparation and Safety Measures
In Texas, where hurricanes are common, preparation is essential to save lives and reduce damage.
The key areas to focus on are having ready emergency kits and well-planned evacuation procedures.
Emergency Kits
Every household should have an emergency kit ready, especially during hurricane season.
Important items include water, non-perishable food, medications, and important documents like identification and insurance papers.
Consider including:
- Water: At least one gallon per person per day for three days.
- Food: Three-day supply of non-perishable items.
- First aid kit: Basic medical supplies.
- Medications: Both prescription and over-the-counter.
- Flashlights and batteries: To use in case of power outages.
- Tools and supplies: Such as a can opener, plastic sheeting, and duct tape.
Keeping the kit in a waterproof container ensures it stays dry and accessible.
Attach a checklist to the container to regularly check and update its contents.
Evacuation Plans
Having an evacuation plan can make a significant difference in a crisis.
Establish a meeting point for family members and create a communication plan.
Know multiple routes to safer locations, and keep the car fueled.
Key elements include:
- Routes and maps: Pre-plan multiple evacuation routes.
- Meeting points: Designate a safe place for everyone to meet.
- Communication: Decide on ways to stay in touch.
- Pets: Make arrangements for pets’ safety.
- Documents: Keep important papers in a safe, easily accessible place.
Understand local evacuation shelters and their locations.
Practice evacuations periodically to ensure everyone knows what to do.
Planning in advance helps reduce panic and confusion during actual emergencies.