Which Hurricanes Have Hit Houston? A Look Back at the City’s Most Devastating Storms

Houston, Texas, has a long history of being affected by hurricanes, which can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and significant flooding to the city. The city’s location in southeastern Texas, near the Gulf of Mexico, makes it prone to hurricanes and tropical storms. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most significant hurricanes to hit Houston.

1. Hurricane Carla (1961)

Hurricane Carla was one of the most destructive hurricanes to hit Houston, causing widespread damage and flooding throughout the city. The storm made landfall on September 11, 1961, bringing with it winds of up to 130 mph and a storm surge of over 12 feet. The floodwaters caused by Carla damaged or destroyed over 7,000 homes, and the city’s damage bill totaled over $100 million.

2. Hurricane Alicia (1983)

Hurricane Alicia was a Category 3 storm that made landfall near Galveston, Texas, on August 18, 1983. The storm brought strong winds and heavy rain to Houston, causing over 150,000 people to lose power and damaging over 20,000 homes. The storm also caused significant flooding throughout the city, with some areas receiving over 10 inches of rain.

3. Hurricane Rita (2005)

Hurricane Rita made landfall near Johnson’s Sapling, Louisiana, on September 24, 2005, but its impact was felt all the way to Houston. The storm caused significant flooding in the city, with some areas receiving over 6 inches of rain. The storm also caused over 1 million people to evacuate the city, and the damage bill was estimated at over $12 billion.

4. Hurricane Ike (2008)

Hurricane Ike made landfall near Galveston, Texas, on September 13, 2008, bringing with it winds of up to 110 mph and a storm surge of over 13 feet. The storm caused significant damage and flooding throughout Houston, with over 144,000 homes damaged or destroyed. The storm also caused over 100 deaths and an estimated $32 billion in damages.

5. Hurricane Harvey (2017)

Hurricane Harvey was a Category 4 storm that made landfall near Rockport, Texas, on August 25, 2017. However, it was the storm’s slow movement and heavy rainfall that caused the most damage in Houston. The storm brought over 60 inches of rain to some areas of the city, causing widespread flooding and damage. The storm caused over 150 deaths and an estimated $125 billion in damages, making it the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history.

Conclusion

Houston has a long history of being affected by hurricanes, and the city will likely continue to be at risk for significant flooding and damage in the future. It is essential for residents and visitors alike to stay informed about weather conditions and take necessary precautions to stay safe. By understanding the impact of hurricanes on Houston, we can better prepare for and respond to these powerful storms.