If you’re thinking about moving to the Lone Star State—or maybe you just booked a beach house in Galveston for August—there’s one question that probably keeps popping up: does texas have hurricanes? The short answer is yes. Honestly, a lot of them.
But it’s not just about the wind. Most people picture a massive "C" shape on a radar screen and think that’s the whole story. It’s way more complicated than that. In Texas, a hurricane isn't just a weather event; it’s a part of the local culture, a major economic factor, and, unfortunately, a recurring character in the state’s history books.
The Reality of the Texas Coastline
Texas has roughly 367 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico. That’s a massive "front porch" for storms to walk onto. Because the Gulf of Mexico is basically a warm bathtub during the summer, it acts like high-octane fuel for tropical systems.
Since 1851, Texas has been hit by more than 60 hurricanes. That makes it the second most "hit" state in the U.S., trailing only behind Florida. Statistically, any given 50-mile stretch of the Texas coast gets a hurricane landfall about once every six years.
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When does it actually happen?
Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30.
But if you look at the data, the "danger zone" is much narrower. Peak activity usually happens between August and September. Why? Because that’s when the water temperature in the Gulf is at its absolute hottest. Most of the legendary Texas storms—Harvey, Ike, and the Great Galveston Storm—all happened in that late-summer window.
The Heavy Hitters: A History of Destruction
You can't talk about Texas hurricanes without mentioning the 1900 Galveston Hurricane. It remains the deadliest natural disaster in United States history. Somewhere between 6,000 and 12,000 people lost their lives because, back then, there was no satellite imagery to warn them. The city was basically wiped off the map.
Then there’s Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
Harvey changed everything we thought we knew about tropical storms. It wasn’t a "wind event" for most of the state; it was a "rain event." The storm stalled over the Houston area and dumped more than 50 inches of rain in some spots. That’s roughly 1 trillion gallons of water. It didn't just flood the coast; it flooded neighborhoods 50 miles inland that had never seen a drop of rising water before.
Recent Memory: Hurricane Beryl
Just recently in 2024, Hurricane Beryl reminded everyone that even a Category 1 storm can be a nightmare. It knocked out power for millions in the Houston area for over a week. It’s a common misconception that if it’s "just a Cat 1," you don’t need to worry. In Texas, the infrastructure—especially the power grid—often struggles with the debris and wind, leaving people in the sweltering Texas heat without A/C for days.
It’s Not Just the Coast
This is the part most people get wrong. They think if they live in San Antonio, Austin, or even Dallas, they’re "safe."
Texas is huge, but hurricanes are bigger.
When a storm hits the coast, it doesn't just vanish. It moves inland, often bringing massive flooding and tornadoes. Tropical Storm Allison in 2001 is a prime example. It never even reached hurricane strength, but it sat over Houston and East Texas for days, causing billions in damage. Even deep inland, the "remnants" of a hurricane can dump 10+ inches of rain in a single night, causing flash floods in the Hill Country.
How Texans Actually Prepare
If you live here, you don't panic every time a cloud appears, but you do stay "weather aware." Most locals keep a "hurricane box" ready to go by June.
- The Power Grid Problem: After Beryl, many Texans have invested in portable generators or whole-home systems like a Generac.
- The Paperwork: Honestly, the most important thing isn't plywood—it's insurance. Standard homeowners' insurance usually does not cover rising water. You need a separate flood insurance policy (NFIP).
- The "Stay or Go" Rule: Most coastal cities have "zip zones" for evacuations. If you're in an A or B zone, you leave when the city tells you. If you're further inland, you usually "hunker down" and stock up on water and batteries.
What You Should Do Next
If you're living in or visiting Texas during the summer, don't just hope for the best.
- Check your elevation: Use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to see if your specific address is in a flood zone. Even if it's not "required" for your mortgage, getting flood insurance is often a smart move in Texas.
- Download the apps: Don't rely on social media for news. Use the National Hurricane Center (NHC) website or a trusted local weather app (like Space City Weather for the Houston area).
- The 3-Day Rule: Always have at least three days' worth of water (one gallon per person per day) and non-perishable food. If the power goes out, the stores usually close too.
- Secure your documents: Put your birth certificates, insurance policies, and passports in a waterproof "go-bag."
Texas is a beautiful place to live, and the Gulf Coast is iconic. But the price of those sunset views is a healthy respect for the weather. Stay prepared, keep your gas tank half-full starting in August, and always listen to the local meteorologists when they start talking about "cones of uncertainty."
Actionable Insight: Check your current home or rental insurance policy today to see if it specifically mentions "Windstorm" or "Flood" coverage. If it doesn't, call your agent tomorrow—waiting until a storm is in the Gulf is usually too late to add coverage.