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Texas Hurricane History: The Largest Storms to Hit Texas
2 minute read • Last update July 2024
What were the largest hurricanes to make landfall in Texas?
Since 1851, there have been 10 recorded category 4 hurricanes to make landfall in Texas. Some of the more well-known storm names include Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and the 1900 Galveston Hurricane. Hurricane Harvey moved slowly over the Houston area, dropping nearly 50 inches of rain that flooded the city. The storm is estimated to have inflicted $125 billion worth of damage, completely destroying over 60,000 homes and damaging over 200,000 others.
Many Texans remember Hurricane Ike in 2008, which at one point was a category 4, but had decreased in intensity to category 2 by the time it collided with Texas in the Galveston area. Even with the lower category rating, Ike was one of the most destructive hurricanes to hit the state. Some parts of the state were expected to receive a storm surge up to 20 feet.
Texas has never had a storm hit the state while meeting the criteria of a category 5 hurricane.
On the table below you can see a list of major hurricanes to hit Texas since the year 1900.
| Name | Category | Year | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1900 Galveston Hurricane | 4 | 1900 | Galveston |
| Velasco | 3 | 1909 | Velasco |
| Galveston | 4 | 1915 | Galveston |
| 1916 Texas Hurricane | 4 | 1916 | Corpus Christi |
| Florida Keys Hurricane | 3 | 1919 | Corpus Christi |
| Freeport | 4 | 1932 | Freeport |
| 1941 Texas Hurricane | 3 | 1941 | Bay City |
| 1942 Matagorda Hurricane | 3 | 1942 | Matagorda |
| 1945 Texas Hurricane | 3 | 1945 | Port O’Connor |
| Audrey | 3 | 1957 | Sabine Pass |
| Carla | 4 | 1961 | Port Lavaca |
| Beulah | 3 | 1967 | Rio Grande Valley |
| Celia | 4 | 1970 | Port Aransas |
| Allen | 3 | 1980 | Brownsville |
| Alicia | 3 | 1983 | Galveston |
| Bret | 3 | 1999 | Padre Island |
| Rita | 3 | 2005 | Texas – Louisiana border |
| Harvey | 4 | 2017 | Houston |
How many hurricanes have hit Texas?
Since the 1850s, Texas has been struck by over 60 hurricanes. Most hurricanes that make landfall in Texas are category 1 and 2, but since the 1850s, the state has dealt with over 25 major (category 3 and up) hurricanes.
- Category 1 Hurricanes: 27
- Category 2 Hurricanes: 13
- Category 3 Hurricanes: 16
- Category 4 Hurricanes: 10
- Category 5 Hurricanes: 0
Are more major hurricanes headed for Texas?
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to be one of the most active in recorded history. No one can say for certain if Texas will be struck by a hurricane, as storms that form in the Atlantic can follow a variety of different paths, such as up the East coast, through Florida, towards Louisiana, and into Mexico.
Scientists are estimating a 42% chance that a hurricane will hit the Gulf coast, which stretches between Texas and western Florida.
In the case that storm does head for Texas, you can prepare by familiarizing yourself with the difference between a hurricane watch and warning, as well as our Hurricane Safety & Preparedness Guide.
An energy provider that cares
When choosing an electricity provider in Texas, it’s important to select a company that has experience dealing with hurricanes. BKV Energy’s team has firsthand experience dealing with hurricanes. We’re prepared to offer support before, during, and after major disasters.
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