The Hurricane Season in Texas
Hurricanes and tropical storms form during different seasons all over the world. In Texas, the hurricane season typically starts during mid-to-late summer and ends in the late fall. Typically, Texas residents can expect hurricane activity to begin in early June and end at the end of November, although the majority of hurricanes do not strike Texas after October. As Texas residents, it is important to know when the most common times are that a hurricane may hit so that you are prepared with enough food, water, and safety devices to navigate the storm.
What are the Most Common Hurricanes in Texas?
Hurricanes are rated on a scale of Category 1 to Category 5, with Category 1 being the least destructive and Category 5 being the most destructive. Throughout history, Texas has experienced hurricanes ranging from Category 1 to Category 4. However, the most common types of hurricanes that Texas faces are Category 1 and 2. According to the National Weather Service, Category 1 hurricanes are characterized by winds between 74 and 95 miles per hour, and Category 2 hurricanes have winds between 96 and 110 miles per hour.
Although Category 1 and 2 hurricanes are the most common, Texas frequently faces Category 3 and 4 hurricanes. These hurricanes cause the most destruction due to their high-speed winds. Category 3 hurricanes have winds from 111 to 129 miles per hour, and Category 4 hurricanes have winds from 130 to 156 miles per hour. The winds from Category 3 and 4 hurricanes can cause damage to homes, uproot or snap trees, and down power lines, resulting in long-term power outages. The destruction caused by these hurricanes can result in significant property damage that some first-party insurance companies may be unwilling to cover. If you experience a coverage dispute with your insurance company following a hurricane, talk to an insurance claims denial lawyer. An insurance claim denial attorney can evaluate your coverage and see if your insurance company should cover your property damage.
When Have Hurricanes Landed in Texas?
Texas is among the states most susceptible to hurricanes, ranking second only to Florida. From 1851 to 2020, 76 hurricanes made landfall in Texas. 29 of these hurricanes made landfall in September. Here is a breakdown of when hurricanes have made landfall in Texas by month:
- June: 5
- July: 7
- August: 25
- September: 29
- October: 9
- November: 1
From this breakdown, it is evident that the majority of Texas hurricanes make landfall in August and September, in the middle of the hurricane season.
Why do Most Texas Hurricanes Land in August and September?
In Texas, most hurricanes make landfall in August and September because those are the months when the Gulf’s water reaches its highest temperatures. During these months, the ocean’s temperatures can reach up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Hurricanes form when warm, moist air quickly rises from the ocean’s surface and collides with cooler air. The collision of warm air with cooler air causes heat to be admitted and warms the air above. When the warm air rises, humid air begins to rise from the ocean. The process becomes a pattern that eventually forms a hurricane, which continues to intensify until it makes landfall. Thus, the already warm waters during August and September are the optimal conditions for a hurricane to form.
Hurricane Harvey in 2017
One of the most destructive hurricanes to land in Texas happened in August. On August 25th, 2017, Hurricane Harvey made landfall along the Middle Texas Coast near Rockport. When Harvey was first detected, it was only registering as a tropical storm. The tropical storm first impacted the Yucatan Peninsula before moving into the warm waters of the Gulf. When Harvey began heading toward Texas, it was still registering as a tropical storm. However, in a matter of 40 hours, the storm quickly formed into a Category 4 hurricane, leaving Texas residents unprepared for the high wind speeds and flash flooding. When the hurricane struck, the highest recorded wind speed was 145 miles per hour at 8 meters AGL, and the highest maximum storm tides were more than 12 feet above ground level. The high winds and heavy rains that led to flooding all around Texas caused the death of at least 88 Texans and property damage estimated at $125 billion. While Harvey was not the deadliest hurricane Texas has seen, it caused a lot of damage that many Texans who were impacted are still recovering from to this day.
Helping After Hurricanes
When hurricanes strike in Texas, homeowners and businesses are often left facing devastating property damage and insurance companies that are reluctant to fully honor their claims. Certain types of insurance disputes and coverage denials may lead to a cause of action for unfair settlement practices and/or insurer bad faith. At Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., our insurance bad faith attorneys are dedicated to helping the victims of hurricanes. Our lawyers know how to handle insurance companies to ensure that you get the coverage you are owed. If you are getting the runaround from your insurance company, our firm offers a free consultation to discuss your claim. Call us at (713) 932-0777 to talk to an experienced insurance claim denial lawyer today.
Author
