Hurricanes risk in Texas

Hurricanes in Texas: What Homeowners Should Know

Texas has more than 360 miles of Gulf of Mexico coastline, and hurricanes are one of the most significant natural hazards facing the state. The official Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with the highest risk for Texas typically falling between mid-August and October. All coastal counties from Cameron County near Brownsville to Orange County near the Louisiana border are exposed, including major population centers like Houston, Galveston, Corpus Christi, and Beaumont-Port Arthur. The Texas coast is low-lying in many areas, and storm surge can push water miles inland, especially along the upper coast where the continental shelf is shallow. Hurricanes and tropical storms can bring destructive winds, storm surge, heavy rainfall, and inland flooding hundreds of miles from the coast. Even inland communities far from the coast, such as Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas, can experience damaging winds and freshwater flooding from decaying hurricanes. The NOAA National Hurricane Center tracks these storms, while the Texas Division of Emergency Management coordinates state response and evacuation guidance.

How It Affects Homes

Hurricane damage to Texas homes comes from several sources. Wind can tear off roofs, break windows, and send debris flying. Storm surge—the rise in sea level pushed ashore by a storm—can flood coastal homes and undermine foundations. Heavy rain can cause inland flooding, as seen with Hurricane Harvey in 2017, which stalled over Southeast Texas and produced catastrophic rainfall. Tornadoes spawned by hurricanes also pose a risk. On the insurance side, standard homeowners insurance policies typically cover wind damage but exclude flood damage. Separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer is needed. In some Texas coastal counties, windstorm coverage may be provided by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). Many policies have percentage deductibles for named storms, so homeowners should review their coverage carefully. If your home is damaged, file a claim promptly and keep receipts for temporary repairs. FEMA may provide disaster assistance if a presidential disaster declaration is made, but that assistance is not a substitute for insurance. Homeowners should also consider the cost of rebuilding to current codes, which may be higher than original construction. Ready.gov and FEMA provide additional guidance.

How to Prepare Your Home

Taking steps before a storm can reduce damage and make recovery easier. Key actions include:

• Know your risk and evacuation zone. Contact your county emergency management office or visit TDEM to find local evacuation routes and shelter information.
• Reinforce your roof and windows. Install hurricane straps or clips, a secondary water barrier, and impact-resistant windows or approved storm shutters. Reinforce garage doors, which are often the first point of failure.
• Clear your yard. Trim trees and remove dead branches, and secure or store loose items like patio furniture, grills, and trash cans that can become projectiles.
• Protect against flooding. If you live in a flood-prone area, consider elevating utilities, installing backflow valves, and using flood vents. Keep gutters and drainage paths clear.
• Buy flood insurance early. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding. NFIP policies typically have a 30-day waiting period, so don't wait until a storm is named.
• Document your belongings. Take photos or a video of your home and contents, and store copies of important documents in a waterproof container or cloud storage.
• Build an emergency kit. Include water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, and chargers. Follow Ready.gov guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is hurricane season in Texas?

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30 each year, but Texas is most at risk from mid-August through October. The National Hurricane Center provides real-time forecasts and advisories.

Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage in Texas?

Most standard homeowners policies cover wind damage from hurricanes, but they do not cover flooding from storm surge or heavy rain. You need a separate flood insurance policy, typically through the NFIP or a private insurer. In some coastal counties, wind coverage may be available through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). Review your deductibles—many policies have a separate percentage deductible for named storms.

How do I know if my home is in a hurricane evacuation zone?

Evacuation zones are set by local emergency management agencies. Contact your county emergency management office, or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management for links to local plans and the Texas Hurricane Guide. Knowing your zone ahead of time helps you make a safe decision when a storm approaches.

Official Resources

• Texas Division of Emergency Management – state emergency preparedness, evacuation, and recovery information.
• NOAA National Hurricane Center – forecasts, tracking maps, and advisories for Atlantic and Gulf storms.
• Ready.gov – Hurricanes – federal guidance on preparing for and responding to hurricanes.
• FEMA Hurricane Preparedness – risk management and mitigation resources for homeowners and communities.