Houston and Hurricanes: A Love Story (That Mostly Involves Property Damage)
Ah, Houston. The city of bayous, barbecue, and... hurricanes. Yes, those swirling vortexes of wind and rain that seem to have a particular fondness for giving Houston a good soaking. But hey, at least it keeps things interesting, right?
So, how many times has Houston gotten the not-so-gentle nudge from a hurricane? Buckle up, because this might surprise you.
The Great Houston Hurricane History (Cliff Notes Version)
Technically zero. That's right, Houston itself, being a fair distance inland, has never been directly hit by a hurricane. But hold on to your cowboy hats, because things get interesting here.
Houston is like that friend who constantly gets dragged into drama, even though they're trying to stay out of it. See, those hurricanes that form in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico often love to cozy up to the Texas coast. And when they do, Houston, bless its heart, tends to be on the receiving end of the torrential downpours.
The Hall of Fame (of Flooding)
- Hurricane Harvey (2017): This one was a real doozy. Harvey meandered around offshore for days, dumping enough rain to fill the Astrodome... 11 times over. Needless to say, Houston became a giant swimming pool for a while.
- Tropical Storm Allison (2001): Don't let the "tropical storm" fool you. Allison packed a punch, causing some of the worst flooding Houston had ever seen at the time. Fun fact: This storm is actually the costliest tropical storm in US history (not sure that's a badge of honor Houston wants).
- There's More!: These are just the heavy hitters. There have been plenty of other tropical storms and hurricanes that have given Houston a good scare (and a soggy sock).
So, How Many Hurricanes Hit Houston?
The answer, like most things in Texas, is a bit of a yeehaw. Houston itself: zero direct hits. But the greater Houston area? Let's just say they've developed a certain resilience to tropical downpours. Hey, if you can't laugh at yourself, right?
On a serious note: Hurricanes are a real threat, and it's important to be prepared. But hey, at least you know that Houston spirit will keep you afloat (metaphorically, of course).