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Hurricane Risk for Galveston, TX

No tropical storms currently threaten the Galveston area. The next one could form quickly though — get alerts before they make the news.

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On this page
  1. By the numbers
  2. Most recent hurricane
  3. Strongest ever
  4. Closest approach
  5. When hurricanes hit
  6. Recent notable storms
  7. Preparedness

Since 1851, 122 hurricanes and tropical storms have passed within 150 miles of Galveston. Here's what you should know.

Local note: Galveston's low-lying barrier island position and history of direct hurricane strikes make storm surge the dominant threat, with Hurricane Harvey (2017) and multiple major storms since 2017 underscoring the city's vulnerability to devastating surge and flooding.

By the numbers

Total storms
122
since 1851
Major (Cat 3+)
25
at closest approach
Hurricanes (Cat 1+)
62
all categories
County
Galveston County
Texas

Most recent hurricane

Beryl (2024)

Passed within 73 miles of Galveston on July 08, 2024. Peak intensity: Cat 5 (167 mph).

Strongest hurricane ever to pass nearby

Rita (2005)

Reached Cat 5 (178 mph) at its peak. Passed within 71 miles of Galveston.

Closest approach ever

Unnamed (1863)

Passed just 0.4 miles from Galveston on September 29, 1863.

When hurricanes hit Galveston

Distribution across the calendar year, based on every storm in the 150-mile radius since 1851:

Jan
0
Feb
0
Mar
0
Apr
0
May
0
Jun
18
Jul
21
Aug
29
Sep
45
Oct
9
Nov
0
Dec
0

Peak months are August through October, when the Atlantic season is most active. June, July, and November are secondary risk months.

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Recent notable storms (last 20 years)

Hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 200 miles in the last 20 years — these are the ones Galveston residents likely remember:

Storm Year Peak Closest Date
Beryl 2024 Cat 5 73 mi Jul 08, 2024
Francine 2024 Cat 2 158 mi Sep 11, 2024
Nicholas 2021 Cat 1 22 mi Sep 14, 2021
Delta 2020 Cat 4 83 mi Oct 09, 2020
Laura 2020 Cat 4 96 mi Aug 27, 2020
Marco 2020 Cat 1 151 mi Aug 25, 2020
Hanna 2020 Cat 1 153 mi Jul 25, 2020
Barry 2019 Cat 1 142 mi Jul 14, 2019
Harvey 2017 Cat 4 66 mi Aug 29, 2017
Ike 2008 Cat 4 6 mi Sep 13, 2008
Gustav 2008 Cat 4 177 mi Sep 02, 2008
Humberto 2007 Cat 1 28 mi Sep 13, 2007

Preparedness

  1. Know your zone. Galveston is in Galveston County — look up your evacuation zone here.
  2. Get alerts early. Sign up below — we'll notify you when storms first form in the basin, not just when they're at your doorstep.
  3. Have 3+ days of supplies. Water (1 gal/person/day), non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, cash.
  4. Have an evacuation plan. Know where you'll go, how you'll get there, what you'll bring.
  5. Follow official orders. If your zone is told to evacuate, leave. Don't wait.