Hurricane Risk for Houston, TX
No tropical storms currently threaten the Houston area. The next one could form quickly though — get alerts before they make the news.
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Since 1851, 120 hurricanes and tropical storms have passed within 150 miles of Houston. Here's what you should know.
By the numbers
Most recent hurricane
Beryl (2024)
Passed within 38 miles of Houston 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 102 miles of Houston.
Closest approach ever
Unnamed (1947)
Passed just 2.5 miles from Houston on August 25, 1947.
When hurricanes hit Houston
Distribution across the calendar year, based on every storm in the 150-mile radius since 1851:
Peak months are August through October, when the Atlantic season is most active. June, July, and November are secondary risk months.
Prep your supplies before the storm is named
Our alerts can notify you of a storm long before it makes the news, giving you more time to get what you need — instead of joining the panic-buying public.
Sign Up FreeRecent notable storms (last 20 years)
Hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 200 miles in the last 20 years — these are the ones Houston residents likely remember:
| Storm | Year | Peak | Closest | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beryl | 2024 | Cat 5 | 38 mi | Jul 08, 2024 |
| Francine | 2024 | Cat 2 | 199 mi | Sep 11, 2024 |
| Nicholas | 2021 | Cat 1 | 21 mi | Sep 14, 2021 |
| Delta | 2020 | Cat 4 | 128 mi | Oct 09, 2020 |
| Laura | 2020 | Cat 4 | 130 mi | Aug 27, 2020 |
| Hanna | 2020 | Cat 1 | 173 mi | Jul 25, 2020 |
| Marco | 2020 | Cat 1 | 193 mi | Aug 25, 2020 |
| Barry | 2019 | Cat 1 | 166 mi | Jul 14, 2019 |
| Harvey | 2017 | Cat 4 | 87 mi | Aug 28, 2017 |
| Ike | 2008 | Cat 4 | 50 mi | Sep 13, 2008 |
| Gustav | 2008 | Cat 4 | 188 mi | Sep 02, 2008 |
| Humberto | 2007 | Cat 1 | 64 mi | Sep 13, 2007 |
Preparedness
- Know your zone. Houston is in Fort Bend County — look up your evacuation zone here.
- 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.
- Have 3+ days of supplies. Water (1 gal/person/day), non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, cash.
- Have an evacuation plan. Know where you'll go, how you'll get there, what you'll bring.
- Follow official orders. If your zone is told to evacuate, leave. Don't wait.