Did you know that Texas is ranked number one in the U.S. in the variety and frequency of natural disasters?
Many different types of natural disasters occur in Texas, but what is the most common?
We’ve got all the information you need to know about these Texas natural disasters, from where they occur to how often and what causes them.
When it comes to natural disasters, you should always have a plan ready if something happens. That means knowing which natural disaster is most likely to affect your area and being aware of its warning signs so you can take action before it hits.
So, if you want to be prepared for any emergency that might come your way, read on!
- Wildfires
Texas is considered the second most likely state to suffer from wildfires, just behind California. There are around 900 wildfires in Texas every single year.
According to studies, most wildfires in Texas are caused by humans, with the majority of these being a result of burning things carelessly, throwing cigarettes away wrongly, and arson.
Even though rainfall is abundant throughout the year, drought conditions can make wildfires worse since there is nothing to control their growth.
- Floods
Many different kinds of floods happen in the states of Texas. These Texas floods can include coastal flooding, urban flooding, river flooding, and flash floods.
According to research, there has been a perpetual increase in precipitation over the previous few years. Scientists believe this increase is down to global warming and climate change.
One of the very worst floods in the history of Texas happened in September 2019. Tropical Storm Imelda delivered 42 inches of rain in under 7 days.
The best way to prepare for a flood is to have an emergency plan in place, so you know exactly what to do if one happens near your home or work.
Even though flooding doesn’t happen as often as other Texas natural disasters, it’s important to know how to protect yourself from it. The best way to protect yourself from a flood is with disaster insurance and texas homeowner’s insurance. You can file a flood insurance claim when you experience flooding or other disasters, your home is usually damaged and needs repair. Flood insurance can help you replace your property and get back on your feet again.
- Hurricanes
Though hurricanes are common in Florida, they can also happen along the Texas coast. These storms are caused by winds that move counter-clockwise around low-pressure areas of warm water.
They speed up as they travel toward land and often cause flooding, high winds, storm surges, and tornadoes due to the heavy rain.
Texas has historically been at risk for hurricanes since the Gulf of Mexico, where many hurricanes form, actually borders the state.
Each year, there are about seven hurricanes in Texas, but not all of them reach hurricane status. Only about three or four hurricanes make landfall in the state each year.
- Severe Storms
Severe storms can include hail, high winds, tornadoes, and even snow. Though these storms are less common in Texas than hurricanes or floods, they do happen from time to time throughout the state.
Other than flooding, no other natural disaster causes as much damage to the state as severe storms do.
Severe storms can also cause power outages and make travel dangerous. Severe weather conditions, like heavy rain or snow, can close roads that might be your only mode of transportation to get to safety in time.
- Tornadoes
Unlike hurricanes, which are most likely to strike in southeastern Texas, tornadoes occur all across the state. And when they do strike, they can cause lots of damage in a short amount of time.
Tornadoes form from severe thunderstorms and develop quickly – sometimes within minutes. They have very strong winds that average between 100 and 200 miles an hour.
They can reach up to a half-mile wide, and, unfortunately, they cause more than $1 billion in damages each year – not just in Texas but throughout the U.S.
- Extreme Heat and Drought
Extreme heat can be dangerous, especially without the proper precautions in place. You need to plan when extreme heat is forecasted so you can take all of the necessary precautions to stay safe and healthy.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures over 100 degrees are considered extreme heat. Plus, if humidity levels are high, it will also feel hotter.
If you plan, you can make sure your home is cool enough for the whole family and be ready if there’s a power outage.
Extreme heat can also cause drought conditions in many areas of Texas. Drought occurs when moisture levels drop to an abnormal level for an extended period – usually four or more months.
- Power Outages
Though they aren’t as common as hurricanes or floods, power outages can still cause you serious problems if they happen. They can leave you in the dark for hours at a time and shut off your internet connection – making it impossible to check on weather reports or communicate without anyone outside of your home.
If that happens, plan ahead with emergency communication equipment that will keep you in touch.
Want to Know More About Texas Natural Disasters?
The Texas Panhandle is notorious for its extreme weather. That’s why it’s no surprise that man-made disasters are the most common problem in this part of the state.
We hope you enjoyed this article about the most common Texas natural disasters. If you want to learn more about natural disasters in Texas, our blog has a lot of articles on these topics and others related to weather in general. Be sure to check out our archives or subscribe for future updates.
