Local Data Search

 
USA.com / Texas / Houston, TX / Natural Disasters and Weather Extremes

Houston, TX Natural Disasters and Weather Extremes

 
Hot Rankings
Fastest / Slowest Growing Cities Nearby
Best / Worst Cities by Crime Rate Nearby
Richest / Poorest Cities by Income Nearby
Expensive / Cheapest Homes Nearby
Most / Least Educated Cities Nearby
Fastest / Slowest Growing Cities in TX
High / Low TX Cities by Males Employed
High / Low TX Cities by Females Employed
Best / Worst Cities by Crime Rate in TX
Richest / Poorest Cities by Income in TX
Expensive / Cheapest Homes by City in TX
Most / Least Educated Cities in TX

The chance of earthquake damage in Houston is about the same as Texas average and is much lower than the national average. The risk of tornado damage in Houston is much higher than Texas average and is much higher than the national average.

Topics:Earthquake IndexVolcano IndexTornado IndexOther Weather Extremes EventsVolcanos NearbyHistorical Earthquake EventsHistorical Tornado Events

Earthquake Index, #1515

Houston, TX
0.00
Texas
0.04
U.S.
1.81

The earthquake index value is calculated based on historical earthquake events data using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the earthquake level in a region. A higher earthquake index value means a higher chance of an earthquake.

Volcano Index, #1

Houston, TX
0.0000
Texas
0.0000
U.S.
0.0023

The volcano index value is calculated based on the currently known volcanoes using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the possibility of a region being affected by a possible volcano eruption. A higher volcano index value means a higher chance of being affected.

Tornado Index, #43

Houston, TX
377.41
Texas
208.58
U.S.
136.45

The tornado index value is calculated based on historical tornado events data using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the tornado level in a region. A higher tornado index value means a higher chance of tornado events.

Other Weather Extremes Events

A total of 2,957 other weather extremes events within 50 miles of Houston, TX were recorded from 1950 to 2010. The following is a break down of these events:

TypeCountTypeCountTypeCountTypeCountTypeCount
Avalanche:0Blizzard:0Cold:2Dense Fog:0Drought:47
Dust Storm:5Flood:406Hail:949Heat:14Heavy Snow:15
High Surf:0Hurricane:6Ice Storm:10Landslide:0Strong Wind:50
Thunderstorm Winds:1,179Tropical Storm:8Wildfire:7Winter Storm:15Winter Weather:21
Other:223 

Volcanos Nearby

No volcano is found in or near Houston, TX.

Historical Earthquake Events

No historical earthquake events that had recorded magnitudes of 3.5 or above found in or near Houston, TX.

No historical earthquake events found in or near Houston, TX.

Historical Tornado Events

A total of 94 historical tornado events that had recorded magnitude of 2 or above found in or near Houston, TX.

Distance (miles)DateMagnitudeStart Lat/LogEnd Lat/LogLengthWidthFatalitiesInjuriesProperty DamageCrop DamageAffected County
3.11966-06-18229°48'N / 95°24'W29°51'N / 95°21'W4.90 Miles27 Yards000K0Harris
3.71979-09-18229°44'N / 95°25'W1.00 Mile350 Yards012.5M0Harris
5.01992-11-21229°42'N / 95°23'W29°47'N / 95°15'W12.00 Miles200 Yards0625.0M0Harris
7.31978-05-29229°48'N / 95°16'W0.20 Mile20 Yards00250K0Harris
7.81970-10-27229°53'N / 95°20'W2.00 Miles40 Yards000K0Harris
8.11983-05-20229°50'N / 95°32'W29°56'N / 95°22'W12.00 Miles333 Yards172.5M0Harris
8.41964-04-17229°55'N / 95°23'W29°42'N / 95°07'W21.90 Miles27 Yards123K0Harris
8.81974-08-29229°47'N / 95°32'W1.00 Mile67 Yards00250K0Harris
9.81983-02-09229°39'N / 95°27'W1.50 Miles50 Yards03250K0Harris
10.61967-09-21229°56'N / 95°22'W2.00 Miles50 Yards033K0Harris
10.81974-07-14229°47'N / 95°34'W0.80 Mile880 Yards002.5M0Harris
11.61969-09-08329°42'N / 95°13'W0.80 Mile50 Yards0025K0Harris
12.12003-11-17229°40'N / 95°14'W29°40'N / 95°14'W0.70 Mile100 Yards00550K0Harris
 Brief Description: Tornado touched down just east of Highway 288 in the Third Ward. One church completely destroyed, 50 homes damaged, and extensive tree damage. Wind damage to several downtown buildings in SE Houston near Minute Maid ballpark. A total of 24 tornadoes touched down during this 15 hour period of severe weather in southeastern Texas on November 17, 2003. In addition to these tornadoes, a major flood developed over Harris and surrounding counties during the middle of this tornadic outbreak. Over 300 homes, along with hundreds of vehicles, were flooded. These tornadic storms developed over parts of Wharton and Matagorda counties shortly after sunrise with the first confirmed tornado occurring just east of El Campo around 9:00 am. Strong 500mb upper level troughing over the western U.S. moved from west to east across the Southern Plains. The polar jet stream associated with this 500 millibar trough surged into west Texas and then curved sharply northeastward into the Central Plains. The sub-tropical jet stream was oriented west to east across deep southern Texas. This jet stream pattern was the impetus to strong lower level convergence due to the enhanced upper level divergence. Low level moisture had substantially increased and was about 200 percent of normal by 6 AM. Vertical wind profiles also showed a great deal of low level wind shear with the greatest shear occurring in the lowest 2000 feet. In addition, these veering wind speeds rapidly increased with height. A focus for the thunderstorm development was provided by a weak low level boundary which was aligned southwest to northeast, or generally along the U.S. Highway 59 corridor. This feature was nearly-stationary and thunderstorms repeatedly developed and moved along this boundary. The axis of heaviest rain was coincident with this boundary.
12.52001-10-11229°42'N / 95°12'W29°42'N / 95°12'W3.50 Miles100 Yards003.8M0Harris
 Brief Description: 120 homes, 3 apartment complexes, 2 schools, and some businesses damaged by a tornado. The tornado touched down near Fairmont and Shaver, moving northeast to near the intersection of Southmore and Red-Bluff Road.
13.21983-05-20229°54'N / 96°06'W29°55'N / 95°00'W4.00 Miles333 Yards12250K0Harris
14.52003-11-17229°38'N / 95°34'W29°38'N / 95°33'W0.50 Mile50 Yards00300K0Fort Bend
 Brief Description: Tornado touched down in the Meadows subdivision in Fort Bend County and traveled into Harris County. One home lost roof with several other homes damaged. A total of 24 tornadoes touched down during this 15 hour period of severe weather in southeastern Texas on November 17, 2003. In addition to these tornadoes, a major flood developed over Harris and surrounding counties during the middle of this tornadic outbreak. Over 300 homes, along with hundreds of vehicles, were flooded. These tornadic storms developed over parts of Wharton and Matagorda counties shortly after sunrise with the first confirmed tornado occurring just east of El Campo around 9:00 am. Strong 500mb upper level troughing over the western U.S. moved from west to east across the Southern Plains. The polar jet stream associated with this 500 millibar trough surged into west Texas and then curved sharply northeastward into the Central Plains. The sub-tropical jet stream was oriented west to east across deep southern Texas. This jet stream pattern was the impetus to strong lower level convergence due to the enhanced upper level divergence. Low level moisture had substantially increased and was about 200 percent of normal by 6 AM. Vertical wind profiles also showed a great deal of low level wind shear with the greatest shear occurring in the lowest 2000 feet. In addition, these veering wind speeds rapidly increased with height. A focus for the thunderstorm development was provided by a weak low level boundary which was aligned southwest to northeast, or generally along the U.S. Highway 59 corridor. This feature was nearly-stationary and thunderstorms repeatedly developed and moved along this boundary. The axis of heaviest rain was coincident with this boundary.
15.01977-12-13329°47'N / 95°17'W29°59'N / 95°03'W19.70 Miles400 Yards13525.0M0Harris
15.02003-11-17229°37'N / 95°33'W29°37'N / 95°33'W0.50 Mile50 Yards00500K0Harris
 Brief Description: Tornado touched down in the Meadows subdivision in Fort Bend County and traveled into Harris County. Tornado moved over the intersection of West Bellfort and Kirkwood. Numerous apartments lost roofs in the extensive SW Village Apartment Complex damage. A total of 24 tornadoes touched down during this 15 hour period of severe weather in southeastern Texas on November 17, 2003. In addition to these tornadoes, a major flood developed over Harris and surrounding counties during the middle of this tornadic outbreak. Over 300 homes, along with hundreds of vehicles, were flooded. These tornadic storms developed over parts of Wharton and Matagorda counties shortly after sunrise with the first confirmed tornado occurring just east of El Campo around 9:00 am. Strong 500mb upper level troughing over the western U.S. moved from west to east across the Southern Plains. The polar jet stream associated with this 500 millibar trough surged into west Texas and then curved sharply northeastward into the Central Plains. The sub-tropical jet stream was oriented west to east across deep southern Texas. This jet stream pattern was the impetus to strong lower level convergence due to the enhanced upper level divergence. Low level moisture had substantially increased and was about 200 percent of normal by 6 AM. Vertical wind profiles also showed a great deal of low level wind shear with the greatest shear occurring in the lowest 2000 feet. In addition, these veering wind speeds rapidly increased with height. A focus for the thunderstorm development was provided by a weak low level boundary which was aligned southwest to northeast, or generally along the U.S. Highway 59 corridor. This feature was nearly-stationary and thunderstorms repeatedly developed and moved along this boundary. The axis of heaviest rain was coincident with this boundary.
15.21961-09-11329°46'N / 95°08'W1.00 Mile83 Yards0220K0Harris
15.31992-11-21429°44'N / 95°17'W29°57'N / 95°00'W20.00 Miles1800 Yards015250.0M0Harris
15.61971-07-29229°50'N / 95°08'W0.30 Mile20 Yards0825K0Harris
15.91971-03-09229°35'N / 95°15'W1.00 Mile440 Yards0425K0Harris
17.01984-12-31229°36'N / 95°12'W29°39'N / 95°08'W4.00 Miles200 Yards05325.0M0Harris
17.61986-02-05330°02'N / 95°33'W29°59'N / 95°29'W5.00 Miles70 Yards2025.0M0Harris
17.71974-10-31229°37'N / 95°10'W29°37'N / 95°09'W1.90 Miles167 Yards000K0Harris
18.11983-02-09229°29'N / 95°21'W29°34'N / 95°17'W8.00 Miles50 Yards0025K0Brazoria
18.62003-11-17229°37'N / 95°38'W29°37'N / 95°38'W1.50 Miles200 Yards060500K0Fort Bend
 Brief Description: Tornado touched down on west Airport Drive near Industrial in Sugar Land. 60 injuries with 7 people sent to hospital for further treatment. Damage to several office building roofs in Industrial Park. Additional damage to a Daycare facility at West Airport Drive and Dairy Ashford Road. Roof damage to several residential homes in the Meadows subdivision. Reports of several cars overturned or blown off of road along Airport Drive. A total of 24 tornadoes touched down during this 15 hour period of severe weather in southeastern Texas on November 17, 2003. In addition to these tornadoes, a major flood developed over Harris and surrounding counties during the middle of this tornadic outbreak. Over 300 homes, along with hundreds of vehicles, were flooded. These tornadic storms developed over parts of Wharton and Matagorda counties shortly after sunrise with the first confirmed tornado occurring just east of El Campo around 9:00 am. Strong 500mb upper level troughing over the western U.S. moved from west to east across the Southern Plains. The polar jet stream associated with this 500 millibar trough surged into west Texas and then curved sharply northeastward into the Central Plains. The sub-tropical jet stream was oriented west to east across deep southern Texas. This jet stream pattern was the impetus to strong lower level convergence due to the enhanced upper level divergence. Low level moisture had substantially increased and was about 200 percent of normal by 6 AM. Vertical wind profiles also showed a great deal of low level wind shear with the greatest shear occurring in the lowest 2000 feet. In addition, these veering wind speeds rapidly increased with height. A focus for the thunderstorm development was provided by a weak low level boundary which was aligned southwest to northeast, or generally along the U.S. Highway 59 corridor. This feature was nearly-stationary and thunderstorms repeatedly developed and moved along this boundary. The axis of heaviest rain was coincident with this boundary.
18.91992-11-21229°47'N / 95°46'W29°58'N / 95°36'W21.00 Miles200 Yards0525.0M0Harris
20.81994-04-15229°57'N / 95°09'W29°57'N / 95°03'W5.00 Miles300 Yards12050K0Harris
 Brief Description: Tornado began on west shore of Lake Houston, crossed the lake then crossed the east shore in Indian Shores Estates. The air survey located minor damage and trees down on the west shore of the lake. Eye witnesses observed the tornado over the lake and WSR-88D reflectivity/ velocity data indicated a strong low-level mesocyclone near the west shore of the lake just prior to the first tornado reports. The tornado moved across the east shore of the lake and into Indian Shores Estates around 1710 CST and produced a damage path 300 to 400-yards wide and approximately 2.5 miles in length that ended about 1.5 miles east of the intersection of FM 2100 and Heathergate. One woman was killed in a mobile home, and 20 received injuries in the area.
20.81971-06-20229°54'N / 95°04'W0.30 Mile50 Yards020250K0Harris
21.01981-05-03229°26'N / 95°19'W29°32'N / 95°18'W7.20 Miles73 Yards010250K0Brazoria
21.11983-05-20230°04'N / 95°34'W30°04'N / 95°27'W7.00 Miles333 Yards152.5M0Harris
21.41986-02-05230°01'N / 95°37'W2.50 Miles70 Yards002.5M0Harris
21.41974-10-31229°41'N / 95°04'W29°43'N / 95°01'W4.30 Miles77 Yards01250K0Harris
21.81950-02-11329°40'N / 95°03'W29°50'N / 95°00'W12.00 Miles1000 Yards11225K0Harris
22.71973-02-13229°58'N / 95°43'W29°59'N / 95°40'W3.30 Miles30 Yards0125K0Harris
22.81960-02-17229°46'N / 95°48'W29°48'N / 95°44'W4.90 Miles100 Yards0325K0Harris
23.21973-04-26229°48'N / 95°01'W29°44'N / 94°59'W5.20 Miles100 Yards000K0Harris
23.31964-03-19229°45'N / 95°00'W2.50 Miles200 Yards00250K0Harris
23.61974-10-28329°42'N / 95°01'W29°44'N / 94°59'W3.30 Miles50 Yards172.5M0Harris
23.61997-10-23229°54'N / 95°04'W29°58'N / 95°00'W7.00 Miles440 Yards00150K0Harris
 Brief Description: The tornado first touched down on the east shore of Lake Houston and moved northeast into extreme western Liberty County. This tornado was mostly F0 and F1 with some F2 damage at Foley Rd and Dallas Rd where a boat house was extremely damaged. An 18-wheeler in the same area was overturned and moved 50 feet.
24.01992-11-21229°41'N / 95°48'W29°47'N / 95°46'W4.00 Miles200 Yards0625.0M0Harris
24.31974-09-13329°35'N / 95°45'W29°37'N / 95°43'W3.60 Miles73 Yards020K0Fort Bend
24.41976-03-08329°27'N / 95°14'W29°31'N / 95°06'W9.30 Miles200 Yards0025K0Galveston
24.61950-02-11229°25'N / 95°15'W29°31'N / 95°08'W9.90 Miles400 Yards0025K0Brazoria
24.81986-02-05229°50'N / 95°49'W29°52'N / 95°46'W4.00 Miles170 Yards00250K0Harris
25.12002-03-30329°37'N / 95°01'W29°38'N / 95°00'W0.70 Mile60 Yards00350K0Harris
 Brief Description: This Tornado began its path in the Shoreacres subdivision, 3 miles south of La Porte, with a home on Greenleaf Road receiving structural and roof damage (F1), then moved northeast and partially demolished a Super Mart on Broadway (F3), then ripped through an apartment complex across the street causing major roof and window damage and knocking down trees (F2), collapsing a car garage and destroying at least one car. Just northeast of the apartments, a few homes had minor damage with fences and large trees down. On Carlisle Street, in the Bayside Terrace subdivision, a few homes had minor roof damage, yard trees down, and debris from the convenience store, while part of the roof off the Super Mart dropped onto a Truck parked at the north end of Carlisle next to Galveston Bay. No injuries were reported. A survey was conducted.
25.91976-03-08329°22'N / 95°26'W29°27'N / 95°14'W13.40 Miles200 Yards0182.5M0Brazoria
26.71970-08-04229°25'N / 95°14'W003K0Galveston
27.01986-02-05229°50'N / 95°51'W29°50'N / 95°49'W4.00 Miles170 Yards05250K0Waller
27.21977-12-13329°59'N / 95°03'W30°02'N / 94°59'W5.40 Miles400 Yards0525K0Liberty
27.41992-11-21330°01'N / 95°05'W30°06'N / 95°02'W4.00 Miles300 Yards0025.0M0Harris
29.51981-05-09229°29'N / 95°02'W1.50 Miles50 Yards01250K0Galveston
30.81992-11-21429°57'N / 95°00'W30°05'N / 94°54'W10.00 Miles200 Yards01250K0Liberty
31.81957-03-17229°23'N / 95°08'W29°28'N / 94°58'W11.60 Miles67 Yards040K0Galveston
32.21981-05-09229°30'N / 95°49'W29°28'N / 95°47'W3.30 Miles40 Yards0025K0Fort Bend
32.31982-05-06229°57'N / 94°53'W0.50 Mile37 Yards00250K0Liberty
32.91998-10-18229°49'N / 95°56'W29°49'N / 95°56'W1.00 Mile50 Yards1175K0Waller
 Brief Description: Tornado destroyed mobile home. One person killed and another injured in the home. Nine other homes damaged and 2 barns destroyed. M47MH
34.11957-03-17229°29'N / 94°56'W000K0Galveston
35.61997-10-23230°18'N / 95°21'W30°17'N / 95°16'W5.00 Miles440 Yards01175K0Montgomery
 Brief Description: This tornado was probably the most significant in strength and length that occurred this day. Several homes and mobile homes received major damage. There was one injury when a young boy was in a mobile home when the tornado picked it up and wrapped it around a tree. Damage to trees was extensive with many trees being snapped off above the ground. This storm was surveyed from the air and had continuous tree damage from Midway to Shepherd in San Jacinto County.
36.01967-05-01230°04'N / 94°53'W1.50 Miles33 Yards0025K0Liberty
36.21979-04-18230°15'N / 95°12'W30°17'N / 95°07'W4.00 Miles50 Yards00250K0Montgomery
36.61965-09-22330°13'N / 95°44'W0.80 Mile33 Yards000K0Montgomery
36.81957-10-14230°03'N / 95°55'W0.50 Mile17 Yards0025K0Waller
37.81967-08-18329°25'N / 94°55'W0.50 Mile50 Yards000K0Galveston
38.21962-06-18230°04'N / 95°56'W000K0Waller
38.51957-03-17229°24'N / 94°55'W170K0Galveston
38.71968-12-12330°19'N / 95°26'W30°22'N / 95°21'W6.20 Miles200 Yards00250K0Montgomery
41.01957-10-14230°12'N / 94°54'W0.50 Mile200 Yards0025K0Liberty
41.11969-05-27329°47'N / 94°42'W1.50 Miles67 Yards3025K0Chambers
41.71954-02-19230°19'N / 95°27'W30°27'N / 95°25'W9.50 Miles150 Yards07250K0Montgomery
41.81981-06-05229°32'N / 94°45'W1.50 Miles60 Yards01250K0Chambers
42.21957-10-22330°15'N / 94°58'W30°15'N / 94°54'W4.30 Miles100 Yards0125K0Liberty
42.41970-10-11229°21'N / 94°53'W1.00 Mile100 Yards01250K0Galveston
42.51973-05-26230°07'N / 94°52'W30°01'N / 94°39'W14.70 Miles33 Yards04250K0Liberty
43.31965-04-19329°27'N / 96°00'W0.20 Mile150 Yards1325K0Fort Bend
43.41957-10-14330°07'N / 96°00'W1.00 Mile33 Yards0025K0Waller
43.91957-03-17229°25'N / 94°49'W29°28'N / 94°43'W7.10 Miles67 Yards040K0Galveston
44.51992-11-21330°06'N / 95°02'W30°27'N / 94°47'W28.00 Miles300 Yards012.5M0Liberty
44.81983-01-31229°47'N / 96°08'W29°50'N / 96°08'W3.00 Miles60 Yards042.5M0Austin
45.31970-10-23229°18'N / 95°54'W1.50 Miles27 Yards0025K0Wharton
45.31971-03-09229°20'N / 94°50'W0.50 Mile20 Yards0125K0Chambers
46.71961-09-12330°09'N / 94°44'W0.50 Mile17 Yards000K0Liberty
46.81959-05-21329°23'N / 94°46'W29°25'N / 94°43'W4.30 Miles67 Yards0025K0Galveston
47.21967-10-29229°09'N / 95°05'W0.10 Mile33 Yards003K0Galveston
47.31961-09-12329°16'N / 94°52'W2.00 Miles33 Yards000K0Galveston
48.11957-10-14230°06'N / 96°06'W1.00 Mile33 Yards0025K0Waller
48.31961-06-18329°19'N / 94°47'W2.50 Miles50 Yards05250K0Galveston
48.31961-09-12429°19'N / 94°47'W1.00 Mile100 Yards82000K0Galveston
48.61981-05-09230°27'N / 95°45'W30°23'N / 95°43'W5.10 Miles40 Yards0225K0Montgomery
48.81981-06-05229°15'N / 94°51'W2.70 Miles100 Yards022.5M0Galveston
49.41961-11-22329°24'N / 96°05'W2.00 Miles200 Yards010K0Wharton
49.41966-04-18329°04'N / 95°27'W2.00 Miles50 Yards000K0Brazoria
49.61970-10-23229°18'N / 96°00'W1.20 Miles33 Yards0025K0Wharton


* The information on this page is based on the global volcano database, the U.S. earthquake database of 1638-1985, and the U.S. Tornado and Weather Extremes database of 1950-2010.


 
The USA.com website and domain are privately owned and are not operated by or affiliated with any government or municipal authority.
© 2024 World Media Group, LLC.