Hurricanes Impact Central Texas Despite Distance from Gulf Coast

Despite being hundreds of miles from the Gulf of Mexico, Austin and Central Texas are no strangers to the impacts of hurricanes. Throughout history, the region has endured significant weather events stemming from hurricanes, including major flooding, devastating tornadoes, and damaging winds. These phenomena originate from the tropical storms and hurricanes that make landfront along the Texas coast, fueled by the warm waters of the Gulf.
One notable instance was in 1980 when Hurricane Allen, despite Austin’s distance from the coast, resulted in tornadoes that caused damage at the then Mueller Airport. Hurricane Allen was responsible for spawning a series of tornadoes across Central Texas, demonstrating the wide-reaching effects of such storms.
More recently, Tropical Storm Hermine in 2010 brought exceptional rainfall to Georgetown, with over 13 inches recorded, leading to flooding. Similarly, Hurricane Harvey in 2017 made its mark with record flooding in areas like Fayette County’s La Grange. These events underline the growing concerns related to climate change and its impact on hurricane-induced rainfall, which is expected to increase.
Looking ahead, experts predict an intense 2024 hurricane season, with NOAA forecasting eight to 13 hurricanes, of which four to seven could become major hurricanes. This prediction stands as a reminder of the unpredictable and often devastating nature of hurricanes, even for areas like Central Texas that lie far from the coastline. The Atlantic hurricane season, running from June 1 through November 30, with its peak around September 10, continues to pose a threat to both coastal and inland regions, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and awareness.