Hurricane Risk

Harris County Sits in a Major Hurricane Corridor

Harris County is exposed to Gulf of Mexico hurricanes that can bring storm surge, extreme rainfall, and damaging winds.

Harris County's proximity to the Gulf makes it vulnerable to hurricanes. Major storms — including Alicia in 1983, Ike in 2008, and Harvey in 2017 — have caused widespread damage in the county. Harvey was notable for its extreme rainfall rather than wind, flooding tens of thousands of homes.

Flood risk, wind risk, and storm surge can all strike at once. Home insurance in coastal and near-coastal areas may require separate policies for wind, flood, and standard coverage. Check your flood zone (msc.fema.gov), know your evacuation zone (txdot.gov), and make a family emergency plan before hurricane season, which runs June 1 through November 30.

Source to confirm: TxDOT – Hurricane Preparation

More Harris County notes

Appraisal District

Who Sets Your Property Value in Harris County

The Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD) sets the taxable value of every property in the county each year.

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Property Tax Exemption

Homestead Exemption Can Cut Your Tax Bill in Harris County

Homeowners who live in their Harris County home as their primary residence can get a significant cut in their property tax bill through the homestead exemption.

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Property Tax Protest

You Can Fight Your Appraisal in Harris County

Harris County property owners have the right to protest their appraised value every year — and many do.

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Municipal Utility Districts

What a MUD Is — and Why It Matters in Harris County

Harris County has hundreds of Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) that provide water, sewer, and drainage to homes outside city limits.

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