![]() ![]() In the case of Harvey, we believe that many victims did not correctly perceive the risks they faced, and failed to anticipate or prepare adequately for this unprecedented catastrophe. Past experience with hurricanes also is an important factor. What we have found is that residents have low motivation to take voluntary steps to reduce their risks before a storm unless they have timely, up-to-date information from trusted sources about how serious those risks are. We have studied perceptions of hurricane-related risks along the Gulf Coast and how they influence public support for flood management policies. But as in other recent disasters, many chose to stay in their houses and became stranded as waters rose. Some residents obeyed these orders and moved to shelters. Many communities in Harvey’s path issued mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders. As of this writing, the death toll stands at 30 with thousands displaced from their homes. It also was the strongest storm to hit Texas since 1961’s Hurricane Carla.Īlthough Harvey quickly was downgraded to a tropical storm, it has caused severe damage to the Texas coast, including unprecedented flooding in Houston. However, the worst of the storm surge did not hit Houston, saving this low lying city from extreme weather-related damage.Hurricane Harvey was the most powerful hurricane to strike the U.S. As a large, strong Category 2 hurricane in 2008, Ike brought a storm surge similar to a Category 4 storm to Bolivar Peninsula and the surrounding area. Hurricane Ike also hit the same area with a huge punch. Since 1983, Houston has experienced a growth in population of over 70%. In addition, Alicia was the first billion-dollar tropical cyclone in Texas history. With constant winds in excess of 100 miles per hour, she caused $2.6 billion (1983 USD $5.99 billion 2013 USD) in property damage and killed 21 people these numbers made it the worst Texas hurricane since Hurricane Carla in 1961. Alicia took direct aim at Houston and Galveston struck 20 miles southwest of Galveston as a Category 3 hurricane. If you were not in Houston for Hurricane Alicia, and think Ike was bad, think again. Reliant Stadium was not built (built in 2002) and the Astrodome was still being used for pro-football games. At that time, Houston had no Toyota Center as the Summit was where the Rockets played (it’s now owned by Lakewood Church). Even though Katrina, Rita and Ike are still fresh on our minds, the last major hurricane to hit Houston was Hurricane Alicia in 1983. Our minds usually contemplate hurricanes only when one is out there churning over open water. Storm Surge Losses (per capita) – $3,194.Numbers posted on the list for Houston are as follows: ![]() With its location so close to the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, Houston is extremely vulnerable to hurricanes. As one of the ten largest metropolitan areas in the U.S., Houston is the fastest growing city with an exploding population of over 2.4 million people from all walks of life. Houston is the largest city that made the list from the Weather Channel. With Category 3 hurricanes and larger, cities like Houston all but shut down while suffering major monetary issues including extreme property damage to personal property as well as commercial and corporate property. According to The Weather Channel, Houston has made their TOP 10 list of cities most vulnerable and due for a major hurricane strike. ![]()
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