How might a hurricane on the Texas coast affect Austin and Central TX?

Question

I was thinking about relocating to Austin, but am a bit worried about how the hurricanes might affect the city. Does anyone know?

Answer 1

. Texas is a big state and although we have a coastline that has been and will continue to be subject to hurricanes, Austin and Central Texas are a couple of hundred miles from the Texas Gulf Coast and not in the direct path of most Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico storms. But it is possible that a hurricane hitting the Texas Gulf Coast could impact weather conditions in Austin and all of Central and South Texas.

Flooding is Greatest Threat

Noted for their high winds, hurricanes also bring rain. South and Central Texas is prone to dangerous flooding even with the rainfall from storms much less powerful than a hurricane. As reported by News 8 Austin in Testing Texas' Readiness for Hurricanes, a large enough storm, such as a Category 5 hurricane, hitting the coast around Houston and pushing its way up the Colorado River could dump enough rain into the waterway to cause water levels to rise on Lake Travis and increase the risk of flooding here in Austin.

Answer 2

Doubtful. Austin is 160 miles inland on a straight line. You would not get hurricane force winds there.



I live in Houston, which is a lot closer to the coast. My area (about 45 miles away, on the west side) has never gotten more than Category 1 winds.



You're fine. Relax. We rarely even worry about that in Houston. We're usually quite prepared.



Your big worry? You are one of the relocation areas for temporary evacuees.

Answer 3

Depending on which side of the hurricane hits Austin, we could very well get tornadoes, rain and possible flooding. However, I've been here since 1972 and I've only driven through one tornado, had one strike the airport and I believe there was one other and I can't remember if they were caused by a hurricane or just severe storms. Austin is pretty safe with regards to hurricanes.

Answer 4

Here is the official word from the City of Pasadena: "The mayor said at this time, the city of Pasadena is not going to issue evacuation orders for Hurricane Ike, but may issue voluntary evacuation orders today for the El Jardin subdivision and other low lying areas. Citizens who are concerned that their residence may flood or be unable to withstand the anticipated winds should consider self-evacuating to an area of safety." I have a friend in Pasadena with whom I have stayed in contact. She's planning on staying. Looks like fierce winds are the most significant issue, with Ike making a quick dash Northeast, thus avoiding major flooding.

Answer 5

austin is so far inland it is the least of your worries. the weather you need to worry about is flooding and tornadoes. if any weather from the hurricanes come your way, it will in the form of rain.



smelly hippies in austin are a bigger worry than the weather.

Answer 6

It is not much of a concern because we are very inland. When Hurricane Rita came we didn't even get rain.

Answer 7

i live in houston....and the worst thing that has happened here when hurricanes blow through are just strong winds...and rain...nothing serious.....i SERIOUSLY doubt any major damage would make it all the way up to austin...

Answer 8

No effect except an influx of refugees and maybe a bit of rain

Answer 9

it most likely wont and if it does it wont really be anything too threatening.