Origin, Distribution, and Timing of Texas Hurricanes: 1851–2006

Abstract

This paper provides a place-based approach to the organization and analysis of historic hurricane information in the context of informing decision-making in urban planning, disaster management, and mitigation, and natural resource stewardship on the Texas coast. We discuss the climatology of Texas hurricanes by analyzing the spatial and temporal patterns and some aspects of factors that contribute to their observed variability. Finally, we construct scenarios of historic hurricanes that formed and made landfall rapidly on the Texas coastline and suggest that these storms are especially challenging for emergency planners, citizens, and public officials.