Hurricanes

Hurricane Categories and Wind Speed Information

Hurricanes are rated according to the Saffir-Simpson Scale (from 1-5) based mainly on wind speed and storm surge.

Tropical Disturbance and Depression

A discrete tropical weather system of apparently organized convection — generally 100 to 300 nmi in diameter — originating in the tropics or subtropics, having a nonfrontal migratory character, and maintaining its identity for 24 hours or more. It may or may not be associated with a detectable perturbation of the wind field.

A Tropical Depression is a tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed (using the U.S. 1-minute average) is 33 kt (38 mph or 62 km/hr) or less.

Tropical Storm 0-73 mph

Wind damage is negligible. Main dangers stem from flooding that can accompany slower moving storms. In 2001, Tropical Storm Allison was responsible for 41 deaths, nationwide and caused the largest urban flood on record (until Hurricane Katrina).

Category 1 Hurricane 74-95 mph

Minimal damage to building structures. Damage mainly occurs to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. In 1989 Hurricane Jerry struck Texas and caused over $70 million in damage.

Category 2 Hurricane 96-110 mph

Moderate damage to roofing material, doors, and windows. Considerable damage occurs to vegetation and mobile homes. Hurricane Frances (2004) was a Category 2 hurricane.

Category 3 Hurricane 111-129 mph

Extensive damage to small residences, utility buildings, and other smaller structures with a minor amount of facade failures. Mobile homes are destroyed. Large structures are damaged by floating debris. Hurricanse Rita and Katrina were both rated as Category 3 storms.

Category 4 Hurricane 130-156 mph

Extreme damage including more extensive wall failures and some complete roof structure failures on small residences. The “1900 Galveston Hurricane” which covered Galveston Island with a 15-foot storm surge and killed 8,000 people was a Category 4 hurricane.

Category 5 Hurricane 156+ mph

Damage is catastrophic including complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over and away. In 1969 Hurricane Camille came ashore with wind speeds estimated at 190 mph and caused complete devastation to many parts of Louisiana. During the 2006 Hurricane Season, a record 4 hurricanes (Dennis, Katrina, Rita, and Wilma) all reached Category 5 strength (but luckily downgraded) before coming ashore.

More terms and definitions relating to hurricanes can be found on the National Hurricane Center’s Glossary of NHC Terms page.

Start Planning Now!

Are you at risk?

To find out if you’re at risk of flooding due to living in a floodplain or floodway, view the maps on the Fort Bend County Engineering Department webpage.

Flood Insurance

If you don’t live in a floodplain, flood insurance is likely to be relatively inexpensive. Everyone in Fort Bend County should have flood insurance! Contact your insurance agent or read more on FloodSmart.gov

Build a Kit

Assembling a disaster supply kit will help you survive a disaster, and jump start your personal recovery.

Have a Hurricane Plan

You should have a plan for how to survive a hurricane in Fort Bend County, including where you will evacuate to, what routes you will take, what supplies you will take, and who you will communicate your well being with. Too many people assume they will “wing it” during a hurricane, and end up relying on others in their community who have prepared or rely on first responders to risk their lives to rescue them. Don’e assume, take action! You can read more about making a plan at https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan.

Reinforce your home

There are steps you can take to ensure they your home is more likely to survive a hurricane, whether you stay or evacuate. “Against the Wind” will give you tips on securing your home.

Secure the outside

During a wind storm, even heavy objects can become missiles, making all your careful home protection pointless. This FEMA fact sheet on avoiding hurricane damage can help.

Evacuation Information

Click here for a full list of our hurricane evacuation Frequently Asked Questions.

Mandatory Evacuation Zones are established based on the threat of flooding due to storm surge. Since Fort Bend County is not at risk for storm surge, the County will not be part of the mandatory evacuation of coastal communities.

Fort Bend County has been designated by the State of Texas as a “Pass-through” County. This means that coastal communities who are designated as “Evacuation” counties will pass through Fort Bend County along designated evacuation routes to designated “Shelter” counties. The designated evacuation routes through Fort Bend County are State Highway 6 and State Highway 36.

Should I evacuate?

Unless there is a threat so great to Fort Bend County that damage from the hurricane will be strong enough to cause major damage to the majority of structures in the County, Fort Bend County will only order a voluntary evacuation, meaning if you want to leave, you should do so.

A voluntary evacuation should be considered mandatory if:

1. You live in a low-lying area that has a history of flooding.
2. You live in a structure that is unable to withstand winds of greater than 75 miles per hour (such as a manufactured housing or housing that is significantly older.
3. You are unable to be without electricity for an extended period of time.

If I decide to evacuate, where should I go?

It is understood that the majority of Texans will choose to evacuate to hotels or relatives outside of the areas at risk. However, for those who have nowhere to go, the State of Texas has developed a State Evacuation and Sheltering plan where individuals who evacuate can stay in shelters at designated communities who have developed plans to shelter large populations in a shelter hub system. Evacuees will enter the host county and will then register at a Reception Center and then be assigned to a specific shelter in the community that will meet their needs.

If you do not feel safe in your home, Fort Bend County OEM strongly encourages you to leave and evacuate to one of the shelter hub communities. There are plans in place to open shelters of last resort in Fort Bend County, mainly for individuals stranded on the evacuation routes. These shelters of last resort will not be announced until approximately 10 hours prior to expected tropical storm-force winds affecting the county. All persons who are utilizing a shelter of last resort are expected to bring their own food, water, blanket, and cots, since these shelters are for weathering the storm only. There are no guarantees that these shelters will be open in the County, so we again encourage you to evacuate if you require a safe place to weather the storm.

What if I have functional access needs?

Special needs people include those who are disabled, ill, or on a low income with no transportation- anyone who needs assistance if they are to evacuate. Even though Fort Bend County is not within a mandatory evacuation zone, residents are still eligible for evacuation transportation assistance. Emergency Management Departments are collecting information on those who will need assistance evacuating. Please register your information with 2-1-1 so we know who you are.

Click on the following links to access helpful information from the State of Texas Governor’s Division of Emergency Management

Dialing 2-1-1

Emergency Preparedness Kits for those with Special Needs

Preparing for Emergencies with Special Needs Individuals

Special Needs Preparedness Websites

Disabilities and Special Health Care Needs

DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS

What if I have a pet?

The state recognizes that many evacuees will arrive at shelters with their pets. Host communities have been directed by the State to make accommodations for these pets. This, however, does not mean that your pet will be allowed to be with you in the shelter. The only pets that will be universally accepted at shelters will be service animals such as guide dogs, dogs that assist the hearing impaired, or dogs for wheelchair-bound persons. Some shelters may be able to provide space for pets in covered, exterior corridors, or in an adjacent support building where pets on leashes and in carriers will be temporarily housed. In the case that the shelters are unable to accommodate pets, owners may also be referred to local kennels or animal shelters. A list of shelters will be found at reception centers in host communities. Larger animals (horses, cattle, etc..) or exotic pets (snakes, spiders, etc..) will most likely be housed in an alternative location than the shelter, at fairgrounds or similar accomodations.Pet owners are encouraged to bring their own leashes and crates, feeding dishes, food, and medications. Owners also should provide immunization records and tags for their animals.

If I decide to evacuate, what should I expect?

Because of the sheer numbers of people and vehicles that need to leave at-risk areas, you can expect a long, slow process of getting everyone out. Even before Hurricane Rita, planners estimated that it would take approximately 30 hours to get people out of the storm-surge risk areas in Galveston and Brazoria Counties. The timeline is expectedly longer depending on how far inland persons are traveling. Although changes have been made, such as ensuring that gas stations have completely full fuel tanks in the entire region before a storm hits as well as fuel and resources being made available along the evacuation routes, evacuees can still expect a long, hot trip. Make sure that you have plenty of food, water for both your family and your pets.

Please click here for more information on hurricane evacuation in the State of Texas.