← scroll for more →
Texas · Risk Readiness
Before the emergency — maps, tools, and the honest picture of what Texas throws at different parts of the state.
See TX hazardsTX hazard profile
The Texas Gulf Coast has 367 miles of direct hurricane exposure. Harvey (2017) was the wettest tropical cyclone in US history — 60 inches of rain in some areas, $125B in damage. The Houston-Galveston metro has 7 million people in a low-lying flood plain. Galveston's 1900 hurricane remains the deadliest natural disaster in US history. Texas operates an isolated power grid (ERCOT) that cannot draw power from neighboring states during emergencies. Winter Storm Uri (February 2021) caused cascading failures that left 4.5 million households without power in sub-zero temperatures for days — at least 246 people died. The grid has been partially winterized but remains vulnerable. Have a plan that assumes no power in winter. Texas averages 155 tornadoes per year — more than any other state. The Red River Valley and Lubbock area are the most active zones, but tornadoes have struck every part of the state. The spring season (April–May) and fall (October–November) are peak periods. The DFW metro has been hit multiple times in recent decades.
Direct landfalls and tropical moisture bring catastrophic wind, surge, and inland flooding.
Read the full guide →
Damaging winds, hail, and lightning — the most frequent hazard in most US states.
Read the full guide →
Occur across most of the state, often embedded in severe thunderstorm lines and tropical systems.
Read the full guide →
Flash floods, river flooding, and coastal surge affect low-lying areas and river corridors.
Read the full guide →
Dry conditions, wind, and vegetation combine to create serious wildfire risk, particularly in dry seasons.
Read the full guide →
Official tools
Enter your address to see your flood zone designation and insurance requirements.
Source: FEMA
Real-time earthquake activity and seismic hazard maps for your region.
Source: USGS
Your property's wildfire exposure score based on vegetation, terrain, and proximity to wildland.
Source: USFS
Real-time river levels and flood stage by county.
Source: USGS WaterWatch
Weekly drought conditions by county.
Source: US Drought Monitor
Water quality guidance for households on private wells.
Source: EPA
Insurance gaps
Standard homeowner's policies in Texas exclude flood damage. Flood insurance through the NFIP has a 30-day waiting period — it cannot be purchased when a storm is forecast. Check your declarations page annually to confirm your coverage limits and deductibles.
Not in your standard policy
Flood damage — requires NFIP or private flood policy
Earthquake damage — requires separate endorsement
Sewer & drain backup — requires endorsement ($50–$100/yr)
Landslide / mudflow — generally excluded
Next steps
During an emergency
NC emergency contacts, alert signups, and real-time information.
Local EmergencyGet prepared
Step-by-step actions based on the hazards that apply to Texas.
TX Checklists