Texas' Worst Natural Disasters Include Independence Day Floods

Overview of the Catastrophic Flash Flooding in Central Texas

A week has passed since Central Texas experienced catastrophic flash flooding during the July 4 weekend. While many questions remain unanswered, communities across the state are still in the early stages of recovery. However, it is becoming increasingly clear just how devastating and fatal this weather event was.

The floods have claimed the lives of at least 129 people, with 166 others still missing as of the latest updates from officials. AccuWeather estimates that the total damage caused by the floods ranges between $18 billion and $22 billion. This makes the recent flooding one of the worst natural disasters in Texas’ history.

Comparing the Recent Flooding to Other Major Disasters in Texas

To understand the scale of the recent disaster, it's helpful to look at some of the most devastating weather events in Texas since 1900. Here’s a breakdown of these significant events:

Winter Storm of 2021

A historic cold wave and winter storm impacted many northwest, central, and eastern states in February 2021. The prolonged arctic air led to widespread power outages in Texas and other southern states. In Texas, extreme conditions caused or contributed to the direct and indirect deaths of more than 210 people. The estimated CPI-adjusted damage cost was around $27.2 billion.

Hurricane Harvey, 2017

On August 25, 2017, Hurricane Harvey became the first Category 4 storm to hit the United States since 2004 and the first to hit the Texas coast since 1970. It caused a CPI-adjusted estimated cost of $158.8 billion in damages, making it the second-most costly hurricane in U.S. history, only behind Hurricane Katrina. Harvey claimed the lives of 89 direct victims, and many more suffered long-term consequences from the floodwaters, mold, and other hazards left behind.

Hurricane Ike, 2008

Hurricane Ike made landfall near Galveston on September 12, 2008, as a Category 2 hurricane. It was the largest (in size) Atlantic hurricane on record and caused considerable storm surge in coastal Texas and significant wind and flooding damage. At least 112 people in the U.S. died during the storm, with 74 deaths in Texas directly, indirectly, or possibly related to Ike. The CPI-adjusted estimated cost in damages caused by Hurricane Ike was $43.2 billion.

Hurricane Rita, 2005

Category 3 Hurricane Rita hit the Texas-Louisiana border coastal region on September 20, 2005. At least 119 people died in the storm, and the CPI-adjusted cost in damages was $29.4 billion.

Tropical Storm Allison, 2001

Tropical Storm Allison produced rainfall amounts of 30-40 inches in portions of coastal Texas and Louisiana, causing severe flooding especially in the Houston area. The storm caused 43 deaths and an estimated CPI-adjusted damage cost of $15.1 billion.

Hurricane Carla, 1961

Hurricane Carla was the largest hurricane of record in Texas, occurring from September 8–14, 1961, on the Texas coast near Galveston. The total damage to property and crops amounted to over $300 million. According to the Texas State Historical Association, about 250,000 people were evacuated from the coastal region, resulting in 34 deaths and 465 injuries.

Waco Tornado Outbreak of 1953

On May 11, 1953, a tornado hit Waco, killing 114 people and injuring 600. Approximately $51 million of property damages occurred.

Central Texas Flood of 1921

On September 9, 1921, a storm event moved through Central Texas, producing between 7-14 inches of rainfall across San Antonio. This led to a devastating flood on the San Antonio River and its tributaries. Damages totaled $3.7 million (over $56 million in 2021), with an official death toll of 51 people.

Galveston Hurricane of 1900

The Galveston hurricane of 1900, which occurred from September 8–9, is known as the worst natural disaster in United States history. It is estimated that between 6,000-8,000 people died, and property loss was estimated at around $40 million. Flooding caused most of the damage.