Texas is one of the largest states in the U.S., with a vast expanse and diverse landscapes. Its arid deserts, remote cities, and coastal belt contribute to volatile weather patterns, including extensive storms and rainfall.
Beyond severe thunderstorms, the state also experiences hail, high winds, and tornadoes, all due to the clash between dry air from the west and moist Gulf air. These events are not only awe-inspiring but dangerous, too.
The next time you plan a getaway to Texas, ensure that you prioritize your travel experience when the state isn’t riddled with storms. We will break down the top 10 stormiest cities in Texas.
1. Houston
Storm Frequency: ~110 thunderstorm days per year
In the list of the stormiest cities in Texas, Houston ranks in the top three due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. This, in turn, contributes to frequent thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, tropical storms, and even hurricanes. Among the many urban spots in the city, the Bayou region and neighborhoods along Brays and Buffalo Bayou often experience the wrath of the storm and floods. Due to the city’s poor drainage, flash flooding is also a common occurrence after consistent downpours. Usually, the southern and eastern parts of Houston, due to their lower elevation, experience the worst of the storms.
2. Dallas
Storm Frequency: ~100 thunderstorm days per year
Dallas is located in the southern part of the “Tornado Alley,” which explains why the frequency and intensity of violent thunderstorms, large hail, and occasional tornadoes are high. During the spring and fall months, the city experiences “supercells,” which cause heavy storms and rainfall, especially in the northern and northwestern suburbs. Usually, the worst-hit areas in Dallas by the storm include the suburbs, around Plano and Frisco. Also, the severe thunderstorm warnings are relatively high during May and October.
3. Austin
Storm Frequency: ~85 thunderstorm days per year
Austin, the capital city of Texas, also experiences the worst of the storms. The city is located where the humid Gulf air meets the dry Hill Country winds, which contributes to the intense thunderstorms. Usually, the western outskirts of the city, primarily around the Hill Country, experience risks of flash flooding when there’s consistent downpour. Also, the area around Lake Travis causes stronger thunderstorms. Besides thunder and lightning, Austin also experiences hail events occasionally.
4. San Antonio
Storm Frequency: ~80 thunderstorm days per year
Located on the northern outskirts and the Hill Country transition zone, San Antonio is another popular city in Texas that is also the stormiest. The town is primarily known for its large hail and damaging winds, which impact much of the infrastructure. Since San Antonio is located between the Edwards Plateau and the Gulf Coastal Plain, it contributes to the varied air masses, which, in turn, contribute to extensive storms and wind. Storms often build along the I-35 corridor and heavily impact the northern suburbs like Stone Oak and Hollywood Park. Beyond the storms, torrential downpours are also reasonably common.
5. Corpus Christi
Storm Frequency: ~70 thunderstorm days per year
Located right along the Gulf Coast, Corpus Christi is another one of the stormiest cities in the state. Due to its coastal location, it is a frequent target of tropical storms and hurricanes. Compared to many of the inland cities in Texas, the frequency and number of thunderstorms in Corpus Christi is quite low but the intensity and impact of the storms is quite high. Usually, the areas around Padre Island National Seashore and Flour Bluff face the highest storm surge and maximum destruction along its path. Also, extensive rainfall and power outages are fairly common too.
6. Amarillo
Storm Frequency: ~90 thunderstorm days per year
Impacting the north and northeast Panhandle regions the most, Amarillo is another Texas city muddled with storms and rainfall. The city is also part of Tornado Alley and thus frequently experiences severe thunderstorms, large hail, and tornadoes. The flat terrain also allows for the storms to develop and travel without any obstruction. Storms often form just west of the city and move northeast, impacting areas like Dumas and Borger, especially during the summer and spring. Dust storms are also quite common and frequent.
7. Lubbock
Storm Frequency: ~85 thunderstorm days per year
Lubbock, located in the Southern Plains, is quite an underrated destination, one that regularly experiences severe thunderstorms, hailstorms and occasional tornadoes. Also, the dryline, is often created along Lubbock, which acts as a trigger for the onset of numerous storm systems in the region. Cotton farming is quite prevalent in the eastern part of the city and the storms usually hit that side the worst. Also, the severity and risks of pop-up storms are quite high during the summer and spring, so plan your visit accordingly.
8. Beaumont
Storm Frequency: ~105 thunderstorm days per year
Located close to the Louisiana border, Beaumont is another one of the stormiest cities in Texas. It also experiences the highest rainfall in the state, which triggers the risks of severe thunderstorms and flooding. Since the city is quite close to the Gulf, that’s another reason that makes the town quite vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical depressions. Some of the downtown and low-lying areas in the city, including Pine Island Bayou and Neches River, often experience the wrath of the extreme rain events from time to time.
9. Wichita Falls
Storm Frequency: ~95 thunderstorm days per year
Wichita Falls is in the northern part of Texas and is part of Tornado Alley, which explains why it is one of the stormiest cities. Historically, the city has experienced many devastating storms and rainfall, including supercell thunderstorms. The 1979 Terrible Tuesday, which was one of the largest tornadoes in the U.S., hit this city. The northwestern parts and surrounding rural communities often bear the brunt of storm systems moving in from the west.
10. Brownsville
Storm Frequency: ~75 thunderstorm days per year
Brownsville is another one of the stormiest cities in Texas. It mostly impacts the southern border and the Boca Chica area. Tropical disturbances often contribute to the risks of hurricanes in the area. Compared to central Texas, Brownsville doesn’t experience as many thunderstorms throughout the year, but it experiences a fair amount nonetheless. Due to the city’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, the storms are often more powerful and rain-heavy. Since the Boca Chica area is low-lying, it experiences the most risk of flooding.
Final Words
Texas is no stranger to powerful and disruptive weather. So, if you are a storm watcher or planning to visit the state during the more favorable months, this article should help you avoid a few of the stormiest cities in the state. Despite the turbulent skies, each of these cities also offers unique attractions that make them worth visiting, as long as you keep an eye on the forecast.
