Critical Risk Texas  ·  Hurricane / Flooding

Harris County TX

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & DISASTER RISK PROFILE  ·  LAST UPDATED: Mar 2026

9/ 10
Threat Score
Population
4,731,145
Area
1777
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Hurricane / Flooding
FEMA Disasters
63
federally declared

Harris County is the most populous county in Texas and one of the highest-risk counties in the United States. Situated along the Gulf Coast, it faces persistent threats from hurricanes, tropical storms, and catastrophic flooding. Hurricane Harvey in 2017 caused over $125 billion in damage, making it one of the costliest disasters in US history.

// Preparedness Recommendations

  • Evacuation routes inland should be identified in advance.
  • Store at least 72 hours of food and water.
  • Elevate critical belongings above flood level.
  • Have backup power ready in case of grid failure.

// Recommended Supplies

Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.

// Risk Intelligence

Threat Score 9 / 10    Critical Risk
Primary Hazard Hurricane / Flooding
Secondary Hazard Tornado
FEMA Flood Zone Zone AE (High Risk)
Federally Declared Disasters 63
Last Major Event Hurricane Harvey (2017)
Event Frequency Major event every 3–5 years

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (713) 881-3100
Emergency Shelters 47 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-10 West, I-45 North, US-59 North, TX-288 South

// County Profile

County Harris County TX
State Texas (TX)
Population 4,731,145
Area 1777 sq miles
FEMA Region Zone AE (High Risk)

// Major Cities

La Porte TX Seabrook TX Nassau Bay TX El Lago TX Webster TX Clear Lake City TX Deer Park TX Baytown TX Pasadena TX Houston TX

// Cities in This County

// Other Texas Counties

// Nearby Infrastructure Risks

Critical infrastructure facilities within or near this area that could affect civilian safety during emergencies, conflict, or infrastructure failures.

💧
Houston Ship Channel Water Treatment Chlorine TX
Water Treatment  ·  Houston, TX  ·  City of Houston Public Works  ·  5-mi risk zone
9/10 Critical
Houston Ship Channel TX
Chemical Facility  ·  Houston, TX  ·  Port of Houston Authority / Multiple Operators  ·  25-mi risk zone
9/10 Critical
Texas ERCOT Substation Cluster Houston TX
Power Plant  ·  Houston, TX  ·  CenterPoint Energy / ERCOT  ·  5-mi risk zone
9/10 Critical
ExxonMobil Baytown TX Refinery
Chemical Facility  ·  Baytown, TX  ·  ExxonMobil  ·  10-mi risk zone
9/10 Critical
🌊
Addicks and Barker Reservoirs TX
Major Dam  ·  Houston, TX  ·  US Army Corps of Engineers  ·  10-mi risk zone
9/10 High
🌊
Houston Bayou Flood Control System TX
Major Dam  ·  Houston, TX  ·  Harris County Flood Control District  ·  10-mi risk zone
9/10 High
🚂
Ammonium Nitrate Rail Corridor Gulf Coast TX
Rail Infrastructure  ·  Houston, TX  ·  Various Class I Railroads  ·  5-mi risk zone
9/10 Critical
🚂
Union Pacific Englewood Yard Houston TX
Rail Infrastructure  ·  Houston, TX  ·  Union Pacific Railroad  ·  5-mi risk zone
8/10 High
💧
Houston Water Treatment System TX
Water Treatment  ·  Houston, TX  ·  City of Houston / Houston Water  ·  25-mi risk zone
8/10 High
🏟
NRG Stadium Houston TX
Stadium / Arena  ·  Houston, TX  ·  Houston Texans / NFL  ·  2-mi risk zone
8/10 High
Port of Houston TX
Port / Marine Terminal  ·  Houston, TX  ·  Port Houston Authority  ·  25-mi risk zone
8/10 High
🏟
Minute Maid Park Houston TX
Stadium / Arena  ·  Houston, TX  ·  Houston Astros / MLB  ·  2-mi risk zone
8/10 High
Texas City Industrial Complex TX
Chemical Facility  ·  Texas City, TX  ·  Various  ·  10-mi risk zone
8/10 High
LyondellBasell Houston TX Chemical Complex
Chemical Facility  ·  Houston, TX  ·  LyondellBasell Industries  ·  10-mi risk zone
8/10 High
Chevron Phillips Cedar Bayou TX Chemical Plant
Chemical Facility  ·  Baytown, TX  ·  Chevron Phillips Chemical  ·  10-mi risk zone
8/10 High

Infrastructure risk data is for emergency preparedness awareness. Facility locations are publicly known. Always follow official emergency guidance.