What’s the Difference Between Tropical Storm & Hurricane Damage?
If you live in Galveston, Texas, you have to deal with tropical weather every year. From June through November, residents experience everything from mild tropical depressions to powerful hurricanes. Understanding the difference between these weather events is important for insurance claims, property damage, and general safety.
How Are Storms Classified?
Tropical storms and hurricanes are the same type of weather system at different levels of intensity. Both are tropical cyclones with organized thunderstorms and strong winds.
The main difference is how fast the winds blow:
- Tropical Depression: Up to 38 mph
- Tropical Storm: Between 39 and 73 mph
- Hurricane: 74 mph or higher
The Houston-Galveston Area Council advises residents on several ways to stay informed of possible extreme weather events.
How Are Hurricanes Classified?
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale separates hurricanes into five categories:
- Category 1: 74–95 mph winds; possible damage to homes and other structures; power outages for days
- Category 2: 96–110 mph winds; extensive damage; power outages for days to weeks
- Category 3: 111–129 mph winds; devastating damage; many trees down; water and electricity unavailable for days to weeks
- Category 4: 130–156 mph winds; catastrophic damage; most trees snapped; areas isolated or uninhabitable for weeks or months
- Category 5: 157-plus mph winds; catastrophic damage; high percentage of homes destroyed; fatalities; areas uninhabitable for months
The National Hurricane Center uses this system to classify storms, affecting weather alerts, emergency preparation, and insurance claims.
Damage You Can Expect From Tropical Storms
Tropical storms typically cause the following types of damage:
- Roof shingles blown off
- Fence damage
- Flooding from heavy rain that can lead to vehicle accidents
- Minor coastal flooding from storm surges
- Fallen trees and power lines
While not as strong as hurricanes, tropical storms can cause serious property damage. They often drop six to 12 inches of rain, which is enough to flood many areas in Galveston.
Why Hurricane Damage Is So Much Worse
When a storm becomes a hurricane, the damage potential increases dramatically. Entire roofs can be torn off, buildings can suffer major structural damage, and there may be widespread flooding from both rain and storm surges. Major damage to roads, bridges, and power lines is also possible, with a higher risk of personal injury from flying debris.
Since Galveston is only about seven feet above sea level on average, even a Category 1 hurricane can cause severe flooding across the region.
Notable Insurance Facts
One key difference between tropical storm and hurricane damage is how insurance works. Hurricane deductibles tend to be much higher, and some damage might not be covered, depending on the type of storm. Homeowners also need more documentation for hurricane claims.
Many Galveston homeowners don’t realize their policies have separate hurricane deductibles, usually 2% to 5% of their home’s insured value. For a $300,000 home, that could mean a $15,000 deductible instead of a standard $1,000 deductible.
How to Prepare for Storms and Hurricanes
The preparations for these storms are also quite different:
- For Tropical Storms: Secure outdoor items, gather emergency supplies, and prepare for power outages lasting one to three days
- For Hurricanes: Take steps to protect your entire home and prepare for possible evacuation for weeks or longer
Galveston residents rarely need to leave their homes for tropical storms, but hurricanes often require evacuation.
What This Means for Galveston Residents
Those who live in Galveston need to know the differences between storms and hurricanes to prepare appropriately for both types of events. This knowledge can influence the kind of insurance coverage residents take out and the level of caution they apply when storm or hurricane warnings are issued.
Contact the Texas Personal Injury Lawyers of The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers.
Please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers to get a free initial consultation today. We have offices in Friendswood and Galveston, Texas. Call us at (281) 612-7550.
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Galveston Office
2101 Mechanic St. Suite 253
Galveston, TX 77550
409-904-0753
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Friendswood Office
312 S. Friendswood Dr.
Friendswood, TX 77546
281-992-8633
