Harvey Breaks Rainfall Record for Landfalling U.S. Tropical Cyclone
In 1978, Tropical Storm Amelia dumped 48 inches of rain on the Texas Hill Country. That stood as the record for rainfall from a landfalling tropical cyclone across the contiguous 48 states, until Harvey.
The 49.20 inches so far at Mary’s Creek southeast of Houston appear to be a new record.
Hurricane Hiki in Hawaii in 1950 apparently still holds the U.S. record, as 52 inches fell at Kanalohuluhulu Ranger Station.
Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX
1037 AM CDT Tue Aug 29 2017
…The previous record for total rainfall during a tropical cyclone
has been broken…
A preliminary report from one Texas rain gauge has broken the Texas
tropical cyclone rainfall record. Southeast of Houston, Mary’s Creek
at Winding Road reported 49.20 inches in a time period ranging from
12:00 AM CDT August 25 to 9:20 AM CDT August 29. This total is
higher than the previous record of 48 inches set during tropical
cyclone Amelia in 1978 at Medina, Texas. This is a preliminary
report and could potentially increase.
About the Author (Author Profile)
Bill Murray is the President of The Weather Factory. He is the site's official weather historian and a weekend forecaster. He also anchors the site's severe weather coverage. Bill Murray is the proud holder of National Weather Association Digital Seal #0001 @wxhistorianSubscribe
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