Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers | July 28, 2025 | Natural Disasters

Are Tornadoes Worse Than Hurricanes?

Tornadoes and hurricanes are severe storms, and unfortunately, both occur in Texas. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the state averaged over 13 significant weather events per year between 2020 and 2024, including events like droughts, floods, and freezes.

This shows a marked increase from the previous four decades, where major weather events, characterized by losses exceeding $1 billion, averaged just over three annually. Both tornadoes and hurricanes can be devastating, destroying infrastructure, demolishing homes and businesses, causing car accidents, and taking lives. But which type of storm is worse?

What’s the Difference Between Tornadoes and Hurricanes?

Hurricanes and tornadoes are known for their strong, horizontal winds forming a vortex, or a swirling mass of air. Tornadoes tend to form during severe thunderstorms, resulting in funnels that measure up to a few hundred feet across by the time they touch the ground.

Wind speeds during a tornado can reach 100 to 300 mph, and a tornado may travel 10 to 20 miles in just a few minutes before dispersing. By contrast, hurricanes are much larger storm events, both in size and duration. A hurricane could be anywhere from 60 to 1,000 miles across and travel thousands of miles, with effects lasting days or weeks.

Notable Texas Tornadoes in Recent Years

Although tornadoes are more common during the spring months of April and May, the most expensive tornado event in Texas happened in October 2019. This weather event, which hit the northern portion of the state, including the Dallas Metroplex area, included at least nine tornadoes and resulted in roughly $2 billion in damages.

Thankfully, no fatalities occurred, but the destruction to buildings, infrastructure, and landscaping was significant. The previous record for tornado damage in Texas occurred in 2015, when storms hitting Garland and Rowlett resulted in $1.2 billion in losses.

In terms of loss of life, the most devastating tornado supercell in the state’s history hit Waco in May of 1953. It left 114 residents dead and more than 500 injured, while also damaging over 1,000 homes and 2,000 vehicles.

Major Hurricanes in Texas

This coastal state is no stranger to hurricanes. They’re so common between June and November that this time frame is known as hurricane season. 

The costliest hurricane to ever hit Texas was Hurricane Harvey in 2017. This devastating storm caused over $158 billion in damages. It was roughly four times more expensive than the next largest storm—Hurricane Ike—which occurred in 2008 and caused over $43 billion in damages. 

Notably, Hurricane Beryl, which struck in 2024, left over two million residents without power for days and caused over 50 tornadoes across the eastern part of the state. The deadliest hurricane on record was Hurricane Rita in 2005, responsible for 119 deaths.

Which Type of Storm Is Worse in Texas?

There’s no denying that both tornadoes and hurricanes can be terrifying, not to mention incredibly costly and even deadly. Homes and businesses can be demolished, and residents may suffer everything from crushing injuries to being swept away by floodwaters.

All things considered, hurricanes seem to be the greater of two evils. These storms have the potential to be much larger and last longer, with the tendency to cause more extensive destruction and death.

Depending on where you live in Texas, maintaining the right auto and homeowners insurance policies is critical when it comes to coverage for storm damage. Even with the right coverage, you could face difficulties submitting claims.

Any time you file a claim for storm-related damage or injuries, it’s wise to consult a qualified Houston personal injury attorney at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers. We can help you file a claim, deal with challenges like delays or denials, and negotiate for a settlement that enables you to regain control of your life.

For more information, contact the Houston personal injury law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.

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