Hurricane (Typhoon) — Jefferson, Texas

2007-09-13 · Jefferson, Texas

Event narrative

Hurricane Humberto made landfall around 1 am in rural southwestern Jefferson County, in McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge. The minimum pressure was estimated to be around 985 mb. While maximum winds were estimated to be 80 knots or 90 mph, hurricane-force winds were confined to a 15 mile wide area. Cities that saw the highest winds of 60 to 80 mph include Port Arthur, Sabine Pass, and Nederland. Damage was primarily trees blown down, roof damage, and power lines downed. At least 12 injuries were reported, due to snake bites, cuts and bruises, and a few broken bones. Power outages occurred to over 100,000 customers. Most urban locations had power back up within a few days, but some rural locations saw power out for up to a week. Maximum storm tides were 4.87 ft MLLW at Texas Point and 4.07 ft MLLW at Sabine Pass North. This resulted in minor beach erosion.

Wider weather episode

Hurricane Humberto made landfall as a strong category one hurricane in rural southwestern Jefferson County early in the morning on September 13th, over McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge. Storm total rainfall ranged from one inch in southern Jasper and Newton Counties, to almost 11 inches near McFaddin Wildlife Refuge. Some flash flooding occurred in the urban areas between beaumont and Orange. Highest estimated winds were around 80 knots or 90 mph, but hurricane-force wind only extended 15 miles. Damage was primarily trees blown down, roof damage, and power lines downed. The lowest pressure reading was estimated to be 985 mb at landfall. Coastal storm tides were 3 to 5 feet, with the highest occurring at Texas Point. One fatality was attributed to the hurricane. An 80 year old man in Bridge City (Orange County, TX) ventured outside to check his property and was killed instantly when his carport collapsed on him.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 60388. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.