Destructive Weather from the Gulf of Mexico: Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

The Gulf of Mexico’s warm waters act as a high‑octane fuel for tropical cyclones. From June through November, the basin frequently spawns hurricanes and tropical storms that bring:

• High winds (74+ mph for hurricanes)
• Torrential rainfall
• Life‑threatening storm surge
• Widespread flooding

Coastal communities from Texas to Florida face recurring risks, making preparedness, evacuation planning, and resilient infrastructure essential.