Hurricane surge frequency estimated for the Gulf Coast of Texas.

Nineteen hurricanes of record since 1900 are used to derive a surge-frequency relationship representative of the entire Texas Coast. Pure statistical methods were not used because of the small number of recorded hurricanes and the lack of recorded data from early storms. The available data are treated by logic and reasoning to derive probable surge frequencies. A method is proposed for assigning frequencies to water levels of hypothetical hurricanes with various prescribed values of hurricane parameters-central pressure index, forward speed, and radius of maximum winds. Also a method is presented for estimating surge frequency in inland bays and adjacent regions subject to flooding by hurricanes. Results are presented in tables and curves. As new data become available, the developed curves can be refined.