Hurricane Rita (2005)
| Landfall | Sept. 24, 2005 |
|---|---|
| Where | the Texas-Louisiana border near Sabine Pass |
| Strength at landfall | Category 3, about 115 mph sustained winds |
Rita struck less than a month after Katrina, hitting the coast between Port Arthur and Cameron.
What happened
- Storm surge devastated Cameron Parish, Louisiana.
- The evacuation of Houston caused one of the worst traffic jams in US history.
- Port Arthur and Lake Charles had major wind damage.
Lessons for the next storm
Storm surge and flooding rain, not just wind, cause most of the damage and deaths in storms like Rita. Know your evacuation zone before the season, and leave when officials tell you to. See our hurricane prep guide and what the categories really mean.
Live trackers for towns in its path
More hurricane history
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Local storm-prep businessesGeneral information, not an official forecast. Always follow the National Hurricane Center, the National Weather Service and your local emergency management.