HURRICANES
Hurricanes are just one type of natural disaster that can severely impact coral reef habitats. Strong winds create powerful wave action capable of tearing a reef apart. Run-off from massive quantities of rainwater dumped on nearby land can carry sediments, chemical waste, and debris out over the reef.
In September 2008, the eye of Hurricane Ike passed directly over East Flower Garden Bank en route to Galveston, TX where the sanctuary offices are located. We know this from buoy data that showed wind speeds over 100 mph followed by winds of only 10 mph, then more winds in excess of 100 mph. By October 1, 2008 sanctuary staff were still unable to secure a vessel to check on the condition of the reefs. For a summary of Hurricane Ike's land-side impacts on sanctuary resources, please visit our Hurricane Ike Impacts page.
In August and September of 2005, hurricanes Katrina and Rita came roaring into the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. Their effects on the land have been well documented. But, what of the reefs that lie 115 miles off the coast?
Hurricane Katrina passed well to the east of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and is believed to have had minimal impact on the reef. Unfortunately, due to recovery efforts immediately following Katrina, we were unable to secure a vessel to check on the sanctuary before Rita came howling through. Hurricane Rita passed directly over the sanctuary as a Category 5 storm.
The first post-hurricane visit to the sanctuary didn't occur until October 2005. Several more trips were then taken during the following year to continue monitoring the initial hurricane impacts. A final report was generated in February 2007.
While some of Rita's physical impacts at the sanctuary were significant, affecting items as deep as 72m, positive changes also occured. The most significant benefit was the cooler water Rita left in her wake. Cooler temperatures were exactly what bleaching corals needed to aid in their recovery.
Click here to download a copy of Hurricane Rita Impacts at the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (1.3MB pdf) which includes dramatic before and after photos at various locations in the sanctuary, as well as satellite images and data on temperature and salinity changes.
