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Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) has experienced flooding in the past, notably in 2017 when Tropical Storm Harvey caused the airport to close and cease all commercial operations. IAH has a high air pollution hazard score and is at risk of hail storms and tornadoes, but flooding is not mentioned as a primary concern. While there is a low risk of storm events, travellers have expressed concerns about flooding in parking lots, with some opting for elevated parking garages for peace of mind.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flood Risk | High |
| Storm Events Risk Score | Low |
| Hail Storm Risk | Severe |
| Tornado Risk | Severe |
| Air Pollution Hazard Score | High (66.02) |
| Maximum AQI Recorded Over the Last 3 Years | Unhealthy (160.38) |
| Construction | Ongoing construction may impact traffic, especially during afternoon peak travel times |
| Ticketing Lobbies | United Airlines Terminal B Ticketing Lobby is closed from January 21, 2025, until late 2026; Terminal E Ticketing Lobby is open as of February 24 |
| Parking | Terminal A/B and Terminal C/D/E parking garages are open; EcoPark off-airport parking shuttle services are available |
| Current Weather Conditions | Few clouds, 78°F (26°C), Wind 10 kts, Visibility 10 miles |
| Delays | Low and decreasing |
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What You'll Learn
Flooding at IAH airport due to Tropical Storm Harvey in 2017
In 2017, Hurricane Harvey caused catastrophic flooding in southeastern Texas, leading to the closure of George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston. The storm, which made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane, dumped over 20 inches of rain in the region, with storm totals in some locations reaching 50 inches. As a result, the airport was forced to close until further notice, with airlines cancelling thousands of flights and disrupting travel across the South.
The National Weather Service described the flooding as "catastrophic, unprecedented, and life-threatening", and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) predicted that the recovery process in some parts of Texas would take years. The storm also caused power outages for more than 400,000 people in Texas and led to widespread property damage, with some buildings being "blown away" by the strong winds and heavy rainfall.
In the wake of the storm, Delta Air Lines sent a rescue flight to IAH to deliver supplies and relief personnel and to evacuate employees and customers. United Airlines, which operates a major hub at IAH, cancelled 462 flights, or 19% of its total, on Monday due to the storm. American Airlines also cancelled 90 mainline and regional flights, while Southwest Airlines helped evacuate stranded passengers at Hobby Airport.
The flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey severely impacted travel and transportation systems in the region, with roads, bridges, and other infrastructure damaged or rendered impassable. The storm's impact extended beyond Texas, affecting a large portion of the Southern United States and disrupting travel plans for thousands of people.
Overall, the closure of IAH Airport due to Tropical Storm Harvey in 2017 highlights the significant impact of natural disasters on critical infrastructure and the challenges faced by authorities in managing transportation networks during extreme weather events. The recovery process required coordination between various agencies and highlighted the importance of resilience and emergency planning in mitigating the impact of such events on airports and other transportation hubs.
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![Historic Framed Print, [D.C. - Wash. - Airport - flood waters around hangar and airplanes. 1923], 17-7/8" x 21-7/8"](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41VUzOkH8iL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
IAH airport's low risk of storm events
The IAH airport area in Houston, TX, has a low storm events risk score. However, it is mainly at risk from hail storms and tornadoes, which pose a severe threat. The Augurisk Storm Events Hazard index, which is used to assess the risk of storms at the airport, takes into account various factors such as the past frequency and intensity of different storm types in the area. In addition to storm risk, the airport also faces other challenges, such as air pollution and construction work that may impact traffic.
The IAH airport area has a very low wildfire risk, according to the Augurisk Wildfire Hazard index. This index considers the potential for wildfires in the region and the impact of climate change on increasing wildfire risk.
While the overall storm risk is low, the airport has experienced flooding in the past due to tropical storms. During Tropical Storm Harvey in 2017, the airport was closed to commercial flights, and airlines cancelled numerous flights due to flooding in the Houston area. At the time, travellers sought information on which parking lots at IAH were safest from flooding, and some lots, such as Eco Park 1 off JFK, remained above water.
To prepare for potential flooding, travellers can refer to resources like the Harris County Flood Control District's online mapping tool to assess floodplain areas. Additionally, the airport provides parking options like the Terminal A/B and Terminal C/D/E garages, with shuttles available to transport passengers to their desired terminals. It is recommended that passengers reserve parking in advance and allow for extra time when arriving at the airport due to potential traffic disruptions caused by construction work.
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High air pollution hazard score near IAH airport
The IAH Airport Area in Houston, Texas, has a high air pollution hazard score of 66.02 according to the closest AQI monitor, Baytown C148, which is located 22.15 miles away. This score indicates that the air quality in the area is unhealthy and may cause adverse health effects for everyone, with more serious consequences for individuals in sensitive groups.
The high air pollution hazard score near IAH Airport is concerning due to its potential impact on the health and well-being of both locals and travellers passing through the airport. While the airport itself contributes to economic growth and vitality in the region, the air pollution it generates can have detrimental effects on the surrounding community.
IAH Airport, also known as George Bush Intercontinental Airport, is one of three major airports serving Houston and the Greater Houston metropolitan region. The other two airports are William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and Ellington Airport (EFD). These airports play a significant role in connecting Houston to the rest of the United States and international markets, fostering economic development and growth.
However, the environmental impact of airport operations, including fuel burning and emissions, contributes to air pollution and can have negative consequences for nearby residents. Fine particulate matter (PM), a primary cause of smog, poses serious health risks, especially when particles are small enough to enter the lungs. This leads to increased rates of lung cancer, asthma, bronchitis, and nose and throat irritation.
To address this issue, the Houston Airport Commission held public hearings in 2009 to discuss proposed regulations for controlling airport hazard areas, including air pollution. As a result, the Final Airport Hazard Area Regulations Ordinance was passed by the Houston City Council and took effect in 2010. These regulations aim to protect the airspace around Houston's airports and mitigate potential dangers to aircraft and people on the ground.
While the high air pollution hazard score near IAH Airport highlights a pressing issue, it is important to note that the airport is taking steps to address pollution and minimize its impact on the surrounding area.
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IAH airport parking and terminal access information
Parking Information
There are several parking options available at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The airport encourages passengers to make an online parking reservation. If you park in the Terminal A/B or Terminal C/D/E garages, passengers should proceed to Terminal C for check-in. Alternatively, passengers can take the Subway (Pre-Security) from Terminal C to Terminal E for check-in. If you park at an Ecopark lot, a free shuttle bus will be available to drop you off at Terminal E.
Pre-booking Parking
Pre-booking your parking space at least 12 hours in advance is recommended to save time and secure a spot. This can be done via the official website.
Parking Options
There are various parking options available near the airport, including The Parking Spot on JFK Boulevard, which is a preferred location for travellers arriving from The Woodlands, Conroe, towns to the north, Cypress, and Katy. The Parking Spot also has a location on Will Clayton, which is the closest facility on the east side of IAH. Park 'N Fly on JFK Boulevard is another option, now officially part of The Parking Spot, providing both covered and uncovered parking spots. Fine Airport Parking is another option, located just 2.5 miles from the airport, with shuttles available every 15 minutes for pick-up and drop-off.
Construction Update
It is important to note that ongoing construction at Bush Airport may impact traffic and road conditions, particularly during afternoon peak travel times. Passengers are advised to reserve parking online in advance and build extra time into their airport arrival to account for potential delays.
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IAH airport's risk of hail storms and tornadoes
The IAH Airport Area in Houston, Texas, has a low Storm Events risk score. However, it is at risk of severe hail storms and tornadoes. The Augurisk Storm Events Hazard index, which is used to assess the risk of these events, takes into account the past frequency and intensity of storms in the area. The index also considers the potential for damage to the US economy when assigning a score.
While the area has a low risk of flooding, with a FEMA flood zone rating of X, it is not immune to all flood events. There is a small chance of flooding during a 500-year flood event, although this is not expected to occur during the more common 100-year flood event. The Augurisk Coastal Flooding Hazard index, which is used to assess the risk of flooding, considers the mean elevation of the area, expected sea level rise, and exposure to hurricanes.
The IAH Airport Area also faces a very low risk of wildfires. This assessment is based on the potential for wildfires in the area, taking into account data from Dillon et al. (2015, 2018) and the impact of climate change on wildfire activity in the United States, particularly in the West. The average temperature change during the summer between the periods of 1980-2005 and 2006-2100 was also considered in the hazard score calculation.
In terms of air quality, the IAH Airport Area has a high Air Pollution Hazard Score of 66.02. This is based on the daily median and maximal air quality values recorded at the nearest US EPA AQI monitor over the last three years. The maximum recorded AQI over this period was 160.38, which is considered unhealthy and can cause adverse health effects for everyone in the area.
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Frequently asked questions
IAH Airport has a high air pollution hazard score and is at risk of hail storms, tornadoes, and tropical storms. However, there is no information indicating that the airport currently has any flooding.
IAH Airport has multiple parking options, including the Terminal A/B and Terminal C/D/E parking garages. There are also off-site parking options such as EcoPark, Ecopark 1 off JFK, and The Parking Spot on Will Clayton.
There are no current delays or closures at IAH Airport. However, beginning on January 21, 2025, United Airlines will temporarily close the IAH Terminal B Ticketing Lobby until late 2026. During this time, passengers will check-in and drop their bags at Terminal C before taking the Skyway to Terminal B.
