Hurricane Harvey developed as a tropical storm in the Caribbean and quickly intensified into a major hurricane as it approached the Texas coast. On August 25, 2017, it made landfall near Rockport with sustained winds of 130 mph, making it one of the strongest hurricanes to strike the United States since Hurricane Charley in 2004. The storm wreaked havoc across southeast Texas, with Rockport experiencing severe wind damage and coastal flooding. The hurricane stalled over land and turned into a slow-moving rainmaker, leading to catastrophic flooding across the Houston metropolitan area.

The National Weather Service issued warnings about the unprecedented rainfall that resulted from Harvey, with some areas recording more than 50 inches within several days. The rainfall, coupled with the prior conditions in the Texas rivers, led to record flooding scenarios that displaced thousands of residents from their homes. Emergency services, including local authorities and the National Guard, mobilized to conduct search and rescue operations. Evacuations were necessary for many neighborhoods that faced imminent flooding.

As recovery efforts commenced, the long-term consequences became apparent. The extensive damage to infrastructure, homes, and businesses, along with the economic toll on the state, necessitated a coordinated federal, state, and local response. Insurance claims, rebuilding efforts, and community support played significant roles in the aftermath. Plans for future disaster management were also discussed as communities learned from the experiences of Harvey.