Hurricane Harvey's eye came ashore close to Rockport on the night of August 25, 2017, and the town has been rebuilding ever since. Rockport sits on the Live Oak Peninsula between Aransas Bay and Copano Bay, only about 6.6 feet above sea level, and shares the shoreline with Fulton next door. Bays on two sides, low ground and a long hurricane record make water a constant concern for anyone who owns property here.
The Restoration Job doesn't send out crews. Our free 24/7 line, (888) 317-9980, connects you with an independent restoration provider that serves Rockport and Aransas County. Those providers commonly handle roof-leak drying, flood cleanup and mold work, and many offer emergency service.
How the call works: when you call (888) 317-9980, The Restoration Job connects you with an independent restoration provider that serves Rockport. That provider inspects the damage, explains the scope and quotes the work. The Restoration Job doesn't perform restoration itself. Read our referral disclosure.
Harvey Was a Wind Disaster More Than a Surge Event Here
The numbers from the National Weather Service in Corpus Christi explain why so many Rockport homes had water damage even though the bay never rose very high. A gust of 145 mph was measured at the Aransas County Airport, and the office reported widespread major structural damage across Rockport and Fulton: roofs torn off, walls collapsed and wooden piers destroyed. The Rockport tide gauge recorded a maximum storm tide of only 1.86 feet, while Copano Bay reached 3.97 feet.
Harvey was a Category 4 storm, and about a fifth of Rockport residents still couldn't return home a year later. Damage to City Hall forced several city departments to move. For homeowners, the lesson is that a roof or window failure in a strong storm can soak an entire house without any rising water. After a storm, the priority is covering the openings and getting storm damage cleanup started before the next rain.
Live Oaks, Rebuilt Roofs and Hidden Moisture
The wind-sculpted live oaks are part of Rockport's identity, and the state's oldest one, the Big Tree, stands nearby on the Lamar Peninsula. Big trees near houses also bring big limbs, and a single branch through a roof can let water into the attic and the rooms below. After a storm, look for:
- Ceiling stains or bulging drywall, which often mean wet insulation above.
- Damp spots around window frames and sliding doors where wind pushed rain through the seals.
- Soft or swollen flooring along exterior walls.
- Water in light fixtures or ceiling fans. Turn off that circuit and leave it off until it's checked.
Many Rockport homes were rebuilt or re-roofed after 2017. A new roof doesn't mean the walls under it dried out completely, so if moisture problems keep showing up in a house that was repaired, have a provider take meter readings inside the walls.
Two Bays, Little Elevation and Homes Near the Water
The peninsula has shoreline on two sides, and many properties sit close to the water. These homes face two risks: surge and high tides driven by tropical systems, and the constant salt spray that wears down roofs, siding and outdoor equipment. Aransas County is more than half water, 276 of its 528 square miles. Look up your property on FEMA's flood map, and check the county's Hazard Mitigation Action Plan for local risk details. If bay water has come inside, treat it as contaminated. Our flood cleanup overview explains what usually has to be removed.
Mold in a Coastal Town That Loses Power
Bay air keeps indoor humidity high, and when a storm cuts power, the air conditioning stops pulling moisture out of the house. Wet drywall, carpet pad and cabinets can begin growing mold within a couple of days. Second homes and rentals are at particular risk because a small leak can go unnoticed until the smell gives it away. If mold returns after surface cleaning, or the musty odor stays after the leak is fixed, a provider should open the affected wall or ceiling and remove the damaged material.
What to Do in the First Days After a Hurricane
Re-entry after an evacuation is often slow, and restoration crews across the Coastal Bend get booked up quickly. Once you're back inside:
- Photograph everything before moving or removing it, including exterior damage.
- Cover roof openings and broken windows to keep more rain out.
- Pull up wet rugs and move furniture off damp floors.
- Run fans and a dehumidifier if there's power, and keep windows closed when outdoor humidity is high.
Aransas County offers alert sign-ups and a way to report drainage concerns. Neighbors in Aransas Pass and Port Aransas deal with many of the same storm problems.
Neighborhoods and Nearby Communities
The same line also serves nearby communities such as:
- Fulton
- Aransas Pass
- Port Aransas
- Ingleside
- Holiday Beach
- Copano Village
Rockport Water Damage Questions
My Rockport house was repaired after Harvey. Why does it still smell musty?
Moisture can stay trapped in wall cavities, under flooring or in insulation if the house was closed up before it was fully dry, or if a new leak has started since the repairs. A musty smell usually means something is still damp. A provider can take meter readings and use thermal imaging to find the wet area without tearing out walls blindly.
Does flood insurance cover roof leaks from a hurricane?
Generally no. Flood policies cover rising water from outside, such as surge or overflowing bays. Rain entering through a wind-damaged roof or broken window is usually handled under the homeowners or windstorm side of coverage. Because Rockport storms often cause both, take photos showing how water got in, and list each kind of damage separately when you file.
Who do I contact for local emergency information in Aransas County?
Aransas County Emergency Management, based in Rockport, publishes the county's hazard mitigation plan and preparedness information, and the county website has alert sign-ups. The National Weather Service office in Corpus Christi issues watches, warnings and surge information for the area. Sign up for alerts before hurricane season so you hear about evacuations early.
Can someone dry out my Rockport rental while I'm out of town?
Many providers work with absentee owners. You'll usually need to arrange access, approve the scope of work by phone or email, and ask for photos and moisture readings as the job goes on. Call (888) 317-9980 to reach an independent provider that serves Rockport. Ask how they document the work for an insurance claim.