HOUSTON — On this day in 2001, Tropical Storm Allison made landfall near Freeport, Texas, becoming one of the most destructive tropical storms in U.S. history despite never reaching hurricane strength.

Allison formed quickly and hit the Texas coast on June 5, 2001, just nine hours after developing. But the real damage came in the days that followed. The storm stalled over southeast Texas from June 5 through June 8, unleashing catastrophic flooding across the Houston area and beyond.

Up to 40 inches of rain fell in northeast Harris County. Many areas saw more than 20 inches as the system lingered.

The floodwaters overwhelmed freeways, knocked out power to thousands, and even flooded hospitals in the Texas Medical Center.

In total, Allison caused over $9 billion in damage in Texas alon

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