The 1900 Galveston Hurricane

The deadliest hurricane to ever batter the United States moved onshore near Galveston, Texas on September 8, 1900.  Forecasters knew of the storm once it moved over Cuba, but thought it would continue to track in a northeast direction.  However, once the storm entered the Gulf of Mexico, it turned to the west and headed towards Texas.  With winds reaching 130-140 mph and a storm surge upwards of 15 feet at Galveston, the storm was responsible for at least 6,000 deaths and the destruction of nearly 3,600 buildings.  The estimated damage surpassed $20 million, more than $700 million in today’s dollars. (information courtesy of NOAA)

The severe winds and storm surge caused many homes and structures to buckle or completely collapse. Unfortunately, many homes and buildings were not spared and over 3,500 structures collapsed causing upwards of 8,000 deaths on the island town of Galveston .