The Deadliest Hurricane in U.S. History (credit: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and The History Channel)

The deadliest hurricane in U.S. history struck the coast of the Gulf of Mexico devastating Galveston, Texas, an island located off the coast of Texas. On September 8, 1900, a category four hurricane reached land from the Gulf of Mexico. The people in the affected area were not aware of the hurricane in time to evacuate. This is due to the lack of weather knowledge during the early 1900’s according to the History Channel.

When the category four hurricane hit Galveston, it had winds greater than 135 mph. At this time, the highest point in Galveston was only 8.7 feet above sea level. Storm surges rose up to 15 feet, flooding the entire island. It destroyed more than 3,600 buildings. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimated the death toll to be between 6,000-12,000 people (about 20% of Galveston’s population). Afterwards, Galveston was rebuilt but it did not continue to be a major port of weather call. This is because Houston became the new  port of weather call after many people turned to Houston to rebuild their lives. Houston began to populate and the citizens of Houston provided assistance to Galveston. These rescuers found many survivors trapped under debris. About 30,000 people were left homeless. Not only was the public not aware of this hurricane, but it was a very populated place. From 1875 until the hurricane hit, Galveston was in what’s known as the Golden Era of Galveston. At this time the city’s economy was booming and there was a high population of around 37,000 people. A hurricane can be more devastating to a populated area because the higher the population, the more people affected.   

In 1900, the Weather Bureau (now known as the National Weather Service) was only 10 years old and did not have a well-organized communication system. They were still developing the company and communication was extremely limited. After the hurricane hit and caused its devastation, the Weather Bureau began to improve their communication system nationally and internationally so that this never happens again.    

This is a very important time in history because it was the beginning of hurricane science advancement. It is necessary for meteorology to be advanced so the public can be aware of the natural disasters and everyday weather that can affect their lives.  

To learn more about other past historic weather events from around the world, be sure to click here!    

​©2018 Weather Forecaster Brittany Connelly