The Great Galveston Hurricane

The Great Galveston Hurricane struck on September 8, 1900, devastating the island city of Galveston, Texas. As one of the deadliest natural disasters in U.S. history, it is estimated to have killed between 6,000 and 12,000 people. The hurricane brought winds up to 145 mph and a storm surge that inundated the city, causing widespread destruction. Galveston, at that time a thriving port, struggled to recover, leading to significant changes in coastal disaster preparedness and infrastructure. The tragedy underscored the need for improved weather forecasting and urban planning in vulnerable regions.