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Discovering Galveston History Together
Galveston, Texas, has a long history of significant weather events, many of which have had profound effects on the city and its development. Here’s a comprehensive list of some of the most notable weather events in Galveston history.
The deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history, with winds reaching 140 mph. Over 6,000 people died, and the storm destroyed a large portion of the city, leading to the construction of the seawall. The Great Storm of 1900 changed to face of Galveston and it’s future as a shipping port.
A Category 4 hurricane struck Galveston, killing between 275 and 400 people. The newly constructed seawall helped to protect the city from even greater damage.
A Category 1 hurricane that made landfall near Galveston, causing extensive flooding and damaging ships in Galveston Bay.
One of the most intense storms to hit Texas, Hurricane Carla was a Category 4 storm. The storm surge flooded parts of Galveston, causing severe damage to homes and businesses.
A Category 3 hurricane, Alicia caused over $2 billion in damage to the Texas coast, including Galveston. Alicia brought significant flooding and wind damage to the island.
A Category 1 hurricane that made landfall just west of Galveston. Though not as severe as previous storms, Jerry caused wind damage and localized flooding.
A Category 2 hurricane, Ike caused widespread destruction in Galveston. It resulted in over $30 billion in damage, flooding much of the island, and destroying homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Many residents on the island were without power for two full months.
Known as the “Great Arctic Outbreak,” this cold wave brought record low temperatures to Galveston, severely affecting the city’s infrastructure and causing frozen harbors and water systems.
While Beulah’s direct impact was farther south of Galveston, the storm caused significant flooding and tornadoes throughout the Texas coast, affecting Galveston with heavy rains and wind.
Frances brought heavy rains and caused severe flooding in Galveston, with some areas receiving up to 20 inches of rain.
One of the earliest documented hurricanes to strike Galveston, this storm caused widespread damage to the island’s early settlers and infrastructure.
A devastating Category 3 hurricane that struck Galveston, resulting in significant destruction and the loss of approximately 1,000 lives.
Although the storm devastated Indianola (a coastal city), it also impacted Galveston, leading to heightened awareness about storm preparedness on the island.
This Category 1 hurricane made landfall near Matagorda, Texas, bringing heavy rains and minor flooding to Galveston.
A Category 4 hurricane, this storm primarily impacted Freeport but also brought high winds, heavy rainfall, and significant flooding to Galveston.
Claudette caused record rainfall across Southeast Texas, including Galveston, with over 40 inches of rain in some areas.
While Lili did not directly hit Galveston, it caused significant storm surge and high tides along the coast, leading to localized flooding.
Allison caused massive flooding in the Houston-Galveston area. Galveston experienced heavy rains and flooding from the slow-moving storm.
One of the most intense heatwaves to affect Texas, Galveston experienced record high temperatures and prolonged drought conditions.
A Category 3 hurricane that made landfall just south of Galveston, causing storm surge flooding and wind damage.
Heavy rainfall caused severe flooding across the island, inundating many homes and businesses.
This powerful storm caused widespread damage in Galveston, leading to a push for better hurricane preparedness.
While the center of the storm hit Louisiana, Audrey brought storm surge and heavy rainfall to Galveston.
A major hurricane that skirted the coast, causing flooding and damage to parts of Galveston.
Fay brought heavy rains and flooding to the Texas coast, including Galveston.
One of the earliest known hurricanes to strike the Texas coast, causing significant damage to Galveston’s early settlement.
Brought heavy rain and flooding to Galveston.
A severe drought that affected Texas, including Galveston, leading to agricultural and water supply challenges.
Heavy rains and storm surge flooded large parts of Galveston Island.
While Claudette made landfall farther down the Texas coast, Galveston experienced high winds and storm surge.