5 Of The Most Dangerous Hurricanes That Destroyed Texas

Here are the top five most destructive and deadly hurricanes in Texas history:

#5. Hurricane Rita (2005)

• Date: September 24, 2005
• Category: 5 (at peak intensity)

Hurricane Rita resulted in 120 deaths (including those in the evacuation process) and caused an estimated $18.5 billion in damage. The storm surge and strong winds led to widespread flooding and power outages.

#4. Hurricane Carla (1961)

• Date: September 11-12, 1961
• Category: 4

Carla was one of the largest hurricanes in terms of storm size and intensity. It caused significant damage along the Texas coast, particularly in Port O'Connor and Corpus Christi. The hurricane resulted in 43 deaths and an estimated $325 million in damage.

#3. Hurricane Ike (2008)

• Date: September 12-13, 2008
• Category: 4

Ike caused widespread destruction along the Texas coastline. It resulted in 84 deaths and caused an estimated $30 billion in damage.

#2. Hurricane Harvey (2017)

• Date: August 25 - September 3, 2017
• Category: 4

Harvey was one of the costliest hurricanes on record, causing an estimated $125 billion in damage. The storm resulted in catastrophic flooding, particularly in the Houston area, and claimed the lives of 68 people.

#1. The Galveston Hurricane of 1900

• Date: September 8, 1900
• Category: 4

This is the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history. The hurricane caused the death of an estimated 6,000 to 12,000 people. Galveston was almost completely destroyed, as the entire city submerged under 15 feet of water.

From Ike to Carla, these destructive hurricanes remind us of the significant impact  natural disasters can have on Texas, both in terms of human lives and economic costs. It's vital to stay cautious and prepared, especially as record-breaking Hurricane Beryl kicks off the 2024 hurricane season.