10 of the Worst Hurricanes in U.S. History (2024)

Extreme weather events have haunted humanity throughout history, but few phenomena evoke as much fear and awe as the wrath of a hurricane. These powerful storms have left a lasting impact on the communities they’ve struck, shaping the course of history in their wake. By examining 10 of the worst hurricanes in U.S. history — in terms of wind speed, damage, cost and fatalities — we can better understand the true power of nature and the resilience of the human spirit.

Key Takeaways

Contents

1. The Devastation of Galveston (1900)
2. The Tragedy of Hurricane María (2017)
3. The Catastrophe of Hurricane Katrina (2005)
4. The Fury of Hurricane Andrew (1992)
5. The Havoc of Hurricane Sandy (2012)
6. The Wrath of Hurricane Camille (1969)
7. The Calamity of the Labor Day Hurricane (1935)
8. The Destruction of the Okeechobee Hurricane (1928)
9. The Terror of the Great Miami Hurricane (1926)
10. The Nightmare of Hurricane Harvey (2017)
11. Summary
12. Frequently Asked Questions

The Galveston Hurricane of 1900, also known as the Great Galveston Hurricane, stands as one of the most destructive and deadly hurricanes in U.S. history, with estimated maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (225 kph). This catastrophic event occurred during the hurricane season and struck the island municipality of Galveston, Texas, causing massive destruction along the Gulf Coast.

The Great Galveston Hurricane had a devastating impact on the city of Galveston.

The horrific aftermath of the Galveston hurricane serves as a grim reminder of the potential devastation that hurricanes can inflict. With each passing year, we must continue to learn from these tragic events and work to mitigate the impacts of future storms.

The year 2017 witnessed one of the most destructive major hurricanes ever to strike Puerto Rico: Hurricane María. Classified as a Category 4 storm, María had a profound impact on the island, leaving its power grid in complete disarray. The intense precipitation, which is now five times more likely today than in 1950, could be a result of climate change.

The death toll from Hurricane María is a heartbreaking reminder of the human cost of such disasters, with approximately 3,000 people perishing in the storm. The financial impact was equally devastating, with an estimated $111.6 billion in damages (in 2023 dollars) caused by the hurricane.

Hurricane María serves as a stark example of the challenges that communities face in the wake of such powerful storms. It is a call to action for improved disaster preparedness and a greater understanding of the effects of climate change on extreme weather events.

One of the costliest hurricanes in American history, Hurricane Katrina, unleashed its fury on the Gulf Coast in 2005. The primary factor responsible for the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina was a storm surge, which led to more than 50 breaches in the surge protection levees surrounding New Orleans, resulting in the flooding of at least 80 percent of the city. The reported death toll of Hurricane Katrina is approximately 1,392 — originally, there were an estimated 1,800 casualties. The estimated amount of property damage caused by Hurricane Katrina was a staggering $100 billion.

The hurricane’s impact also extended to the oil industry, with 30 oil platforms damaged or destroyed during the storm. Hurricane Katrina remains a somber reminder of the vulnerability of coastal communities and the importance of investing in infrastructure to protect against the devastating effects of hurricanes.

In 1992, Hurricane Andrew, which made landfall as a Category 5 hurricane, left a path of destruction in its wake as it tore through South Florida. The hurricane’s impact was felt most acutely in the region’s housing, with the storm destroying approximately 25,000 homes and leaving 160,000 people unhoused.

The total estimated damage caused by Hurricane Andrew was an astounding $26 billion. The human toll of the hurricane was significant as well, with 32 people losing their lives as a result of the storm.

The destruction brought about by Hurricane Andrew highlights the immense power of these storms and the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of such destructive forces, as emphasized by the National Hurricane Center.

Superstorm Sandy, which struck the East Coast in 2012, left an indelible mark on the region, particularly in New York and New Jersey. The storm impacted several states, with more than 300,000 homes in the inundation zone in New York alone. The largest diameter Atlantic hurricane on record, Sandy’s tropical storm-force winds spanned 900 miles (1,448 km) after merging with a winter storm.

As a result of Hurricane Sandy, approximately 8.2 million residents experienced power outages. The estimated economic impact of the storm was $85.9 billion (in 2023 dollars), emphasizing the enormous financial burden that such disasters can have on communities.

Superstorm Sandy serves as a stark reminder of the need for comprehensive disaster planning and the importance of understanding the potential impacts of hurricanes on the East Coast.

Hurricane Camille, one of the four Category 5 storms to have impacted the United States, left a trail of destruction in 1969. The hurricane claimed the lives of approximately 256 individuals due to the rainfall, winds and flooding caused by the storm.

With an estimated financial cost of $1.42 billion in damages, Hurricane Camille serves as a stark example of the economic devastation that can result from one of the costliest hurricanes. The tragic consequences of Hurricane Camille underscore the immense power of these storms and the importance of investing in infrastructure and disaster preparedness to protect lives and property.

The 1935 Labor Day Hurricane, a Category 5 storm, wreaked havoc on the Florida Keys, causing catastrophic damage to the region. The unnamed storm’s estimated 18-foot (5.5-meter) storm surge left an estimated 485 people dead, including World War I veterans who were living in the area.

The hurricane destroyed the town of Islamorada, and nearly decimated all structures between Tavernier and Marathon. The Great Labor Day Hurricane serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating power of hurricanes and the need for proper planning and preparedness in the face of such destructive events.

The deadly consequences of the San Felipe-Okeechobee Hurricane in 1928 deeply affected Florida and Puerto Rico, with severe floods resulting from the storm. The hurricane struck as a Category 4 storm, with wind speeds of 160 mph when it hit Puerto Rico, unleashing hurricane force winds.

The estimated property damage caused by the Okeechobee hurricane in Florida was $25 million. The death toll of the hurricane was at least 2,500 (though the exact number is not known), making it one of the deadliest storms in U.S. history.

The San Felipe-Okeechobee Hurricane serves as a tragic reminder of the immense power of hurricanes and the importance of investing in infrastructure and disaster preparedness to protect lives and property.

The unnamed Category 4 hurricane struck Miami in 1926. The storm:

The hurricane’s impact demonstrated the vulnerability of coastal communities to such powerful storms and underscored the importance of investing in infrastructure to protect against their devastating effects.

As we continue to learn from the tragic events of hurricanes like the Great Miami Hurricane, we must strive to build resilient communities that can withstand the destructive power of these storms.

Hurricane Harvey, a Category 4 hurricane, struck San Jose Island, Texas, in 2017, causing:

The death toll of Hurricane Harvey was at least 68, highlighting the human cost of such disasters. Some scientists suggested that human-induced climate change made an impact. However, Christopher W. Landsea, a Chief, Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch at the National Hurricane Center, explains that “roughly 3 percent of hurricane rainfall today can be reasonably attributed to manmade global warming. This value is a rather tiny contribution. Thus only about 2 inches (50 mm) of Hurricane Harvey’s peak amount of 60 inches (1,525 mm) can be linked to man-made global warming.”

The devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey emphasizes the need for improved disaster preparedness and a greater understanding of the effects of climate change on extreme weather events.

What was the worst hurricane in United States history?

The Galveston Hurricane of August 1900 was the deadliest hurricane in United States history, according to NOAA, causing tremendous destruction and loss of life. An estimated 8,000 to 12,000 people died in the storm, making it the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history. Experts estimated the storm surge at about 15.7 feet (4.8 m).

What were the three worst hurricanes in history?

There are different ways to categorize the worst hurricanes, but three of the worst hurricanes in history are the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, the Lake Okeechobee Hurricane of 1928 and the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane.

What was the biggest hurricane?

Hurricane Fifi is one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded. It hit Honduras and other parts of Central America in 1974 and caused devastating damage.

Which hurricane caused the most significant economic damage?

Hurricane Katrina in 2005 caused the most significant economic damage: an estimated $193 billion (in 2023 dollars).

How many Category 5 hurricanes have impacted the United States?

Four Category 5 hurricanes have impacted the United States, including Hurricane Camille in 1969.

This article was created using AI technology, then fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.