26 shocking hurricane photo gallery that rocked the US
Hurricane Season Is Here
Between June 1 and November 30, residents of Florida, Louisiana, and other regions prone to tropical cyclones are preparing to confront whatever storm might roll in. By studying past hurricanes, they can learn vital lessons on what to pack in a go-bag and how to safeguard their property.
Historical Context
- From the 1800s onward, the southeastern United States has recorded numerous hurricane events.
- Over the past century, the lasting effects on communities have become clearer.
Visual and Practical Guide
These 26 images depict the most destructive hurricanes that have struck the United States throughout history.
The Galveston Hurricane of 1900 was, and still is, the deadliest hurricane to hit the United States.
Fatal Galveston Tsunami Leaves Around 11,000 Homeless
AP reports that the catastrophic hurricane toppled Galveston, Texas, on September 8, 1900, at Category 4 intensity.
Massive Casualties Confirmed
- Estimates indicate that 6,000 to 12,000 people were killed by the storm.
- The event is still considered the nation’s deadliest hurricane, 120 years after the disaster.
Unprecedented Human Toll
Historical records from History.com suggest that the sheer destruction wrought by the hurricane remains the most lethal storm experienced in U.S. history, even today.
A large section of Galveston was destroyed by the storm.
Galveston’s Hurricane—A Catastrophe Unveiled
Why the Disaster Was Unmatched
Two pivotal factors turned an ordinary storm into a tragedy: absence of any warning and a soaring storm surge that surged 8 to 15 feet. The surge itself battered structures and displaced populations in a vicious feedback loop.
Damage Landscape
- 3,600 homes were obliterated, leaving a shattered housing market.
- Financial losses equate to $640 million when adjusted for today’s economic dollars.
- The loss of life follows the highest toll recorded for a modern hurricane.
Community Resilience
As the rubble was cleared, local and national teams collaborated to rebuild the city and support survivors, turning a moment of devastation into a lasting effort of hope.
The Miami Hurricane of 1926 crippled Florida for decades.
1926 Miami Hurricane Leaves $164 Billion in Today’s Dollars
The catastrophic storm that battered Miami in 1926 remains one of the deadliest in U.S. history. Despite minimal early warning from the National Weather Service, many residents were still unaware that the hurricane was in full force when the eye moved over the city.
Key Facts
- Deaths: 372 people lost their lives in the disaster.
- Injuries: Over 6,000 individuals sustained serious wounds.
- Property Damage: The total financial cost amounted to $164 billion in today’s dollars.
What Went Wrong?
When the storm’s eye passed over Miami, skies briefly cleared, masking the storm’s true severity. The eye, however, marks the storm’s central core, and the violent conditions that followed caused the overwhelming loss of life and property.
Legacy
Modern meteorologists study the 1926 event to improve forecasting and emergency response, ensuring that future hurricanes receive timely alerts.
The Okeechobee Hurricane of 1928 was the second-deadliest hurricane to hit the US.
1928 Central Florida Hurricane
b>The hurricane struck central Florida as a Category 4 storm, claiming between 1,770 and 2,300 lives.
Storm Surge and Flooding
- The surge, driven by wind from Lake Okeechobee, reached 6 to 10 feet.
- Water spilled into nearby cities, inundating homes, roads, and businesses.
Over 1,000 people drowned in the flood, plunging the region into emergency and tragedy.
The 1935 Labor Day Hurricane is one of four in US history that have made landfall as a Category 5 storm.
The winds were so powerful that they swept an 11-car passenger train off its tracks.
Evacuation Effort Shattered by Hurricane in Florida Keys
As a derailing force broke the railroad tracks linking the Florida Keys to the mainland, a rescue train that had vowed to ferry residents away was thwarted before it could even arrive.
Key Facts
- Track destruction – The hurricane leveled the critical rail link.
- Veteran casualties – World War I veterans working on a highway were among those that waited for the train.
- Rescue failure – Storm winds derailed the rescue train, ending the evacuation attempt.
Additional Context
Reports from USA Today highlight the devastation, while the World Digital Library confirms the tragic loss of veterans working on a highway, period.
Hurricane Camille had the highest speeds of any hurricane to hit the US when it made landfall in 1969.
Town’s Business District Devastated by Hurricane
Hurricane Caused Massive Destruction
- Destroyed the town’s main business district.
- Winds reached an estimated 190 miles per hour as the storm crossed Mississippi.
- Maximum sustained winds remain unknown because the hurricane destroyed all wind‑recording instruments in the area.
- Camille is one of the four Category 5 hurricanes that made landfall in the United States.
In the days following Camille, fresh water was scarce for survivors.
Water scarcity grips Gulfport after the hurricane
Residents fight to access clean drinking water
After the storm swept through Mississippi, the town faced a drastic lack of safe water. Broken pipes scattered across the rubble, forcing people to find water in unconventional ways.
Key moments captured by reporters
- 11‑year‑old Carl Wright is seen drinking from a broken pipe amid the debris of his father’s gas station.
- The photo, taken by AP Photo/Jack Thornell, highlights the desperate conditions faced by the community.
- Local authorities are working to restore restored water access and mitigate the impact of the storm.
Community response and next steps
The town is coordinating with emergency services to distribute clean water and repair infrastructure. Residents are urged to stay vigilant as cleanup operations continue.
In the aftermath, citizens tried to return to everyday activities.
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Pass Christian Laundry Rescue
Anthony Piernas lent a hand to Linda Porter as they displayed laundry on a school board in Pass Christian, Mississippi, a mere two days after Hurricane Camille took a toll on the community’s church and apartment complex.
- Anthony Piernas helped Linda Porter hang laundry.
- Background: Hurricane Camille damage to church and apartment house.
- Storm surge: 24.6 feet per National Weather Service.
Storm Surge Milestone
Despite their efforts, the task proved challenging. The National Weather Service recorded a 24.6‑foot storm surge that inundated the town.
When it hit Florida, Hurricane Andrew had winds strong enough to blow this sailboat ashore.
Hurricane Andrew: A Category 5 Disaster
Key Facts
- Peak Speed: 164 mph (estimated)
- Damage: $26.5 billion across the United States
- Impact Zone: Southern Florida and south‑central Louisiana
Wind Power Uncertainty
While the official record lists Andrew’s wind velocity at 167 mph, the same destructive force that tore Camille’s gauges left this speed officially unknown.
Aftermath Overview
Andrew’s ferocity left a trail of devastation, translating to billions in economic loss and extensive human suffering. The storm’s legacy remains a stark reminder of nature’s raw power.
Andrew negatively impacted both the economy and the environment of Florida.
Hurricane Andrew Devastates South Florida
On the evening of August 16, the powerful Hurricane Andrew slammed South Florida with gale-force winds reaching an astonishing 160 mph. The relentless storm ripped large trees from the ground, leaving a trail of damage across the region.
Impact on Everglades National Park
- Nearly one‑third of the pine trees in the Everglades were severely uprooted, creating a stark visual reminder of the storm’s ferocity.
- Environmental authorities are now assessing the long‑term ecological effects of the widespread tree loss.
Aftermath: Homelessness and Business Loss
In the wake of the hurricane, 250,000 residents found themselves without shelter as the storm destroyed or damaged a staggering 82,000 businesses. Local officials are mobilizing recovery efforts and coordinating relief distributions to help the hardest‑hit communities rebuild.
Recovery Efforts
- State and federal agencies are coordinating debris removal and infrastructure restoration.
- Emergency shelters have opened across the area, providing temporary housing for displaced families.
- Community outreach programs are offering financial assistance and counseling services.
The damage caused by Andrew totaled $26.5 billion.
Florida’s Trailer Parks Reclaimed by Andrew Storm
Andrew: The Most Costly Storm of Its Era
- Andrew’s Legacy — The National Park Service highlighted Andrew as the most expensive storm in its time.
- Until Hurricane Katrina 15 years later, Andrew stood at the pinnacle of destructive force.
Devastation Across Florida
- Trailer Parks Destroyed — The powerful Andrew storm obliterated trailer parks across the state.
- Florida’s communities faced significant losses as the storm rattled homes and businesses.
Historical Context
- Andrew’s 5-year reign ended as Katrina’s 10-year reign surpassed its destructive power.
- 2015’s record destruction in Florida continued the trend of intense storm activity in the region.
Hurricane Katrina, the costliest storm to make landfall in the US, claimed more than 1,800 lives.
Hurricane Katrina’s Devastation Unveiled
In the torrential wake of Hurricane Katrina, the National Hurricane Center recorded a staggering toll of 1,833 fatalities. The catastrophe’s reach stretched across the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Louisiana, leaving an arrow of destruction that cost the U.S. an estimated $125 billion in damage.
Levees Breached, Floods Unleashed
When the storm surge breached the levee system surrounding New Orleans, a deluge swept across the city. The inundation surged to such an extent that nearly 80% of the city found itself submerged. In hotspots like St. Bernard Parish and the Ninth Ward, water levels climbed so steeply that residents sought refuge in attics and rooftops.
Impact Beyond the Coast
Beyond mass flooding, the hurricane inflicted widespread property damage. The relentless assault on the Gulf Coast and the Louisiana landscape normalised a surge that reached into the heart of the continental United States.
Key Takeaways
- Fatalities: 1,833 people lost to the storm.
- Financial damage: Over $125 billion in estimated costs.
- Flooding: 80% of New Orleans submerged, and levees breached.
Thousands of people took shelter in New Orleans’ Superdome.
Superdome Becomes Last Resort Before Hurricane Katrina
Mayor Declares Stadium as Final Shelter
On the eve of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans officials designated the Superdome as a “last‑resort” refuge for residents in the thunderstorm’s wake. The city later accepted 15,000 additional evacuees after the hurricane’s full force battered the metropolis.
Nearly Ten Thousand Seek Safety Inside Stadium
According to the History Channel, close to 10,000 people entered the Superdome as the storm intensified. The dome’s towering interior offered a temporary haven as the hurricane swept through Louisiana.
Limited Supplies Prompt Criticism of Government Response
In the days that followed the storm’s arrival, shelter occupants faced scarce provisions while waiting for evacuation directives. Many observers chastised the city’s administration for a sluggish reaction to the disaster’s escalating threat.
In the aftermath of Katrina, water had to be pumped out of flooded areas.
Reclaiming Floodwater from Levee Breakages
How Pipes Reverse Levee Failures
The water that surged through the shattered levees is being siphoned back by a network of pumping pipes. Engineers have routed the expelled flow back into the drainage that channels the excess from the damaged barriers.
Visual Evidence of Levee Destruction
AP Photo/Steven Senne captures the levee collapse that triggered the sudden influx.
Impact on the Gulf Coast Populace
- Displaced Population – The Data Center estimates that nearly one million residents were forced to leave their homes due to the hurricane.
- Recovery Efforts – Local authorities are coordinating the removal of debris and re-establishing the levee system.
- Long‑Term Planning – The government is reviewing flood prevention strategies to mitigate future levee breaches.
When it hit in 2012, Hurricane Sandy caused $70 billion in damage and killed 285 people.
Storm Surge in New Jersey
At its peak, the storm brought winds of 80 miles per hour as it struck Atlantic City, New Jersey, according to Live Science.
Key Facts
- The wind gusts reached 80 mph when the storm hit the Atlantic City area.
- Flooding extended from Jersey into New York, where the rising water pushed over downtown Manhattan’s seawalls.
- Highways and low‑lying streets in Manhattan were inundated, forcing subways into flooded conditions.
Shutterstock images depict the city’s streets under the relentless surge.
Several fires broke out because of the storm.
Queens Fire: 80+ Homes Reduced to Ash
Queens Residents: A single inferno left more than 80 homes in ruins.
- Fire ignited in a densely populated neighborhood.
- Emergency crews battled flames for several hours.
- Authorities are investigating what triggered the blaze.
Impact on the Community
Numerous families are displaced, and the local fire department is assessing the damage.
Next Steps
Officials urge residents to stay clear of affected areas and to report any suspicious fires.
The winds were so strong that it pushed the Star Jet roller coaster off its pier.
The Star Jet roller coaster was forced into the Atlantic Ocean by a storm
Incident overview
The Star Jet roller coaster, a popular attraction in (City), was hurled into the Atlantic Ocean by a powerful storm. Workers later dismantled the ride.
Key details
- Storm impact: Heavy winds blew the coaster into open water.
- Ride dismantling: Workers dismantled the ride after the storm.
- Safety measures: Authorities are reviewing safety protocols for ocean-facing rides.
- Future plans: The coaster is slated for replacement with a new design.
Community response
Visitors and local residents expressed concern over the loss of a beloved attraction. Community leaders are working to resume the ride in a safer configuration.
In 2017, Hurricane Harvey caused $125 billion worth of damage in Houston.
How Harvey Became Texas’s Worst Storm Since 1919
Harvey’s arrival on the Gulf Coast in late August set the stage for historic flooding and a record‑breaking tornado outbreak. The Texas Tribune highlighted the $4‑billion in property damage that the storm wrought across the state.
Key Figures
- Deadliest storm in Texas history – 68 people lost their lives during Harvey.
- Most intense state hurricane since 1919 – The Office for Coastal Management named Harvey the deadliest storm to hit Texas in more than a century.
- Billions in damage – Hurricane forces and extreme rainfall left the state grappling with $4‑billion in property and infrastructure damage.
What Harvey Unites
From massive water surges in Houston’s downtown to fierce tornado outbreaks across the panhandle, Harvey’s impact shows the power and danger of a single, intense Gulf storm. The night the storm struck, Texas communities faced unprecedented threats that still echo a century after the 1919 ridge hurricane.
Harvey impacted Texas’ economy, making for a slow recovery in parts.
Houston’s Long‑Term Recovery Leaves the Poorest Communities Last
New York Times Highlights the Staggered Resurgence of the Southwest’s Residents
The analysis, carried out earlier by the New York Times, shows that one year has passed since the hurricane struck Houston, yet many citizens continue to face significant challenges. The report points out that victimized communities are still in a recovery phase, and the recovery process is unequal across neighborhoods.
- Slow Recovery for the Nearest Municipalities – The most disadvantaged districts are the ones that have yet to see a noticeable resurgence.
- Persistent Adversities – Residents in the poorest areas are still confronting severe issues that have hampered progress as the storm’s effects linger.
- One‑Year Gap – The passage of a full year after the hurricane suggests that the broader recovery lags behind, especially for the lower‑income groups.
Hurricane Maria hit the US territory of Puerto Rico in 2017, knocking out the power grid and causing widespread flooding.
Hurricane Maria Strikes the Caribbean as a Category 4 Storm
Hurricane Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico and the Caribbean with wind speeds reaching up to 155 miles per hour, rendering it the third‑strongest storm to strike the United States in recent history.
Timing of the Storm
- Maria arrived less than two weeks after Hurricane Irma.
- It hit a month after Hurricane Harvey.
Impact and Strength
According to World Vision, the Category 4 storm was among the hardest to face, leaving significant damage across the region.
Key Facts
- Wind gusts peaked at 155 miles per hour.
- It was the third‑strongest U.S. storm to make landfall.
The hurricane likely killed thousands, even though the original death toll was reported to be 64.
Hurricane Maria: Death Toll, Power Outage and Federal Assistance
Background
Hurricane Maria made landfall in the Caribbean in 2017, striking Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands with unprecedented force. The storm unleashed the largest power blackout recorded in U.S. history and the second‑largest worldwide, leaving millions without electricity and basic utilities.
Revised Death Toll
Official reports initially listed 64 fatalities. A 2018 congressional aid request acknowledged a higher death toll of 1,400, but a 2018 Harvard analysis estimated that the hurricane actually caused 4,645 deaths, largely due to:
- Insufficient medical care
- Loss of transportation and communication networks
- Extended power outages
Federal Aid Request
The Puerto Rican government submitted a 2018 report to Congress that requested $139 billion in federal aid, reflecting the level of damage and the need for extensive post‑hurricane recovery efforts.
National Impact
According to CNN, the blackout brought the storm into the spotlight as the most extensive power outage experienced in U.S. history, following which the incident was the second‑largest worldwide.
Hurricane Ian pummeled southwest Florida in 2022, with winds at nearly Category 5 speeds.
Hurricane Ian Arrives with Near‑Cat 5 Force
Key Facts at a Glance
- Recorded wind speed: 150 mph at the moment of landfall
- Estimated pathway: Category 5 potential with 157 mph or greater, per Gov. Ron DeSantis
- Impact zone: Cayo Costa, Lee County, Florida
- Rainfall on a single day: over one foot, leading to severe flooding
Community Conditions Post‑Storm
Lee County officials conveyed a sense of devastation, stating that the area “has been, in some respects, decimated” after the cyclone’s passage.
Facial Overview of the Storm
The hurricane caused catastrophic flooding, widespread blackouts, and shut down airports.
Hurricane Ian Lights Darkened Southwest Florida
Power outages left more than 2.6 million homes in the coastal southwest of Florida unable to see the storm’s fury.
Transportation Prompted to Halt Flights
- Tampa Bay International Airport suspended all operations on Monday.
- St. Pete/Clearwater International Airport also withdrew flights.
- Orlando International Airport cancelled every commercial flight starting Wednesday.
- Jacksonville International Airport announced the cancellation of all flights scheduled for Thursday.
Groundbreaking Damage and Community Resilience
Reports from the Florida Department of Transportation confirmed that the airport shutdowns were due to the storm’s extreme winds and flooding. Residents are now waiting for power restoration services to arrive and are preparing for the next day’s recovery efforts.
In 2024, Hurricane Helene became the deadliest storm to hit the US mainland since Katrina.
Devastating Hurricane Leaves Nearly 250 Lives Lost
AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File
The Category 4 storm tore across Florida’s Big Bend region, bringing wind speeds that exceeded 140 mph, according to the Florida Climate Center.
Rampant Floods in Asheville
- Streets were completely inundated.
- Roads and hospital infrastructure suffered extensive damage.
- The crisis in the town has intensified significantly.
Impact on North Carolina Communities
As the hurricane moved into the South Appalachians, North Carolina towns experienced severe flooding and widespread damage to public services.
The Appalachian communities saw rivers overflowing thanks to the historic rainfall.
Hurricane Helen’s Devastating Impact
Estimated damages: $78 billion across North Carolina and beyond.
North Carolina’s Hardest Hit
- Death count: Over 100 fatalities recorded in the state.
- Flooding: Dramatic waters broke through communities, especially downstream.
- Landslides: Western regions suffered major slope collapses, causing widespread loss.
Key Damage Categories
- Infrastructure: Bridges, roads, and utilities damaged or destroyed.
- Residential: Homes lost to flooding and wind.
- Commercial: Businesses shuttered and supplies disrupted.
- Environmental: Ecosystems degraded and coastal erosion accelerated.
Official Assessment
The Weather Channel reports the storm’s toll, highlighting the state’s vulnerability to intense tropical systems.