Great Storm of 1900: Galveston, TX
The Warnings: A ship departing New Orleans reported encountering a storm with winds of approximately 100 mph in the Gulf of Mexico. Some damage occurred near New Orleans, damaging the telegraph system and limiting communication about the storm.
On September 4th the weather bureau in Galveston, TX received reports of a storm in Cuba. However, due to political tensions, trajectory predictions from Cuba, who had the most advanced meteorological equipment at the time, were given little weight by the US meteorological bureau. Cuba insisted the storm was heading for TX, but the US believed it would hit the mid Atlantic coast. Few people evacuated Galveston, and the weather did not appear ominous as the storm neared land. |
The Storm: On September 9, 1900 a category 4 hurricane made land fall in Galveston, TX. The storm was the deadliest natural disaster in the history of the United States. Approximately 8,000 people died, most in and around Galveston. A storm surge of 15 feet washed over the entire island. The barometric pressure was 28.48 inHg (inches of mercury), and was so low that it was believed to be an error!(29.53 is considered normal at sea level) Bridges and telegraph lines were destroyed and so no one on the mainland realized the extent of the devastation.
The Results: Prior to the storm, Galveston had been a vibrant, modern city on the coast of Texas with a population of 37,000. There had been talk of building a sea wall, but it had been decided that the wall would be too difficult to build and the risk of needing it was low. After the storm, 30,000 people were homeless and every home in the city has sustained damage. Galveston now has a sea wall - 17 feet high, 16 feet thick at the base, and 10 miles long.
The Results: Prior to the storm, Galveston had been a vibrant, modern city on the coast of Texas with a population of 37,000. There had been talk of building a sea wall, but it had been decided that the wall would be too difficult to build and the risk of needing it was low. After the storm, 30,000 people were homeless and every home in the city has sustained damage. Galveston now has a sea wall - 17 feet high, 16 feet thick at the base, and 10 miles long.
Hurricane Katrina: New Orleans, LA - 2005
The Warnings: In contrast to the minimal communication that was available during the 1900 storm in Galveston, the National Hurricane Center issued some very clear and dire warnings regarding Katrina. On August 26th the National Hurricane Center issued a statement that the storm's expected path had shifted from the FL panhandle to the coast of Louisiana. The Governor of LA issued a mandatory evacuation of some parishes (areas) of New Orleans. Read over this bulletin issued by the National Hurricane Center on August 28th.
While there were warnings from the National Hurricane Center, not everyone was able to evacuate New Orleans. Many residents in the most at risk areas were unable to evacuate due to financial situations. The Super Dome was opened as an emergency shelter.
While there were warnings from the National Hurricane Center, not everyone was able to evacuate New Orleans. Many residents in the most at risk areas were unable to evacuate due to financial situations. The Super Dome was opened as an emergency shelter.
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Warning of the Potential for Disaster: In 2004 PBS programming (NOVA) presented a program that described the risk of a strong hurricane hitting New Orleans. |
The Storm:
Hurricane Katrina made the nightmare predictions a reality. The levees failed, people were trapped, and a humanitarian crisis on top of the natural disaster ensued. |
It is recommended that you stop viewing at 3:06. Visual images after this point may be disturbing for some viewers
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Hurricane Katrina was one of the greatest natural disasters in America's History. While hurricanes cannot be prevented, human impacts can worsen their affects. In August of 2005, New Orleans became the victim of mother nature and human impacts on the environment.
Hurricane Matthew - Oct 9, 2016
Matthew in Haiti
While you may be familiar with the effects of hurricane Matthew here in Eastern North Carolina, we were not the only ones affected. Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, took a direct hit from the storm. Hundreds were killed and they have still not recovered. |
Matthew in North Carolina
Hurricane Matthew struck in 2016. It is one that most of you likely remember. It was devastating for much of Eastern North Carolina, resulting in extensive flooding and a loss of life. Read the article linked to the button on the left to learn more about why flooding was so extensive during Matthew. |
Is Haiti Healed?
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