
An explosion detroyed a garage in San Leon, TX during Hurricane Ike (photo by Kenn Stearns)
Hurricane Ike was the largest hurricane ever in the Atlantic basin and the third most destructive U.S. hurricane (#1 was Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 followed by #2 Hurricane Andrew in August 1992). Measuring 900 miles in diameter, the storm made final landfall over Galveston, TX with a Category 5 equivalent storm surge and 110 mph winds in the early morning hours of Saturday September 13, 2008.
President George W. Bush made an emergency declaration on September 10. Power began failing in regional Texas towns on September 12 leaving millions without electricity. The price of gas increased due to speculation over damage to oil refineries. Residents began evacuating – those electing to stay were admonished by authorities to get out or “face certain death.”
Most homes and businesses along the shoreline of Galveston Bay were left in ruins. In the photo above, lightning accompanying Hurricane Ike struck a propane cylinder at one home in San Leon, TX. The resulting explosion and fire destroyed a garage but the adjoining home was spared only to fall victim to the ensuing flood surge.
For weeks the nation’s fourth-largest city, Houston, lay paralyzed and virtually blacked out. Gasoline was difficult to find and expensive when found. Grocery store shelves were left empty for weeks. Some residents were without power for more than a month. Most Americans quickly turned their interest to the presidential campaign. Hurricane Ike damages in the U.S. are estimated at $24 billion. More than 300 people are still missing.