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The Peshtigo Fire
Occurring the same day as the Great Chicago Fire, a fire also began in Wisconsin and Michigan, consuming 1.5 million acres of land. Taking the lives of more people than any other fire in the United States, the Peshtigo Fire killed 2,500 people. https://www.history.com/news/deadliest-natural-disasters-us-storm-flood-hurricane-fire
https://www.weather.gov/grb/peshtigofire -
The Johnstown Flood
The Johnstown Flood occurred when a dam, holding 20 million tons of water failed. When the dam broke, a 40-foot high wall of water poured down on Johnstown, Pennsylvania. In just mere minutes, the water destroyed 1,600 homes and killed 2,209 people. Body were later found as far as Cincinnati, Ohio. https://www.history.com/news/deadliest-natural-disasters-us-storm-flood-hurricane-fire
https://www.jaha.org/attractions/johnstown-flood-museum/flood-history/facts-about-the-1889-flood/ -
The Great Galveston Storm
On September 8, 1900, a hurricane hit Galveston, Texas, bearing 140 mph winds, consequently generating a 16-foot storm surge. The storm ripped trolley tracks from their moorings, crushed buildings, and other extreme damages. Considered the deadliest natural disaster in United States history, an estimated 6,000-8,000 people were killed. https://www.history.com/news/deadliest-natural-disasters-us-storm-flood-hurricane-fire -
The 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and Fire
At 5:12 AM, the Northern California city of San Francisco was hit with a 7.9-magnitude earthquake. The shaking created a fissure along the San Andreas fault, stretching 296 miles. The earthquake caused buildings to crumble, and tore through the streets of the city. However, gas lines that were broken as a result of the earthquake hundreds of fire began to spread throughout San Francisco. Consuming nearly 500 city blocks and killing more than 3,000 people, the fire continued for 3 days. -
The Okeechobee Hurricane
Ranking at the fourth deadliest hurricane in United States history, the Okeechobee hurricane was a category 5 storm that mainly affected Florida and the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. It is estimated that from the hurricane, there was an estimated death toll of over 2,000. https://www.weather.gov/mfl/okeechobee -
The July 1936 Heat Wave
During July of 1936, a month associated with the "Dust Bowl," some of highest temperatures in American history resulted in a hot, disastrous summer. Affecting mainly the Plains, Upper Midwest and Great Lakes regions, temperatures reached up to a peak of almost 110 degrees. As the heat greatly disrupted America, it resulted in the death of almost 5,000 people nationwide. https://www.weather.gov/ilx/july1936heat -
Hurricane Katrina
Initially beginning as a category 1 hurricane, Hurricane Katrina quickly transformed into a deadly category 5 storm, its winds reaching speeds up to 175mph. Although Katrina was by far the costliest hurricane in American history, it was only one of the five deadliest storms in America, killing 1,833 people, with significant fatalities in New Orleans. https://www.weather.gov/mob/katrina -
Hurricane Harvey
Hurricane Harvey was a category 4 hurricane that hit Texas and its coast in 2017. Although it was one of the costliest hurricanes in American history, about 107 people were confirmed dead after the natural disaster. This storm was one of the most powerful storms to strike the Gulf of Texas in past decades. https://www.hcfcd.org/About/Harris-Countys-Flooding-History/Hurricane-Harvey -
Hurricane Maria
Hurricane Maria was a very powerful category 5 hurricane that hit Puerto Rico in the fall of 2017. The winds destroyed the United States island, causing extreme damages and accounting for 2,975 of the 3,059 total deaths caused by the natural disaster. https://www.weather.gov/sju/maria2017 -
Hurricane Ida
On the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, a new disaster struck the United States: Hurricane Ida. The category 4 hurricane made landfall around Grand Isle, Louisiana, with wind speeds of over 150mph ripping through the state. Over 9 states in America, Hurricane Ida killed an estimated total of 97 people. https://www.nyc.gov/site/cdbgdr/hurricane-ida/hurricane-ida.page