The Galveston Hurricane struck on September 8, 1900, and remains the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history. It made landfall in Galveston, Texas, bringing winds exceeding 130 miles per hour and a storm surge that inundated the island. The hurricane caused widespread destruction, with thousands of homes and buildings damaged or destroyed. The aftermath of the hurricane led to significant changes in disaster preparedness and response. In its wake, the city of Galveston raised its elevation by constructing a seawall and raising the ground level to protect against future storms. The tragedy also prompted improvements in weather forecasting and communication.