Hurricane Ike

(CC) Photo: David E. Volk
University of Texas Medical Branch Research Vessel Marie Hall washed up from its dock during Hurricane Ike.

Hurricane Ike made landfall on Galveston Island, Texas at approximately 2:00 AM on September 13th, causing wide-spread damage in the Houston, Texas area. Although it was only a catagory 2 storm at landfall, it was a very large storm. About 2 million people lost electricity in the Houston area, and massive power outages occured as far inland as Tennessee and Ohio. Many Texas communities in the Galveston Bay area, including Galveston, Jamaica Beach, Crystal Beach, Surfside, Gilchrist, Winnie, and others suffered severe damage due to both wind damage and storm surge.

Galveston Island, Texas

The historic Balanese Room is destroyed on Galveston.

(CC) Photo: David E. Volk
A long line of boats washed up onto I45 during Hurricane Ike.

(CC) Photo: David E. Volk
Boats near the Galveston Causeway on I45 after Hurricane Ike.

(CC) Photo: David E. Volk
The 99th Street Fishing Pier on Galveston Island after Hurricane Ike. The lower level of the business was washed away with parts of the pier deck and pilings. Its competitor on 61 St. is completely gone.

(CC) Photo: David E. Volk
An intact spare roof, with all shingles, is found in debris on Jamaica Inn Road in Jamaica Beach on Galveston Island..

Bolivar Peninsula

The Bolivar Peninsula, containing the towns Bolivar, Crystal Beach, and Gilchrist, suffered severe damage as indicated in comparisons of USGS photos taken before and after Hurricane Ike.