CRYSTAL BEACH, TX - SEPTEMBER 14: Houses sit among debris after Hurricane Ike made landfall September 14, 2008 in Crystal Beach, Texas. Floodwaters from Hurricane Ike are reportedly as high as eight feet in some areas causing widespread damage across the coast of Texas. (Photo by David J. Phillip-Pool/Getty Images)GALVESTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 12: A man tries to rescue a car that was swept away by flood water caused by Hurricane Ike while trying to evacuate Galveston Island September 12, 2008 in Galveston, Texas. The eye of the hurricane is expected to make landfall at Galveston Island early Saturday morning. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)GALVESTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 12: Vehicles flooded by the tidal surge from Hurricane Ike sit along a street September 12, 2008 in Galveston, Texas. The eye of the hurricane is expected to make landfall at Galveston Island early Saturday morning. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)GALVESTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 13: In this aerial photo, a home is surrounded by floodwaters from Hurricane Ike September 13, 2008 in Galveston, Texas. Ike caused extensive damage along the Texas Gold Coast, leaving millions without power. (Photo by David J. Phillip-Pool/Getty Images)HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 13: A man walks by the JP Morgan Chase Tower which had many windows blown out when Hurricane Ike passed through the city September 13, 2008 in Houston Texas. Hurricane Ike made landfall in the middle of the night causing widespread damage. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 13: A semi truck is stranded in flood water caused by Hurricane Ike on Interstate 10 September 13, 2008 near Houston, Texas. Ike made landfall near Galveston, TX early today as a category 2 hurricane with wind speeds of around 110 MPH. causing massive flooding and wind damage. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)HOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 14: Motorists push a vehicle from high water during early morning rains in the wake of Hurricane Ike September 14, 2008 in Houston, Texas. Floodwaters from Hurricane Ike are reportedly as high as eight feet in some areas causing widespread damage across the coast of Texas. (Photo by Smiley N. Pool-Pool/Getty Images)HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 14: Interstate 10 is flooded and impassable following Hurricane Ike September 14, 2008 in Houston, Texas. Ike caused extensive damage along the Texas Gold Coast, leaving millions without power. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 14: An intersection of the Woodland Heights remains flooded from Hurricane Ike September 14, 2008 in Houston, Texas. Ike caused extensive damage along the Texas Gold Coast, leaving millions without power. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 14: Interstate 10 is flooded and impassable following Hurricane Ike September 14, 2008 in Houston, Texas. Ike caused extensive damage along the Texas Gold Coast, leaving millions without power. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)HOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 14: Traffic passes single file through high water on Interstate 45 after early morning rains in the wake of Hurricane Ike September 14, 2008 in Houston, Texas. Floodwaters from Hurricane Ike are reportedly as high as eight feet in some areas causing widespread damage across the coast of Texas. (Photo by Smiley N. Pool-Pool/Getty Images)CRYSTAL BEACH, TX - SEPTEMBER 14: Houses sit among debris after Hurricane Ike made landfall September 14, 2008 in Crystal Beach, Texas. Floodwaters from Hurricane Ike are reportedly as high as eight feet in some areas causing widespread damage across the coast of Texas. (Photo by David J. Phillip-Pool/Getty Images)HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 14: A few low lying areas surrounding Downtown Houston are still flooded from Hurricane Ike September 14, 2008 in Houston, Texas. Ike caused extensive damage along the Texas Gold Coast, leaving millions without power. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)GALVESTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 14: The remains of a bar on a pier damaged by Hurricane Ike September 14, 2008 in Galveston, Texas. Ike made landfall yesterday morning at Galveston causing widespread wind and flood damage along the Texas and Louisiana coasts. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)CRYSTAL BEACH, TX - SEPTEMBER 14: Houses sit among debris after Hurricane Ike made landfall September 14, 2008 in Crystal Beach, Texas. Floodwaters from Hurricane Ike are reportedly as high as eight feet in some areas causing widespread damage across the coast of Texas. (Photo by David J. Phillip-Pool/Getty Images)GALVESTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 15: A building rests on a boat following Hurricane Ike September 15, 2008 in Galveston, Texas. Although search and rescue efforts continue on the island city officials have confirmed 4 deaths from the storm and have arrested 11 people for looting. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)GALVESTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 15: Boats damaged in Hurricane Ike are strewn in the yards of homes September 15, 2008 in Galveston, Texas. Hurricane Ike caused extensive damage along the Texas Gold Coast, leaving millions without power. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)GALVESTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 15: Keith Hinze embraces his wife Connie in front of the place where Keith worked before the building was swept away by Hurricane Ike September 15, 2008 in Galveston, Texas. Although search and rescue efforts continue on the island city officials have confirmed four deaths from the storm and have arrested 11 people for looting. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)GALVESTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 15: A road is collapsed following Hurricane Ike September 15, 2008 in Galveston, Texas. Although search and rescue efforts continue on the island city officials have confirmed 4 deaths from the storm and have arrested 11 people for looting. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)KEMAH, TX - SEPTEMBER 16: A McDonald's near the Johnson Space Center had its sign damaged by Hurricane Ike September 16, 2008 in Kemah, Texas. Hurricane Ike caused widespread damage and power outages on the Texas coast. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)GALVESTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 16: People walk past debris on Seawall Blvd. left behind by Hurricane Ike September 16, 2008 in Galveston, Texas. Most of the island remains without running water, electricity or gas since the hurricane hit the island in the early morning hours of September 13. City officials have confirmed five deaths from the storm and have arrested 11 people for looting. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)HOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 14: Motorists push a vehicle from high water during early morning rains in the wake of Hurricane Ike September 14, 2008 in Houston, Texas. Floodwaters from Hurricane Ike are reportedly as high as eight feet in some areas causing widespread damage across the coast of Texas. (Photo by Smiley N. Pool-Pool/Getty Images)GALVESTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 17: Eugene Richardson dries out his possessions after his home was flooded by Hurricane Ike September 17, 2008 in Galveston, Texas. Most of the island remains without running water, electricity or gas since the hurricane. Fifty deaths nationwide have been attributed to the storm, with five from Galveston. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)GALVESTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 18: Debris floats in the water at the marina following Hurricane Ike September 18, 2008 in Galveston, Texas. Most of the island remains without running water, electricity or gas since the hurricane hit in the early morning hours of September 13. Fifty deaths have been reported nationwide from the storm, five in Galveston. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)CRYSTAL BEACH, TX- SEPTEMBER 18: A gas station on HWY 87 is left demolished following Hurricane Ike, on September 18, 2008 in Crystal Beach, Texas. Hurricane Ike caused wide spread damage and power outages and is responsible for several deaths. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)GALVESTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 19: A worker removes debris from an art gallery in the Strand District after it was flood damaged by Hurricane Ike September 19, 2008 in Galveston, Texas. Most of the island remains without running water, electricity or gas since the hurricane hit in the early morning hours of September 13. Seven deaths have been reported in Galveston County following the storm. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)SEABROOK, TX- SEPTEMBER 19: A sign on a home damaged by Hurricane Ike reads "Allstate Help Me" September 19, 2008 in Seabrook, Texas. Hurricane Ike caused wide spread damage and power outages throughout the Texas coast and is responsible for several deaths. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)SEABROOK, TX- SEPTEMBER 19: Mary Anne Schmitz looks for her items in the rubble where her beach home once stood before Hurricane Ike demolished it September 19, 2008 in Seabrook, Texas. Hurricane Ike caused wide spread damage and power outages throughout the Texas coast and is responsible for several deaths. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)GALVESTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 20: A Texas Air National Guard convoy drives through the historic downtown district which was heavily damaged during Hurricane Ike September 20, 2008 in Galveston, Texas. Galveston Island, which took a direct hit from the hurricane, continues its slow recovery despite most of its residents still not being allowed to return home. Seven deaths have been reported in Galveston County following the storm. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)GALVESTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 21: Workers prepare to remove a sailboat washed up onto the edge of the highway into Galveston by Hurricane Ike September 21, 2008 in Galveston, Texas. The city announced yesterday that most residents would not be allowed to return to their homes before Wednesday September 24. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)GALVESTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 21: Workers prepare to remove a sailboat washed up onto the edge of the highway into Galveston by Hurricane Ike September 21, 2008 in Galveston, Texas. The city announced yesterday that most residents would not be allowed to return to their homes before Wednesday September 24. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)Homes destroyed by Hurricane Ike line the west end of Jamaica Beach on Galveston Island,September 29, 2008 in Galveston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/WireImage)Homes destroyed by Hurricane Ike line the west end of Jamaica Beach on Galveston Island,September 29, 2008 in Galveston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/WireImage)Mobile homes destroyed by Hurricane Ike line the west end of Jamaica Beach on Galveston Island,September 29, 2008 in Galveston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/WireImage)
2008 Getty Images
CRYSTAL BEACH, TX - SEPTEMBER 14: Houses sit among debris after Hurricane Ike made landfall September 14, 2008 in Crystal Beach, Texas. Floodwaters from Hurricane Ike are reportedly as high as eight feet in some areas causing widespread damage across the coast of Texas. (Photo by David J. Phillip-Pool/Getty Images)
With estimated maximum sustained winds of nearly 110 mph, Ike made landfall over Galveston Island as a Category 2 Hurricane at 2:10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008. The storm killed dozens of people and caused $29.5 billion in damages, becoming one of the most devastating hurricanes in U.S. history.
Highest storm surge recorded on Galveston Island since 1915
Storm surge extended 15-18 miles inland over Chambers County
Highest surge level in recorded history at Sabine Pass, Texas (14.24 feet)
1.2 to 1.5 million residents evacuated from zip code evacuation zones prior to landfall
Storm surge levels averaged near the 1% (100-yr) levels for Harris County
Wind
110 mph sustained winds at landfall, a strong Category 2 hurricane
Peak gusts of 82 mph at Houston Intercontinental Airport IAH and 92 mph at Hobby Airport
8 to11 hours of tropical storm force winds
Damages
Caused an estimated $29.5 billion in damages
34 Texas counties declared federal disaster areas
92,000 homes damaged in Harris County
2,400 injuries in Harris County
11 fatalities in Harris County
7,100 businesses damaged in Harris County
3,266 homes destroyed on Bolivar Peninsula
24,165 structures damaged in Galveston County
646 businesses damaged in Galveston County
700 homes destroyed in Chambers County; 3,418 additional with major damage
2,431 signals damaged in the City of Houston
52 oil platforms destroyed
Photos
Debris from Hurricane Ike is shown in this aerial view Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008 in Crystal Beach, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, Pool) (AP2008)A destroyed vehicle sits along State Hwy 87, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008, in Crystal Beach, Texas. The small coastal town suffered catastrophic damage in the wake of Hurricane Ike. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) (AP2008)CRYSTAL BEACH, TX - SEPTEMBER 17: A home and a car lie destroyed by Hurricane Ike September 17, 2008 in Crystal Beach, Texas. Hurricane Ike caused widespread damage and power outages on the Texas coast. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) (2008 Getty Images)Cyclists ride past debris piled up on the seawall road after Hurricane Ike hit the Texas coast, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in Galveston, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) (AP2008)File - In this Sept. 12, 2008 file photo, fire destroys homes along the beach on Galveston Island, Texas as Hurricane Ike approaches. More than a third of the $3 billion in federal disaster recovery funds from hurricanes Ike and Dolly remains unspent seven and a half years after the storms battered the Texas coast, new state reports show. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File) (AP Photo)HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 13: A driver surveys a stretch of Interstate 10 flooded by Hurricane Ike September 13, 2008 near Houston, Texas. Ike made landfall near Galveston, TX early today as a category 2 hurricane with wind speeds of around 110 MPH. causing massive flooding and wind damage. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) (2008 Getty Images)FILE - In this Sept. 24, 2008, file photo, residents looks over debris left in the the aftermath of Hurricane Ike in Galveston, Texas. The city of Galveston has been ordered to pay nearly $15 million to a fired contractor that was overseeing some federally funded housing recovery after Hurricane Ike hit in 2008. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File) (AP2008)HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 13: Cars are stranded in flood waters left by Hurricane Ike on Interstate 10 September 13, 2008 near Houston, Texas. Ike made landfall near Galveston, TX early today as a category 2 hurricane with wind speeds of around 110 MPH. causing massive flooding and wind damage. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) (2008 Getty Images)GALVESTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 13: A man inspects a field of debris on Rt. 45 left by Hurricane Ike September 13, 2008 in Galveston, Texas. Hurricane Ike made landfall in the middle of the night causing wide spread damage to the Texas coast. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) (2008 Getty Images)GALVESTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 13: Workers clear debris off of Rt.45 left by Hurricane Ike September 13, 2008 in Galveston Texas. Hurricane Ike made landfall in the middle of the night causing wide spread damage to the Texas coast. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) (2008 Getty Images)HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 14: Interstate 10 is flooded and impassable following Hurricane Ike September 14, 2008 in Houston, Texas. Ike caused extensive damage along the Texas Gold Coast, leaving millions without power. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) (2008 Getty Images)
Briana Zamora-Nipper joined the KPRC 2 digital team in 2019. When she’s not hard at work in the KPRC 2 newsroom, you can find Bri drinking away her hard earned wages at JuiceLand, running around Hermann Park, listening to crime podcasts or ransacking the magazine stand at Barnes & Noble.
