The deadliest U.S. hurricane on record was a Category 4 storm that hit the island city of Galveston, Texas, on September 8th, 1900. Some 8,000 people lost their lives when the island was destroyed by -- -foot waves and 130-mile-an-hour winds.

The 1900 Galveston hurricane produced a storm surge of approximately 15 feet that devastated the island. Combined with 130 mph winds, this surge was responsible for the majority of the 8,000+ deaths, making it the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history. The Category 4 rating and 15-foot wave height are well-documented historical facts.