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Today in History: Hurricane Alicia strikes Texas, causing $3 billion damage

8/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On August 18, 1983, Hurricane Alicia made landfall near Galveston, Texas, as a Category 3 storm. Despite being relatively small, it caused $3 billion in damage and resulted in 21 fatalities, marking it as the costliest Atlantic hurricane at the time. The storm's path over the rapidly growing Houston area intensified its impact.

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Story summary

On August 18, 1983, Hurricane Alicia made landfall near Galveston, Texas, as a Category 3 storm. Despite being relatively small, it caused $3 billion in damage and resulted in 21 fatalities, marking it as the costliest Atlantic hurricane at the time. The storm's path over the rapidly growing Houston area intensified its impact.