It's known simply as The Great Storm of 1900, and it was the worst natural disaster ever to hit the United States.

At least 6,000 people on the 30-mile-long by 3-mile wide strip of sand along the southeast Texas coastline were killed — one-sixth of the city's population. Another 10,000 were left homeless. More than 3,600 buildings were destroyed by a 16-foot storm surge fueled by 150 mph winds.

Bonnie Rice, 74, a retired caterer, was born on Galveston Island and has lived there all her life.

"My grandmother's family went in two boats to safety — one made it, the other didn't," she said Friday."My grandfather's family lived down the island and they tied themselves down to two trees. One blew away, the other didn't.

"So yes, this does make me think of it. I'm just in awe of God's nature. He can do such powerful things."