Hurricane Ike (2008)

Basin

North Atlantic

Dates

September 1, 2008 to September 15, 2008

Peak strength

Category 4, 125 kt (144 mph)

Lowest pressure

935 mb (27.61 inHg)

Landfall

Yes

Accumulated cyclone energy

39.2

Tropical-storm-force wind reached

240 nmi (444 km, 276 mi) from the center at its widest

Hurricane-force wind reached

110 nmi (204 km, 127 mi) from the center at its widest

Eyewall radius at its peak

15 nmi (28 km, 17 mi)

Overall size

325 nmi (602 km, 374 mi) to the outermost closed isobar

Peak gust in the best track

155 kt (178 mph)

Fastest the center moved

54 kt (62 mph)

Identifier

AL092008

Radar at KHGX as it neared land, Sep 13, 07:00 UTC

The sources count different things and are not added together.

Landfall points the US agencies flagged in the best track. The nearest town is named from the site’s gazetteer, not from the report.

NOAA’s Storm Events database, the record National Weather Service offices compile months after a storm, as compiled March 2026.

Deaths

60 (35 direct, 25 indirect)

Injuries

2,509

Property damage

$17 billion

Crop damage

$388 million

Events recorded

763 in 75 reports from 21 states and marine areas

State by state

What was recorded

302 high wind, 151 tropical storm, 66 flood, 53 flash flood, 49 storm surge/tide, 44 strong wind, 36 tornado, 23 hurricane (typhoon), 13 thunderstorm wind, 8 tropical depression, 6 marine thunderstorm wind, 4 coastal flood, 3 heavy rain, 3 lightning, 1 hail, 1 high surf.

36 tornadoes recorded in the United States, strongest first.

The Weather Prediction Center attributes 5,544 rain gauge totals over the contiguous United States to this storm. The wettest reached 17.60 inches (447 mm).

WPC’s storm rainfall file, 1900 to 2020, compiled by David Roth.

The strongest winds National Weather Service offices recorded with this storm. An estimated figure is a forecaster’s judgment from the damage, not an instrument reading.

From the Storm Events narratives, unedited.

As hurricane Ike moved well south of coastal Alabama, storm surge caused major beach erosion across the area. The astronomical tide was very high and the surge adding to this caused the total tide height to be at or a little higher than what occurred in Gustav. The beaches also had very little time to recover from the battering waves of Gustav before Ike affected the area. The beaches took a pounding from the waves and surge and the water washed across several places. The road leading to Fort Morgan had to be closed due to high water. Water washed underneath many homes near Fort Morgan. Sand covered the road going to Fort Morgan for several days after Ike. The highest storm surge from Ike was 6.25 feet near Fort Morgan with a storm tide height of 7.75 feet. Total damage estimate caused from the surge in coastal Alabama was around $1M.

Lower Baldwin, Alabama · Storm Surge/Tide · Sep 11, 15:00 UTC

Although this heavy rain event was assigned to Jefferson County, the heavy rain also affected parts of the following counties: Waukesha, Milwaukee, Rock, Walworth, Racine, and Kenosha. Ponding of water on roads and in other low spots was reported in many locations. Rainfall amounts include: 3.01 at the NWS Office about 3.8SSE of Sullivan (Jefferson Co.), 2.28 at 1.2SW of Palmyra, 2.60 at Beloit College (Rock Co.), 2.48 in Pell Lake (Walworth Co.), 2.46 in Paddock Lake (Kenosha Co.), 2.37 in Waterford (Racine Co.), 2.11 at 2SE Waukesha (Waukesha Co.), and 1.81 at Milwaukee Mitchell Field (Milwaukee Co.). Rainfall amounts tapered off to 1 to 1.25 in the Madison (Dane Co.) to Sheboygan area (Sheboygan Co.).

Jefferson, Wisconsin · Heavy Rain · Sep 12, 23:00 UTC

Heavy rains caused flash flooding in Oakland Mills, IA, Mount Pleasant, IA, Mount Union, IA and New London, IA during the morning of September 13. Near Oakland Mills, a campground along the Skunk River had to be evacuated due to the rapidly rising river level. In Mount Pleasant, sewers were backed up, several streets were flooded, cars were stranded in flood waters, and several basements flooded. South of Mount Pleasant, Big Creek near Highway 218 and 295th St flooded out of its banks and several area ditches were full with flood waters. In the Mount Union area, several roads were under water. In New London, where 24-hour rainfall totals ranged between 5.5 and 8.5 inches, some basements were flooded. A trained spotter and member of the general public also contributed to this report.

Henry, Iowa · Flash Flood · Sep 13, 10:19 UTC

Hurricane force winds resulted in widespread trees and power lines downed throughout the county. Power outages were widespread as well with numerous residents without power during the height of the storm and well after the storm. The True Value store in Jacksonville, Texas on U.S. Hwy. 79 east sustained heavy damage when a storage shed toppled on its side and ripped concrete anchors from the ground. Virtually every road was blocked at one point in time from fallen trees in the Jacksonville area. Both residential and commercial structures in the town of Rusk suffered damage ranging from blown-off trim to lost roofs. A large oak tree landed on a home located along U.S. Hwy 69. A restaurant and an adjacent building on North Main Street in Rusk caught the brunt of the storm when high winds peeled off both buildings roofs. There were no report of injuries.

Cherokee, Texas · Hurricane (Typhoon) · Sep 13, 14:00 UTC

The remnants of Hurricane Ike resulted in Tropical Storm force wind gusts being reported at the Gregg County Airport. The airport reported a 56 mph wind gust before the ASOS equipment lost power. Numerous trees and power lines were downed across the county with power outages widespread as well. One tree was downed on a home in Gladewater, Texas. No injuries were reported. The wind blew the siding off the old Wiseman Furniture building on the corner of Gay and Hwy. 271 along with all the windows blown out causing significant water damage inside the building. In Longview, Texas alone, over 82 power poles were broken along with 50 blown transformers and 113 downed electrical wires. On Willow Oak Road in Longview, Texas, a 100 foot tall oak tree fell across two vehicles with another tree on top of a home in town.

Gregg, Texas · Tropical Storm · Sep 13, 16:00 UTC

The remnants of Tropical Storm Ike resulted in widespread trees and power lines downed throughout all of Howard County, Arkansas. Power outages were widespread as well with numerous residents without power during the height of the storm and days afterward. A roof and a carport was damaged to some homes across the southern portion of the county and several barns and chicken houses were destroyed. A measured wind gust of 71 mph was reported by local Ham Radio Operators in the town of Nashville, Arkansas. A measured wind gust of 62 mph was reported by a local ham radio operator in Saratoga, Arkansas. A large tree fell across a home on Pump Springs Road in Nashville, Arkansas. Several other homes were damaged from fallen debris across the county.

Howard, Arkansas · Tropical Storm · Sep 13, 21:00 UTC

This tornado was spawned by Tropical Storm Ike. The tornado peeled the metal structure off a self-storage warehouse building. Although the items stored in the warehouse were left pretty much in place, heavy rain poured onto them, badly damaging them. The roofs of several apartment buildings were damaged. In some cases, holes in the roof were large enough to allow rainwater to fall into the apartments. Metal buildings at an abandoned lumber yard had strips to metal torn off and thrown onto neighboring properties. A medical supply company's roof was damaged and bay doors were blown in. The facade of a strip mall was damaged, and business signs at the strip mall were blown out. Fences were blown down, as were power poles, power lines, and several large trees.

Lonoke, Arkansas · Tornado · Sep 13, 22:57 UTC

In Oswego, Route 25 was flooded and closed between Oswego and Montgomery Roads. Several cars drove around the barricades and at least one car was swept into the Fox River. The driver was able to escape. Four miles south of Little Rock, Jetter Road was flooded and closed. Three occupants of a car were rescued after their car was swept into Big Rock Creek. In Plano, many roads were flooded and closed, including Hale Road, Main Street, Miller Road and Creek Road. Extensive flooding was reported along Rock Creek Road. The Farnsworth House in Plano was damaged by flood waters from the Fox River. Extensive flooding was reported in Millington. Part of Fox River Drive was washed away and 17 roads across Kendall County were closed due to flooding. Basement flooding was also reported.

Kendall, Illinois · Flash Flood · Sep 14, 09:15 UTC

The remnants of Hurricane Ike moved through the midwest dumping between 3 and 6 inches of rain in just under 6 hours on already saturated soils. This caused widespread flash flooding over St. Louis County. One of the hardest hit areas was University City. Two people drowned in University City when trying to move their vehicles away from the rising flood waters. Another person was killed when a large tree limb that was struck by lightning fell on her in Ladue. Other areas affected by the flash flooding were Hazelwood, Ferguson, Brentwood, Maplewood, Rock Hill, Webster Groves, and Florissant. Over 600 homes, apartments and business were affected by the flooding. Numerous water rescues had to be performed when people drove their vehicles into flooded roadways and became stuck in the flood waters.

St. Louis, Missouri · Flash Flood · Sep 14, 12:00 UTC

Flash flooding occurred when very heavy rainfall from the remnants of Hurricane Ike fell onto already saturated soils. Between 3 and 5 inches of rain fell in just under 6 hours. Numerous roads were flooded throughout the county. Some towns affected by the flooding were Alton, Fosterburg, Troy, Edwardsville and Granite City. East Lake Drive near Gerber Road was washed out in Edwardsville. In East Alton, a home was flooded on Tomilson Avenue. Near Hamel, 12 girl scouts and 4 adults leaders had to be rescued from a girl scout camp when flood waters washed out a bridge to the campground. Also, 2 people had to be rescued from their mobile home due to Wood River Creek flooding the surrounding area northeast of Alton. Numerous other water rescues occurred due to people driving into flooded roadways.

Madison, Illinois · Flash Flood · Sep 14, 12:00 UTC

Flash flooding or significant flooding was reported across most of Lake County, including street closures due to flooding, basement flooding and creek, stream and river flooding. Interstate 80/94 was closed due to flooding between Cline and Calumet Avenues. Parts of Interstate 65 were closed due to flooding. In Lake Station, 300 to 400 homes were evacuated. In Merrillivlle, part of 73rd Avenue was washed away, where three cars were damaged. In Dyer, Hart Ditch overtopped its banks which flooded the Briar Ridge Subdivision. Flood waters were several feet deep in parts of Hobart after flood waters overflowed Lake George. Numerous vehicles were submerged or abandoned.

Lake, Indiana · Flash Flood · Sep 14, 13:00 UTC

Trees and tree limbs littered Seymour streets, lawns, and parks. A few roofs and buildings were damaged where trees landed on them. The damage reports were described by the county sheriff's office as scattered in nature county-wide. A tree limb fell across West Sixth Street in Seymour just west of Emerson Drive around 12 PM EST, hitting a passing car (with no injuries). Another tree was across Elm Street between Fourth and Third streets. Vinyl siding was stripped off a house at Third and Poplar streets northeast of the American Legion Post in downtwon Seymour. Tree limbs littered Gaiser, Sheilds, and Kessler parks in Seymour. At least two or three trees were uprooted at Gaiser Park on the city's south side. Duke Energy reported 9,349 customers without power in the county.

Jackson, Indiana · High Wind · Sep 14, 19:00 UTC

High winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Ike began during the early evening hours of September 14th and continued through late evening. The strongest winds occurred between 7 and 9 pm with a peak gust of 78 mph measured in Ashtabula. Damage in the county was extensive with hundreds of trees and many utility poles downed. Widespread power outages occurred with some customers without power for a couple days. Homes and buildings were damaged throughout the county. The damage ranged from a few shingles torn off to significant structural damage caused by fallen trees landing on roofs. Numerous vehicles were damaged by fallen trees and limbs and also from flying debris. Substantial clean up costs were incurred by local governments. Some of the schools in the county were forced to close on Monday the 15th because of the power outages.

Ashtabula Lakeshore, Ohio · High Wind · Sep 14, 23:00 UTC

High winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Ike began during the early evening hours of September 14th and continued through late evening. Wind gusts were estimated to be around 60 mph with the strongest winds occurring between 8 and 10 pm. Damage in the county was extensive with hundreds of trees and many utility poles downed. Scattered power outages occurred with some customers without power for a couple days. Homes and buildings were damaged throughout the county. The damage ranged from a few shingles torn off to significant structural damage caused by fallen trees landing on roofs. Numerous vehicles were damaged by fallen trees and limbs and also from flying debris. Substantial clean up costs were incurred by local governments. Some of the schools in the county were forced to close on Monday the 15th because of the power outages.

Southern Erie, Pennsylvania · High Wind · Sep 15, 00:00 UTC

• Tropical Storm ArthurNorth Atlantic · 2008Tropical Storm40 kt · 1004 mb
• Hurricane BerthaNorth Atlantic · 2008Cat 3110 kt · 952 mb
• Tropical Storm CristobalNorth Atlantic · 2008Tropical Storm55 kt · 998 mb
• Hurricane DollyNorth Atlantic · 2008Cat 285 kt · 963 mb
• Tropical Storm EdouardNorth Atlantic · 2008Tropical Storm55 kt · 996 mb
• Tropical Storm FayNorth Atlantic · 2008Tropical Storm60 kt · 986 mb
• Hurricane GustavNorth Atlantic · 2008Cat 4135 kt · 941 mb
• Hurricane HannaNorth Atlantic · 2008Cat 175 kt · 977 mb
• Tropical Storm JosephineNorth Atlantic · 2008Tropical Storm55 kt · 994 mb
• Hurricane KyleNorth Atlantic · 2008Cat 175 kt · 984 mb
• Hurricane LauraNorth Atlantic · 2008Cat 170 kt · 990 mb
• Tropical Storm MarcoNorth Atlantic · 2008Tropical Storm55 kt · 998 mb
• Tropical Storm NanaNorth Atlantic · 2008Tropical Storm35 kt · 1004 mb
• Hurricane OmarNorth Atlantic · 2008Cat 4115 kt · 958 mb
• Unnamed tropical depressionNorth Atlantic · 2008Tropical Depression25 kt · 1004 mb
• Hurricane PalomaNorth Atlantic · 2008 · 19 deathsCat 4125 kt · 944 mb

A best track is the record a warning agency settles on after the storm, not what it said at the time: position, maximum sustained wind and central pressure every six hours, revised against every observation that came in later. Category is the Saffir-Simpson scale, which runs from Category 1 at 64 kt to Category 5 at 137 kt and reads wind only, so it says nothing about surge or rain. Accumulated cyclone energy adds up the square of the wind through the storm's life, so it counts strength and duration together.

Storm history from NOAA NCEI’s International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship (IBTrACS), which merges the official best track of every warning agency. Live storms, cones, watches and warnings from the National Hurricane Center and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Archived radar from NOAA’s Level II archive.

• Tropical cyclone report, National Hurricane Center
• Every advisory and discussion NHC issued while it was live
• Wikipedia article: Hurricane Ike