The highest winds in Galveston were recorded at around 2:30 a.m. CST on August 17 (07:30 UTC), including maximum sustained winds of and a peak gust of . Strong winds shattered windows and blew down fences, outbuildings, and trees. In the city's business district, awnings and signs were damaged. Some tin roofs were torn by the winds, but overall wind damage in the district was minor. However, many business storehouses had their stocks damaged by flooding, particularly those containing dry goods. The city's water supply was cut after sections of the water main sourcing water from springs in Alta Loma were destroyed. The ends of the Galveston Causeway were reduced to their concrete foundations, necessitating $500,000 in repairs. The causeway's drawbridge was also destroyed, along with of the main bridge structure. Two interurban cars laid at rest at the destroyed drawbridge, partially submerged underwater. The city lost most of its telecommunication capacity when its Marconi wireless station was destroyed, limiting telegraph service to radio via the USAT "Buford". Military installations at Fort Crockett were heavily damaged, with much of the grounds eroded and forts destroyed; damage there totaled over $500,000. Four soldiers stationed at the fort were killed. At least 90 percent of the 250 homes on Galveston Island outside the seawall's protection were destroyed. Throughout the island, there were 42 fatalities outside of Galveston. Port Bolivar was largely destroyed, and its port was mostly not rebuilt. Sixty people sought refuge at the Point Bolivar Light during the storm.