U.S. Weather Disasters Top $100 Billion—Without a Single Hurricane

A new report reveals a costly shift in American weather. Last year, the United States suffered over $100 billion in damages from climate and weather disasters. This milestone occurred without a single hurricane making landfall. The record cost was driven by 21 separate severe thunderstorm events. Each of these storms caused at least $1 billion in damage. These events included tornado outbreaks, damaging winds, and large hail. Experts point to two main factors. First, severe storms are happening more frequently in populated areas. Second, continued construction in high-risk zones means more people and property are in harm's way. The combination creates a rising price tag for recovery. The data signals that billion-dollar disasters are no longer limited to hurricanes or wildfires. Damaging thunderstorms are now a major, recurring burden on the economy.