Record-Breaking Hurricane Pushes 2022 U.S. Billion-Dollar Disaster Tally to 23 and Counting

Hurricane Idalia became the 23rd “billion dollar” weather disaster in the U.S. this year, breaking the previous record of 22 set in 2020.
The disasters so far in 2022 have caused over 250 deaths and $57 billion in damage, with more impacts still being tallied.
Americans continue moving to vulnerable areas, increasing exposure, while climate change is supercharging extreme weather.
The average number of billion-dollar disasters per year has jumped from 8 in the 1980s to nearly 18 in the last 5 years.
With historically costly disasters often occurring later in the year, there are concerns over what may still come in 2022.

washingtonpost.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/29/2023

Latest market-sensitive news and views - Aug. 29

Hurricane Idalia has reached Category 1 status and is approaching Florida's Gulf Coast, leading to preparations and evacuations in the region.

8/30/2023

Latest market-sensitive news and views - Aug. 30

Hurricane Idalia's impact, including potential flooding and disruptions to gas prices and oil production, along with rising concerns about low-income Americans struggling with rent and food affordability, are among the key developments highlighted in today's news.

8/31/2023

Hurricane Idalia insurance claims estimated to cost Florida insurers $9.36B after historic landfall

Insurance claims in Florida from Hurricane Idalia, a Category 3 storm, are expected to cost billions of dollars, with estimated insured losses of $9.36 billion, potentially leading to higher premiums for customers and further challenging the insurance industry in a year already marked by losses from natural disasters.

9/11/2023

Record-Breaking Weather Disasters Strain Resources as Climate Change Fuels Extreme Events

The United States has already experienced 23 billion-dollar weather and climate disasters in 2021, surpassing the previous record of 22 events in 2020, with a total cost of $57.6 billion and the potential for more to come.

9/12/2023

Record Disasters Show U.S. Struggling to Adapt to Climate Change Effects

A record 23 billion-dollar disasters in the United States so far this year highlight the country's struggle to adapt to the effects of climate change and the limitations of its defenses, with growing costs from disasters reflecting not only global warming but also the limitations of the federal government's efforts to increase resilience and the challenges of implementing stricter building codes.

9/13/2023

Ocean Drone Braves Hurricane Idalia, Captures Rare Footage to Improve Forecasting

A saildrone captured video footage of Hurricane Idalia in the Gulf of Mexico, offering valuable data that could contribute to improved hurricane forecasting and understanding of rapid intensification.

9/21/2023

Rising Costs of Extreme Weather Linked to Climate Change Top $2.6 Trillion Since 1980

Climate-related disasters in the US since 1980 that exceeded $1 billion in damage have had a profound economic impact, but they don't fully capture the hidden costs, such as mental and physical trauma, environmental damage, and supply-chain disruptions that people are paying for, as extreme weather events become more frequent and intense due to climate change.

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Posted 9/12/2023, 1:00:00 PM