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National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationBillion Dollar U.S. Weather Disasters, 1980-2003 |
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Billion Dollar U.S. Weather Disasters
- The National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) is the “Nation’s Scorekeeper”
in terms of addressing severe weather events in their historical perspective.
As part of its responsibility of “monitoring and assessing the climate,”
NCDC tracks and evaluates climate events in the U.S. and globally that have
great economic and societal impacts. NCDC is frequently called upon to
provide summaries of global and US temperature and precipitation trends,
extremes, and comparisons in their historical perspective.
This web page/report describes those events that have had the greatest economic impact since 1980. The authors (Ross and Lott) have also written a paper (PDF version - larger than 1.0 MB), "A Climatology of 1980-2003 Extreme Weather and Climate Events", which provides a climatology of these events, and relates the events to population/societal trends and climate change.
Note: The images below reflect 1980-2003 events, and are updated as needed. Use Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader for the one page summary.
 Time Series Chart- larger landscape view |
 Printable Copy of This Report, 1980-2003 (PDF) |
 Chronological Chart - larger view |
 State Frequency Map |
Chronological List of U.S. Billion Dollar Events, 1980-2003
- The U.S. has sustained 58 weather-related disasters during the 1980-2003 period in which overall damages and costs reached or exceeded $1 billion at the time of the event. This report does not contain any events that had unadjusted damages/losses less than $1 billion dollars and then subsequently may have reached $1 billion after applying the (Gross National Product) GNP inflation/wealth index. Forty-nine of these disasters occurred since 1988 with total unadjusted damages/costs of nearly $220 billion. Seven events occurred in 1998 alone--the most for any year in the summary period, though other years have recorded higher damage totals. Events are listed beginning with the most recent.
Two damage figures are given for events prior to 2002--the first figure represents actual dollar costs at the time of the event and is not adjusted for inflation. Therefore, event costs over time should not be compared using this value. The second value in parenthesis (if given) is the dollar cost normalized to 2002 dollars using a GNP inflation/wealth index. This allows for more accurate comparison of damage figures over time. The total normalized losses from the 58 events are nearly $350 billion.
These statistics were taken from a wide variety of sources and represent, to the best of our ability, the estimated total costs of these events---that is, the costs in terms of dollars and lives that would not have been incurred had the event not taken place. Insured and uninsured losses are included in damage estimates, and direct plus indirect deaths (i.e., closely related to the event, would not have occurred otherwise) are included in fatality totals. Economic costs are included for wide-scale, long-lasting events such as drought.
Estimates are periodically updated as more data/information become available. Sources include Storm Data (NCDC publication), the National Weather Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, other U.S. government agencies, individual state emergency management agencies, state and regional climate centers, and insurance industry estimates.
---- 2003 ----
Southern California Wildfires Late October to early November 2003. Dry weather, high winds, and resulting wildfires in Southern California. More than 743,000 acres of brush and timber burned, over 3700 homes destroyed; at least $2.5 billion damage/costs; 22 deaths. October Special Report and November Special Report
Hurricane Isabel September 2003. Category 2 hurricane makes landfall in eastern North Carolina, causing considerable storm surge damage along
the coasts of NC, VA, and MD, with wind damage and some flooding due to 4-12 inch rains in NC, VA, MD, DE, WV, NJ, NY, and PA; estimate of over $4 billion in damages/costs; at least 47 deaths. Special Report
Severe Storms and Tornadoes Early May 2003. Numerous tornadoes over the midwest, MS valley, OH/TN valleys and portions of the southeast, with a modern record one-week total of approximately 400 tornadoes reported; over $ 3.1 billion in damages/costs; 41 deaths. Special Report
Storms and Hail Early April 2003. Severe storms and large hail over the southern plains and lower MS valley, with Texas hardest hit, and much of the monetary losses due to hail; over $ 1.6 billion in damages/costs: no deaths reported. Special Report
---- 2002 ----
Widespread Drought Spring through early Fall 2002. Moderate to Extreme drought over large portions of 30 states, including the western states, the Great Plains, and much of the eastern U.S.; estimate of over $ 10.0 billion in damages/costs; no deaths. Special Report
Western Fire Season Spring through Fall 2002. Major fires over 11 western states from the Rockies to the west coast, due to drought and periodic high winds, with over 7.1 million acres burned; over $ 2.0 billion in damages/costs; 21 deaths.
Special Report
---- 2001 ----
Tropical Storm Allison June 2001. The persistent remnants of Tropical Storm Allison produces rainfall amounts of 30-40 inches in portions of coastal Texas and Louisiana, causing severe flooding especially in the Houston area, then moves slowly northeastward; fatalities and significant damage reported in TX, LA, MS, FL, VA, and PA; estimate of approximately $5.0 (5.1) billion in damage/costs; at least 43 deaths. Special Report
Midwest and Ohio Valley Hail and Tornadoes April 2001. Storms, tornadoes, and hail in the states of TX, OK, KS, NE, IA, MO, IL, IN, WI, MI, OH, KY, WV, and PA, over a 6-day period; over $1.9 billion in damage/costs, with the most significant losses due to hail; at least 3 deaths.
Special Report
---- 2000 ----
Drought/Heat Wave Spring-Summer 2000. Severe drought and persistent heat over south-central and southeastern states causing significant losses to agriculture and related industries; estimate of over $4.0 (4.2) billion in damage/costs; estimated 140 deaths nationwide. Special Report
Western Fire Season Spring-Summer 2000. Severe fire season in western states due to drought and frequent winds, with nearly 7 million acres burned; estimate of over $2.0 (2.1) billion in damage/costs (includes fire suppression); no deaths reported. Special Report
---- 1999 ----
Hurricane Floyd September 1999. Large category 2 hurricane makes landfall in eastern NC, causing 10-20 inch rains in 2 days, with severe flooding in NC and some flooding in SC, VA, MD, PA, NY, NJ, DE, RI, CT, MA, NH, and VT; estimate of at least $6.0 (6.5) billion damage/costs; 77 deaths. Special Report
Eastern Drought/Heat Wave Summer 1999. Very dry summer and high temperatures, mainly in eastern U.S., with extensive agricultural losses; over $1.0 (1.1) billion damage/costs; estimated 502 deaths. Special Report
Oklahoma-Kansas Tornadoes May 1999. Outbreak of F4-F5 tornadoes hit the states of Oklahoma and Kansas, along with Texas and Tennessee, Oklahoma City area hardest hit; over $1.6 (1.7) billion damage/costs; 55 deaths. Special Report
Arkansas-Tennessee Tornadoes January 1999. Two outbreaks of tornadoes in 6-day period strike Arkansas and Tennessee; approximately $1.3 (1.4) billion damage/costs; 17 deaths. Special Report
---- 1998 ----
Texas Flooding October-November 1998. Severe flooding in southeast Texas from 2 heavy rain events, with 10-20 inch rainfall totals; approximately $1.0 (1.1) billion damage/costs; 31 deaths.
Hurricane Georges September 1998. Category 2 hurricane strikes Puerto Rico, Florida Keys, and Gulf coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida panhandle, 15-30 inch 2-day rain totals in parts of AL/FL; estimated $5.9 (6.5) billion damage/costs; 16 deaths. Special Report
Hurricane Bonnie August 1998. Category 3 hurricane strikes eastern North Carolina and Virginia, extensive agricultural damage due to winds and flooding, with 10-inch rains in 2 days in some locations; approximately $1.0 (1.1) billion damage/costs; 3 deaths. Special Report
Southern Drought/Heat Wave Summer 1998. Severe drought and heat wave from Texas/Oklahoma eastward to the Carolinas; $6.0-$9.0 billion (6.6-9.9) damage/costs to agriculture and ranching; at least 200 deaths. Special Report
Minnesota Severe Storms/Hail May 1998. Very damaging severe thunderstorms with large hail over wide areas of Minnesota; over $1.5 (1.7) billion damage/costs; 1 death.
Southeast Severe Weather Winter-Spring 1998. Tornadoes and flooding related to El Nino in southeastern states; over $1.0 (1.1) billion damage/costs; at least 132 deaths. Special Report
Northeast Ice Storm January 1998. Intense ice storm hits Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York, with extensive forestry losses; over $1.4 (1.5) billion damage/costs; 16 deaths. Special Report
---- 1997 ----
Northern Plains Flooding April-May 1997. Severe flooding in Dakotas and Minnesota due to heavy spring snowmelt; approximately $3.7 (4.1) billion damage/costs; 11 deaths. Special Report
MS and OH Valleys Flooding and Tornadoes March 1997. Tornadoes and severe flooding hit the states of AR, MO, MS, TN, IL, IN, KY, OH, and WV, with over 10 inches in 24 hours in Louisville; estimated $1.0 (1.1) billion damage/costs; 67 deaths. Special Report
West Coast Flooding December 1996-January 1997. Torrential rains (10-40 inches in 2 weeks) and snowmelt produce severe flooding over portions of California, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, and Montana; approximately $3.0 (3.4) billion damage/costs; 36 deaths. Special Report
---- 1996 ----
Hurricane Fran September 1996. Category 3 hurricane strikes North Carolina and Virginia, over 10-inch 24-hour rains in some locations and extensive agricultural and other losses; over $5.0 (5.8) billion damage/costs; 37 deaths. Special Report
Southern Plains Severe Drought Fall 1995 through Summer 1996. Severe drought in agricultural regions of southern plains--Texas and Oklahoma most severely affected; approximately $5.0 (6.0) billion damage/costs; no deaths.
Pacific Northwest Severe Flooding February 1996. Very heavy, persistent rains (10-30 inches) and melting snow over Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and western Montana; approximately $1.0 (1.2) billion damage/costs; 9 deaths. Special Report
Blizzard of '96 Followed by Flooding January 1996. Very heavy snowstorm (1-4 feet) over Appalachians, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast; followed by severe flooding in parts of same area due to rain and snowmelt; approximately $3.0 (3.5) billion damage/costs; 187 deaths. Special Report
---- 1995 ----
Hurricane Opal October 1995. Category 3 hurricane strikes Florida panhandle, Alabama, western Georgia, eastern Tennessee, and the western Carolinas, causing storm surge, wind, and flooding damage; over $3.0 (3.6) billion damage/costs; 27 deaths. Special Report
Hurricane Marilyn September 1995. Category 2 hurricane devastates U.S. Virgin Islands; estimated $2.1 (2.5) billion damage/costs; 13 deaths.
Texas/Oklahoma/Louisiana/Mississippi Severe Weather and Flooding May 1995. Torrential rains, hail, and tornadoes across Texas - Oklahoma and southeast Louisiana - southern Mississippi, with Dallas and New Orleans areas (10-25 inches in 5 days) hardest hit; $5.0-$6.0 (6.5-7.1) billion damage/costs; 32 deaths.
California Flooding January-March 1995. Frequent winter storms cause 20-70 inches rainfall and periodic flooding across much of California; over $3.0 (3.6) billion damage/costs; 27 deaths. Special Report
---- 1994 ----
Western Fire Season Summer-Fall 1994. Severe fire season in western states due to dry weather; approximately $1.0 (1.2) billion damage/costs; death toll undetermined.
Texas Flooding October 1994. Torrential rain (10-25 inches in 5 days) and thunderstorms cause flooding across much of southeast Texas; approximately $1.0 (1.2) billion damage/costs; 19 deaths.
Tropical Storm Alberto July 1994. Remnants of slow-moving Alberto brought torrential 10-25 inch rains in 3 days, widespread flooding, and agricultural damage in parts of Georgia, Alabama, and panhandle of Florida; approximately $1.0 (1.2) billion damage/costs; 32 deaths. Special Report
Southeast Ice Storm February 1994. Intense ice storm with extensive damage in portions of TX, OK, AR, LA, MS, AL, TN, GA, SC, NC, and VA; approximately $3.0 (3.7) billion damage/costs; 9 deaths. Special Report and Special Report #2
---- 1993 ----
California Wildfires Fall 1993. Dry weather, high winds, and wildfires in southern California; approximately $1.0 (1.3) billion damage/costs; 4 deaths.
Midwest Flooding Summer 1993. Severe, widespread flooding in central U.S. due to persistent heavy rains
and thunderstorms; approximately $21.0 (26.7) billion damage/costs; 48 deaths. Special Report and Special Report #2
Drought/Heat Wave Summer 1993. Southeastern U.S.; about $1.0 (1.3) billion damage/costs to agriculture;
at least 16 deaths. Special Report and Special Report #2
Storm/Blizzard March 1993. "Storm of the Century" hits entire eastern seaboard with tornadoes, high winds, and heavy snows (2-4 feet); $3.0-$6.0 (3.8-7.6) billion damage/costs; approximately 270 deaths. Special Report and Special Report #2
---- 1992 ----
Nor'easter of 1992 December 1992. Slow-moving storm batters northeast U.S. coast, New England hardest hit; $1.0-$2.0 (1.3-2.6) billion damage/costs; 19 deaths.
Hurricane Iniki September 1992. Category 4 hurricane hits Hawaiian island of Kauai; about $1.8 (2.4) billion damage/costs; 7 deaths.
Hurricane Andrew August 1992. Category 5 hurricane hits Florida and Louisiana, high winds damage or destroy over 125,000 homes; approximately $27.0 (35.6) billion damage/costs; 61 deaths. Special Report
---- 1991 ----
Oakland Firestorm October 1991. Oakland, California firestorm due to low humidities and high winds; approximately $2.5 (3.5) billion damage/costs; 25 deaths.
Hurricane Bob August 1991. Category 2 hurricane--Mainly coastal North Carolina, Long Island, and New England; $1.5 (2.1) billion damage/costs; 18 deaths.
---- 1990 ----
Texas/Oklahoma/Louisiana/Arkansas Flooding May 1990. Torrential rains cause flooding along the Trinity, Red, and Arkansas Rivers in TX, OK, LA, and AR; over $1.0 (1.4) billion damage/costs; 13 deaths.
---- 1989 ----
Hurricane Hugo September 1989. Category 4 hurricane devastates South and North Carolina with ~ 20-foot storm surge and severe wind damage after hitting Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; over $9.0 (13.9) billion damage/costs (about $7.1 (10.9) billion in Carolinas); 86 deaths (57--U.S. mainland, 29--U.S. Islands).
Northern Plains Drought Summer 1989. Severe summer drought over much of the northern plains with significant losses to agriculture; at least $1.0 (1.5) billion in damage/costs; no deaths reported.
---- 1988 ----
Drought/Heat Wave Summer 1988. 1988 drought in central and eastern U.S. with very severe losses to agriculture and related industries; estimated $40.0 (61.6) billion damage/costs; estimated 5,000 to 10,000 deaths (includes heat stress-related).
---- 1986 ----
Southeast Drought/Heat Wave Summer 1986. Severe summer drought in parts of the southeastern U.S. with severe losses to agriculture; $1.0-$1.5 (1.8-2.6) billion in damage/costs; estimated 100 deaths.
---- 1985 ----
Hurricane Juan October-November 1985. Category 1 hurricane--Louisiana and Southeast U.S.--severe flooding; $1.5 (2.8) billion damage/costs; 63 deaths.
Hurricane Elena August-September 1985. Category 3 hurricane--Florida to Louisiana; $1.3 (2.4) billion damage/costs; 4 deaths.
Florida Freeze January 1985. Severe freeze central/northern Florida; about $1.2 (2.2) billion damage to citrus industry; no deaths.
---- 1983 ----
Florida Freeze December 1983. Severe freeze central/northern Florida; about $2.0 (4.0) billion damage to citrus industry; no deaths.
Hurricane Alicia August 1983. Category 3 hurricane--Texas; $3.0 (5.9) billion damage/costs; 21 deaths.
Western Storms and Flooding 1982 - Early 1983. Storms and flooding related to El Nino, especially in the states of WA, OR, CA, AZ, NV, ID, UT, and MT; approximately $1.1 (2.2) billion in damage/costs; at least 45 deaths.
Gulf States Storms and Flooding 1982 - Early 1983. Storms and flooding related to El Nino, especially in the states of TX, AR, LA, MS, AL, GA, and FL; approximately $1.1 (2.2) billion in damage/costs; at least 50 deaths.
---- 1980 ----
Drought/Heat Wave June-September 1980. Central and eastern U.S.; estimated $20.0 (48.4) billion damage/costs to agriculture and related industries; estimated 10,000 deaths (includes heat stress-related).
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