COLUMBIA, S.C. — The highest number of weather and climate events in the U.S. with losses over one billion dollars each has been recorded in 2023.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there have been two flooding events, 18 severe storms, one tropical cyclone, one wildfire, and one winter storm. Overall resulting in 253 deaths.
Tropical Storm Hilary's financial toll has not yet been calculated. Hilary caused widespread destruction in California last month and brought the first ever Tropical Storm Watch to Southern California.
Adding to concerns, this year's hurricane season, which extends through November, has been predicted to be "above normal."
Since 1980, the United States has experienced around 8.4 disaster events annually, resulting in approximately $59.5 billion in annual losses and 366 annual deaths.
Numbers are rising.
The last three years have seen an average of 20 disasters, costing $151.4 billion and claiming 487 lives.