Economic losses due to natural disasters in the U.S. 2009-2022

In 2022, tropical cyclones caused the most expensive damage in the United States. Tropical cyclones, for instance, caused overall losses of 96 billion U.S. dollars. Meanwhile, sever convective storms, or thunderstorms, resulted in economic losses of 37 billion U.S. dollars. Thunderstorms occur when there’s moisture, unstable air and lift. Approximately ten percent of thunderstorms in the U.S. are classified as severe, which means that they include hail of one inch or more, winds exceeding 57.5 mph and/or a tornado.

Impact of severe thunderstorms in the U.S.

Severe thunderstorms pose a great risk to public safety and often results in fatalities. People can be harmed in many ways during a thunderstorm, such as directly struck by lightning or hurt when a building collapses/tree falls down. In 2019, 70 people were killed as a result of severe thunderstorms. Lightning strikes alone caused 20 deaths and 100 injuries in that year.

How much was paid out due to thunderstorms?

The high risk of damage posed by thunderstorms means that insurance cover is an important tool in reducing the losses incurred. In 2020 alone, approximately 71,500 homeowner insurance claims were paid due to lightning losses.