Economic losses due to natural disasters in the U.S. 2009-2024

In 2024, tropical cyclones caused the most damage in the United States. Such a type of storm, for instance, resulted in overall losses of ***** billion U.S. dollars. Meanwhile, wildfires, droughts, and heatwaves resulted in economic losses of $ **** billion U.S. dollars. Severe convective storms were the second most destructive natural disaster that year, with a loss of almost **** billion U.S. dollars.

Impact of severe thunderstorms in the U.S.

Severe thunderstorms pose a great risk to public safety and often result in fatalities. People can be harmed in many ways during a thunderstorm, such as being directly struck by lightning or hurt when a building collapses/tree falls. In 2019, ** people were killed as a result of severe thunderstorms. Lightning strikes alone caused ** deaths and *** 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 ****** homeowner insurance claims were paid due to lightning losses.