2024 brought another active year for weather and climate disasters in the United States. There were 27 confirmed disaster events exceeding $1 billion according to NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). These disasters caused at least 568 direct or indirect fatalities, which is the eighth highest for billion-dollar disasters over the last 45 years (1980-2024). To date, the cost was approximately $182.7 billion and rising.
Hurricane Helene was the costliest tropical event, causing $78.7 billion of damage and 291 deaths as it tracked from the Big Bend of Florida to western North Carolina and East Tennessee. Helene was the deadliest hurricane to strike the U.S. mainland since Katrina (2005).
The Southern/Eastern/Northwestern drought and heat wave resulted in 136 deaths and nearly $5.4 billion of damage. Severe weather events and winter storms across the nation added to the 2024 destruction. Since the beginning of recording, the U.S. has sustained 403 events exceeding $1 billion with cumulative costs exceeding $2.915 trillion.
Colorado State University (CSU) is forecasting an above-average Atlantic hurricane season for 2025, predicting 17 named storms, 9 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher) according to their Forecast Press Release dated April 3, 2025. This forecast is based on factors like warm water temperatures in the Atlantic and the potential lack of an El Niño effect. A typical season averages 14 named storms, with 7 becoming hurricanes.
Due to another above-average storm forecast for 2025, proactive measures such as education and preparation for disasters are vital to protecting lives and minimizing loss to properties and businesses. Our Weathering the Storm 2025 guide has been developed to assist our valued McGriff clients in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from a severe weather event.
Whatever the situation, McGriff is here for you. We appreciate your trust. Please do not hesitate to contact your McGriff service team if you have any questions.
