West News Wire: According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), with several months left in 2023, a record number of billion-dollar weather and climate disasters have already struck the U.S.
The number of billion-dollar disasters confirmed this year, 23, is the highest number ever for a calendar year, according to NOAA.
Between 1980 and 2022, there were 8.1 billion-dollar weather and climate-related occurrences on average. However, from 2018 to 2022, the average number of events per year was 18, on average.
Two floods, 18 severe storms, including Hurricane Idalia in August, one tropical cyclone, one winter storm, and the recent wildfires in Maui are among these occurrences.
As possible $1 billion catastrophes for 2023, NOAA is also keeping an eye on the aftermath of Tropical Storm Hilary, which hit Southern California last month, and the drought in the South and Midwest.
According to NOAA, 28 states experienced a top-10 warmest January through August in 2023, with much of the eastern U.S. having persistently warmer temperatures than average.
In addition, NOAA forecasts above-average activity for the remainder of the Atlantic Hurricane season, which runs through November 30.
According to NOAA, the billion-dollar disasters in 2023 caused more than 250 fatalities and had a major economic impact on the affected regions.
Since 1980, the U.S. has experienced 371 weather and climate disasters in which the damages and costs reached or exceeded $1 billion, which includes a consumer price index adjustment to 2023, according to NOAA.
