What the latest hurricane statistics reveal about these powerful storms

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Understanding the numbers: Key statistics about hurricanes

Hurricanes are powerful storms that can change landscapes and lives in a few short hours. Every year, their fierce winds and rapid rainfall level even the sturdiest structures. They cause widespread power outages, and, unfortunately, often claim the lives of those who can’t get out of harm’s way.

Here, we’ll share many facts and sobering statistics about hurricanes. Our goal isn’t to scare you but to help you stay informed—especially if you or your loved ones live in an area prone to this natural disaster.

How hurricanes form and evolve

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) defines a hurricane as a tropical cyclone (a rotating low-pressure system containing organized thunderstorms and forms over warm water) featuring winds over 74 miles per hour (mph).

However, these systems don’t begin as hurricanes, and their classification depends on the windspeed within them. Storms with winds under 38 mph are called tropical depressions, while systems with winds from 39 – 73 mph are called tropical storms.

A system’s wind shear helps to determine its strength and lifespan. Wind shear is the difference between the wind speed and direction near the storm versus within it. Low wind shear strengthens hurricanes and keeps them intact, while high wind shear weakens systems and breaks them apart.

Hurricanes get their power from moving over warm water. An ocean temperature of at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit helps the storm develop and strengthen.

One of the most critical facts about hurricanes is where and when they strike. Official hurricane seasons vary from region to region but tend to span the spring, summer, and fall months. Many parts of the world experience this weather phenomenon, including areas near the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Ocean basins.

Let’s look at hurricane trends in the Atlantic Ocean basin, which spans the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane season here runs from June 1 – November 30. Hurricanes in this region tend to be some of the highest-profile storms that strike the US.

According to the NOAA, between 1991 and 2020, the region experienced an annual average of:

• 14 named storms (storms receive names when they reach a certain level of intensity)
• 7 hurricanes
• 3 major hurricanes (those with wind speeds over 111 mph)

Generally, the first hurricane in a given hurricane season made landfall by mid-August, and the first major storm happened by early September.

Multiple historic hurricanes within the past 25 years fit that pattern, including:

Hurricane Name	Hurricane Category	Landfall State (Primary)	Landfall Date
Charley	4	Florida	August 13, 2004
Katrina	3	Louisiana	August 29, 2005
Harvey	4	Texas	August 25, 2017

 

Frequency and scale of hurricanes globally

Hurricanes are rated based on wind speed using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which categorizes storms from 1 to 5. While all storms pose a threat to life and property, those categorized as 3, 4, or 5 are considered major hurricanes and can cause devastating or catastrophic damage.

Here’s the full scale:

Category	Wind Speed Range
1	74 – 95 mph
2	96 – 110 mph
3	111 – 129 mph
4	130 – 156 mph
5	157+ mph

Let’s look at how often hurricanes happen around the world. According to the NOAA, the following number of storms occurred between 2014 and 2024, organized by basin and category:

Basin	Category 1	Category 2	Category 3	Category 4	Category 5
North Atlantic Ocean	30	12	12	16	8
South Atlantic Ocean	0	0	0	0	0
East Pacific Ocean	29	18	10	46	8
West Pacific Ocean	33	22	14	33	35
South Pacific Ocean	11	10	7	8	7
North Indian Ocean	8	4	9	5	3
South Indian Ocean	18	14	14	24	8

(Source: NOAA)

When you compare these statistics about hurricanes, you’ll notice the West Pacific Ocean basin—which includes areas adjacent to East and Southeast Asia, Micronesia, and parts of Oceania—was the most active region overall. On the other hand, the South Atlantic Ocean basin—bordered by South America to the west and Africa to the east—saw zero hurricane activity during that time.

Rising trends in hurricane activity

Drilling into these statistics of hurricanes further, we find that four out of the seven basins experienced more major hurricanes (Category 3+) in 2023 than they did in 2013. Here’s how the numbers compare:

Basin	Major Hurricanes in 2013	Major Hurricanes in 2023	Change
North Atlantic Ocean	0	3	+3
South Atlantic Ocean	0	0	0
East Pacific Ocean	1	8	+7
West Pacific Ocean	11	8	-3
South Pacific Ocean	2	3	+1
North Indian Ocean	1	3	+2
South Indian Ocean	8	3	-5

(Source: NOAA)

Some scientists say the increase in storm intensity is due to climate change, and they predict the trend will continue. The warmer weather causes the oceans to heat up, which strengthens hurricanes.

Plus, warmer weather means more moisture in the air. This causes more rainfall during storms. The increased rain can lead to more flooding, particularly in coastal areas already prone to storm surges.

The human impact: Eye-opening statistics about hurricanes

Storm-related statistics of hurricanes can be interesting (and alarming). However, the storm’s quantified impact on people makes the weather event real—and demanding of our attention.

Deaths caused by hurricanes

The most devastating statistics of hurricanes involve the loss of human life. Unfortunately, people die every year during and because of these storms.

Weather.gov offered this data about US-based hurricane fatalities:

• 3 deaths in 2023
• An average of 19 deaths per year over the past decade
• An average of 48 deaths annually during the last 30 years

Note: The above figures only include wind-related deaths, so the actual death tolls are likely higher due to tornadoes, rainfall, and storm surges.

Many storms have few or no fatalities. However, some hurricanes go down in history as the deadliest in the nation’s history, including:

Rank	Year	Storm Name or Location	Storm Category	Approximate Number of Deaths
1	1900	Galveston, Texas	4	8,000
2	1928	Lake Okeechobee, Florida	5	2,500
3 (tie)	1893	Cheniere Caminada, Louisiana	4	2,000
3 (tie)	1893	Sea Islands, South Carolina, and Georgia	3	2,000
5	2005	Katrina – New Orleans, Louisiana	3	1,800

Displacement and long-term effects on communities

Survivors of hurricanes sometimes have their lives turned upside down when they’re forced to evacuate. They leave their homes behind to escape the storm’s path, not knowing when or if they can return.

According to data collected by the US Census Bureau in January 2023, more than 3.3 million adults were displaced by natural disasters in the previous year—with more than 1.6 million displaced due to hurricanes. Of those 3.3M+ displacements:

• 1.3M+ returned to their homes within a week of the disaster
• 500,000+ never returned home

One month after the event:

• 1.3M+ experienced significant power outages
• 700,000+ experienced significant feelings of isolation
• 700,000+ experienced significant fear of crime
• 500,000+ experienced significant food shortages
• 500,000+ experienced significant unsanitary conditions
• 450,000+ experienced significant drinkable water shortages

When you dig deeper into these facts about hurricanes, you find people who sometimes deal with long-term consequences of their displacements, including:

• Food insecurity
• Fear and anxiety
• Depression and isolation
• Financial loss (immediate due to property damage and ongoing due to time out of work)

Even after normal life resumes, hurricane survivors may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for years to come.

Economic costs of hurricanes on households

According to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (FLOIR), more than 450,000 homeowners insurance claims were filed after Hurricane Ian (2022), one of the costliest storms in the nation’s history. Unfortunately, many homeowners experienced difficulty getting their claims paid out.

If your property gets damaged in a hurricane and your insurance company won’t cover some (or all) of the repair bill, you’ll be responsible for covering the cost. Common hurricane repairs and their associated price tags include:

• Roof replacement: Starting in the $6,000 – $7,000 range
• Water damage mitigation: Generally $3,000 – $4,000 (can increase quickly if the damage is extensive)
• Tree removal: Up to $2,000 (or more) for a large tree

Regardless of these hurricane statistics, setting up and maintaining a home repair fund is an important step in preparing your finances for natural disasters. That way, fixing your house is easier if your insurance company won’t pay or it’s not worth filing a claim.

The economics of hurricanes: Statistics of hurricanes’ financial toll

Hurricane statistics show that storms can destroy the life, property, and financial standing of the individual residents in an impacted area. However, they can also devastate the local economy and infrastructure—as well as the nation as a whole.

Billion-dollar hurricanes: The most expensive storms in history

Hurricanes can destroy homes and everything else in their wake, including, but not limited to:

• Businesses
• Schools
• Government buildings
• Roads
• Bridges
• Railroad tracks
• Dams
• Electricity infrastructure (e.g., power poles)
• Cell towers
• Sewage systems
• Water treatment plants
• Water delivery pipes

The cost of restoring an area can run tens of billions, and cleanup efforts require funding from all levels of government.

According to the NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information, these are the top 10 most expensive hurricanes in US history:

Rank	Year	Storm Name	Storm Category	Cost (in Billions)
1.	2005	Katrina	3	$201.3
2.	2017	Harvey	4	$160
3.	2022	Ian	4	$119.6
4.	2017	Maria	4	$115.2
5.	2012	Sandy	1	$88.5
6.	2021	Ida	4	$84.6
7.	2024	Helene	4	$78.7
8.	2017	Irma	4	$64
9.	1992	Andrew	5	$60.5
10.	2008	Ike	2	$43.2

(Source: NOAA)

Note: The price per storm reflects the 2024 Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjusted cost—a primary measure of inflation—to make these financial statistics about hurricanes relatable today.

Costs by region: Why some areas suffer more

Based on hurricane statistics, Florida, Texas, and Louisiana tend to get hit with storms more often than New England. These regions are more vulnerable for two main reasons: wind direction and water temperature.

Storms often originate off the coast of Africa and then blow westward toward Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. If the storm turns northward, it sometimes curves back into the Atlantic instead of threatening the US. Plus, the Gulf of Mexico boasts warmer water than Cape Cod any day of the year, making it a more hurricane-friendly environment.

Indirect costs of hurricanes

One of the more unfortunate facts about hurricanes is that they come with many indirect costs. On top of rebuilding homes, businesses, and infrastructure, we must contend with financial losses in industries such as agriculture and tourism.

For instance, Florida takes a significant economic hit when orange groves or other crops get wiped out or when Disney World has to shut down. When Hurricane Milton struck Florida in 2024, for example, Disney World lost more than $500 million in estimated revenue.

Individual households feel the pinch, too. When Disney World closes or a farm gets destroyed, many employees experience reduced (or eliminated) wages.

Fortunately, sending financial assistance from family or friends in the wake of a disaster can help those affected recover faster. Money transfer services like Western Union make it easy to send and receive money when it’s needed most.

Facts about hurricanes that every family should know

While hurricanes can be devastating, you can improve your outcome by being prepared for the storm and knowing what to do once it has passed. Keep reading to learn essential information and actionable tips.

Warning signs and predictive technology

Are you curious about how hurricanes get detected and tracked? Here’s how it works in a nutshell:

1. Hurricane specialists from the NOAA’s National Hurricane Center (NHC) continuously review satellite images looking for tropical cyclones.
2. If a storm might make landfall, the NHC has the US Air Force Reserve and NOAA Hurricane Hunter fly through the system to learn more about it.
3. Computer models and observations are used to forecast the storm’s path and intensity, and the forecast gets updated every six hours.
4. The NHC works with meteorologists from the local NOAA offices to coordinate hurricane watches and warnings in the potentially impacted regions.
5. Storm updates get pushed out to the media so you can keep tabs on the event from home.

Hurricane forecasting technology improves regularly, so hopefully, we can be even better informed in the future.

Safety tips for hurricane preparedness

One fortunate thing about hurricanes is that you generally have several days’ notice to get ready. So, when a storm’s coming, refer to your hurricane preparedness checklist and ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do I live in an evacuation zone? If so, do I know the evacuation route?
2. Is my emergency kit well-stocked? Do I have enough flashlights, batteries, battery-powered equipment, charging banks, candles, food, water, etc.?
3. Is my home ready? Have I boarded up my windows, installed the storm shutters, placed sandbags in front of my doors, obtained gas for my generator, etc.?
4. Do I have an emergency plan? Does my family know where to meet and how to communicate?
5. Do I have the essentials packed in case I need to evacuate? Are my bags near the door or in the car?

You’re in good shape if you can answer “yes” to all the above.

The importance of community and aid during hurricane recovery

After surviving a natural disaster, your community is more important than ever. Here’s how you can support one another during this difficult time:

• Share resources such as electricity, food, water, and other supplies.
• Volunteer to clear yard debris, put tarps on roofs, watch kids, prepare meals, etc.
• Help document damage and file insurance claims.
• Communicate important updates from federal, state, and local officials.
• Connect those in need with additional help from government agencies and nonprofits.

A silver lining of hurricanes: Once life gets back to normal, you’ll likely feel a stronger bond with your neighbors.

Supporting recovery efforts: How to help after a hurricane

When a storm misses your area, you breathe a sigh of relief and wonder how you can help those impacted. Keep reading to learn how to do the most good.

Trusted organizations for hurricane aid

As you hear about the hurricane statistics on the news, you may wonder about the fastest way to send money to those in need—be it individuals or organizations distributing relief. But before you part with your hard-earned cash, make sure it’s going directly to your desired recipient or a reputable organization.

Here are several places to consider donating to:

• The Salvation Army
• American Red Cross
• United Way
• International Rescue Committee
• Americares

Note: It’s wise to research any charity before making a contribution to ensure the organization is reputable and will use your money how you intend it to be used.

Donating vs. volunteering: What’s most needed?

Hurricane statistics tell us that storm victims need money in their pockets, supplies in their hands, and boots on the ground to help rebuild their lives. That means there’s no concrete answer to whether donating or volunteering is most needed.

Bottom line: You can feel great about donating cash, goods, or your time. There are even ways to send money to someone without a bank account to help those who are unbanked.

The role of technology in disaster relief

Technology has revolutionized disaster relief, making it faster and more effective for relief organizations to collect and distribute funds in the wake of a calamitous event. The Red Cross, for example, enables you to donate to relief funds via text message.

Crowdfunding sites help communities raise funds directly, while mobile money transfer apps enable you to send money to those in need nearly instantly.
The advent of modern technology makes it easy to help your friends or family in need with a few taps on your phone.