US Faces $25 Billion in Natural Disaster Damages in 2024

In 2024, the US has already faced over $25 billion in damages due to 11 major natural disasters, including wildfires, tornadoes, hail, and flooding, resulting in 84 fatalities. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that these events each cost over $1 billion, tying 2024 with 2017 and 2020 for the most billion-dollar disasters in the first five months of a year. Severe storms and tornadoes, increasingly intense due to climate change, have been particularly destructive, with May being one of the most active months for severe weather in 20 years. NOAA warns that the US is likely to experience an ‘extraordinary’ hurricane season, potentially exacerbating the year’s damage. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emphasizes that climate change is causing more frequent and severe storms, leading to significant economic and human costs. Historical data shows a dramatic increase in such events, with the US experiencing 387 weather disasters costing over $2.7 trillion since records began. Experts stress the need for accelerated climate action and resilience-building to mitigate future damages.