Hurricane Statistics By Deadliest and Costliest Hurricanes

Updated · Sep 18, 2024


Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Editor’s Choice
- Hurricane Facts
- Top 15 Deadliest Hurricanes in the history of the USA by Deaths
- Top 10 Costliest Hurricanes in the USA by an Estimated Insured Loss
- Top 10 Biggest Natural Disasters in The World by Economic Damage
- Most Expensive Hurricanes in The USA by Property Losses in 2023
- Most Expensive Natural Disasters in The USA
- The Most Active Hurricane Season between 1851 – Present
- Countries with The Highest Tropical Cyclone Risk
- 36 Deadliest Tropical Cyclones in the World
- How to Keep your home safe from Hurricanes?
- Conclusion
Introduction
Hurricane Statistics: Hurricanes, also called typhoons or cyclones based on their place of occurrence, are one of the leading natural disasters in the world. As mentioned in Hurricane Statistics, they are formed over warm ocean water. Based on their wind speed and strength, they are categorized between Category 1 to Category 5, Category 5 being the most catastrophic category.
As they move across the oceans, they become stronger and bigger. This type of natural disaster is so dangerous that it can destroy the entire house and anything else it encounters.
Editor’s Choice
- Estimated hurricane season 2023, the USA recorded damage worth between $3 to $4 billion.
- Hurricanes receive their designated names from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
- The storm surge appears when hurricanes appear on land with strong winds, heavy rains, and heavy waves.
- The minor difference between hurricanes and tropical storms is the wind speeds. Hurricanes have a minimum speed of 74 mph, while tropical storms have 36 to 47 mph.
- The majority of the expensive disasters in the USA were hurricanes. Out of 10, 8 events were recorded as the most expensive hurricanes in the USA between 1988 and 2023, all of which resulted in billions of dollars in losses.
- Hurricanes change their names to typhoons and cyclones according to the place of occurrence.
- Japan, the Philippines, and the Bahamas were the top three countries with the highest exposure to tropical cyclones in 2023, resulting in 10, 9.5, and 8.8 physical exposure index scores, respectively.
- In 1953, the National Hurricane Center gave female storm names; however, this practice ended in 1978.
- According to the Hurricane Statistics, one-third of all pet owners are never disaster-prepared.
- Hurricane Idalia, a category three hurricane, caused 80% of the season’s damage in 2023 at Florida’s Big Bend.
Hurricane Facts
- According to the Hurricane Statistics, one-third of all pet owners are never disaster-prepared.
- The storm surge appears when hurricanes appear on land with strong winds, heavy rains, and heavy waves.
- Hurricane Statistics show that in the USA, 40% of hurricanes are always likely to hit Florida.
- The minor difference between hurricanes and tropical storms is the wind speeds. Hurricanes have a minimum speed of 74 mph, while tropical storms have 36 to 47 mph.
- In 1953, the National Hurricane Center gave female storm names; however, this practice ended in 1978.
- Hurricane Statistics estimated hurricane season 2023 USA recorded damage worth between $3 to $4 billion.
- Furthermore, Hurricane Idalia, a category three hurricane, made up 80% of the season’s damage, which occurred at Florida’s Big Bend.
- On average, hurricanes appear 300 miles wide but can vary in size.
- Hurricanes generally form over the warm water near the equator.
- Hurricanes with giant tropical storms that lead to extremely strong winds and heavy rainfall.
- In the southern hemisphere, hurricanes generally rotate in a clockwise direction.
- Hurricanes change their names to typhoons and cyclones according to the place of occurrence.
- Hurricanes receive their designated names from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Top 15 Deadliest Hurricanes in the history of the USA by Deaths
#1. Hurricane Doma, August 1960,
- Property Damage: $387 million
- Deaths: 114
- Category 4: 130 – 156 mph wind speeds
#2. Hurricane Agnes, June 1972
- Property Damage: $2.1 billion
- Deaths: 122
- Category 1: 74 – 95 mph wind speeds
#3. Hurricane Ian, September 2022
- Property Damage: $112 billion
- Deaths: 150
- Category 4: 130 – 156 mph wind speeds
#4. Hurricane Sandy, October 2012
- Property Damage: $50 billion
- Deaths: 233
- Category 2: 96- 110 mph wind speeds
#5. Hurricane Camille, August 1969
- Property Damage: $1.4 billion
- Deaths: 256
- Category 5: 157+ mph wind speeds
#6. Hurricane Audrey, June 1957
- Property Damage: $150 million
- Deaths: 390
- Category 4: 130- 156 mph wind speeds
#7. Great Atlantic Hurricane, September 1944
- Property Damage: $100 million
- Deaths: 390
- Category 3: 112- 129 mph wind speeds
#8. Florida Keys Labor Day Hurricane, August 1935
- Property Damage: $6 million
- Deaths: 408
- Category 5: 157+ mph wind speeds
#9. New England Hurricane, September 1938
- Property Damage: $308 million
- Deaths: 600
- Category 3: 112- 129 mph wind speeds
#10. Sea Island Hurricane, August 1893
- Property Damage: $1 million
- Deaths: 1,000
- Category 3: 120 mph wind speeds
#11. Cheniere Caminada Hurricane, October 1893
- Property Damage: $5 million
- Deaths: 1,100
- Category 5- 130 mph wind speeds
#12. Hurricane Katrina, September, 2005
- Property Damage: $75 billion
- Deaths: 1,207
- Category 4: 157+ mph wind speeds
#13. San Felipe-Okeechobee Hurricane, September 1928
- Property Damage: $75 million
- Deaths: 2,166
- Category 4: 130-156 mph wind speeds
#14. Hurricane Maria, September 2017
- Property Damage: $90 billion
- Deaths: 2,975
- Category 4:150 mph wind speeds
#15. Galveston Hurricane, August 1900
- Property Damage: $30 billion
- Deaths: 8,000
- Category 4- 130- 156 mph wind speeds
Top 10 Costliest Hurricanes in the USA by an Estimated Insured Loss
Hurricane Name | Year | Value of $ when occurred | Value of $ in 2023 |
Hurricane Katrina | 2005 | 65,000 | 101,865 |
Hurricane Ian | 2022 | 54,000 | 55,772 |
Hurricane Ida | 2021 | 36,000 | 40,503 |
Hurricane Sandy | 2012 | 30,000 | 39,918 |
Hurricane Harvey | 2017 | 30,000 | 37,609 |
Hurricane Irma | 2017 | 30,050 | 37,473 |
Hurricane Maria | 2017 | 29,511 | 36,802 |
Hurricane Andrew | 1992 | 16,000 | 34,951 |
Hurricane Ike | 2008 | 18,200 | 25,604 |
Hurricane Wilma | 2005 | 10,700 | 16,533 |
(Source: iii.org)
Top 10 Biggest Natural Disasters in The World by Economic Damage
(Reference: statista.com)
Between 1980 and 2023, the most natural disasters recorded were Hurricanes, as shown by Hurricane Statistics. Every Hurricane event recorded occurred in the USA, leading to billions of dollars in economic damage. Other than dangerous hurricanes in the USA, Japan and China registered three earthquakes, respectively, as shown in the above chart between the mentioned period.
Most Expensive Hurricanes in The USA by Property Losses in 2023
- Hurricane Wilma, 2005 – $15.97 billion
- Hurricane Ike, 2008- $24.82 billion
- Hurricane Andrew, 1992 – $33.88 billion
- Hurricane Maria, 2017 – $35.65 billion
- Hurricane Irma, 2017 – $35.17 billion
- Hurricane Harve, 2017 – $36.54 billion
- Hurricane Sandy, 2012 – $38.69 billion
- Hurricane Ida, 2021 – $39.26 billion
- Hurricane Ian, 2022 – $52.5 billion
- Hurricane Katrina, 2005 – $98.73 billion
(Source: statista.com)
Most Expensive Natural Disasters in The USA
(Reference: statista.com)
According to Hurricane Statistics, the majority of the expensive disasters in the USA were hurricanes. Eight events were recorded as the most expensive hurricanes in the USA between 1988 and 2023, all of which resulted in billions of dollars in losses. In addition, during the 1990s, US drought/ heatwave and Midwest flooding were also recorded as the most expensive.
The Most Active Hurricane Season between 1851 – Present
Year | Number of Occurrences |
2005 | 28 |
1933 | 20 |
2013 | 19 |
2011 | 19 |
2010 | 19 |
1995 | 19 |
1887 | 19 |
1969 | 18 |
2008 | 16 |
2003 | 16 |
1936 | 16 |
2007 | 15 |
2004 | 15 |
2001 | 15 |
2000 | 15 |
(Source: wunderground.com)
Countries with The Highest Tropical Cyclone Risk
(Reference: statista.com)
Japan, the Philippines, and the Bahamas were the top three countries with the highest exposure to tropical cyclones in 2023, resulting in 10, 9.5, and 8.8 physical exposure index scores, respectively. Compared to these countries, Belize, Haiti, India, and Jamaica recorded lower risk with 7.2 index scores each.
36 Deadliest Tropical Cyclones in the World
Name, place of occurrence, and Year | Registered deaths | Ocean Area |
Greater Bhola Cyclone, Bangladesh, 1970 | Between 300,00 to 500,000 | Bay of Bengal |
Hooghly River Cyclone, India and Bangladesh, 1737 | 300,000 | Bay of Bengal |
Haiphong Typhoon, Vietnam, 1881 | 300,000 | West Pacific |
Coringa, India,1839 | 300,000 | Bay of Bengal |
Backergang Cyclone, Bangladesh, 1584 | 200,000 | Bay of Bengal |
Great Backergang Cyclone, Bangladesh, 1876 | 200,000 | Bay of Bengal |
Chittagong, Bangladesh, 1897 | 175,000 | Bay of Bengal |
Super Typhoon Nina, China, 1975 | 171,000 | West Pacific |
Cyclone 02B, Bangladesh, 1991 | 136,866 | Bay of Bengal |
Cyclone Nargis, Myanmar, 2008 | 138,366 | Bay of Bengal |
Swatlow, China, 1922 | 100,000 | West Pacific |
Great Bombay, Cyclone, India, 1882 | 100,000 | Arabian Sea |
Hakata Bay Typhoon, Japan, 1281 | 65,000 | West Pacific |
Bangladesh, 1942 | 61,000 | Bay of Bengal |
India, 1935 | 60,000 | Bay of Bengal |
Calcutta, India, 1864 | 60,000 | Bay of Bengal |
Barisal, Bangladesh, 1822 | 50,000 | Bay of Bengal |
Barisal, Bangladesh, 1822 | 50,000 | Bay of Bengal |
Sunderbans Coast, Bangladesh, 1699 | 50,000 | Bay of Bengal |
India, 1833 | 50,000 | Bay of Bengal |
India, 1854 | 50,000 | Bay of Bengal |
Wenchou, China, 1912 | 50,000 | West Pacific |
Bengal Cyclone, Calcutta, India, 1942 | 40,000 | Bay of Bengal |
Bangladesh, 1942 | 40,000 | Bay of Bengal |
Bangladesh, 1919 | 40,000 | Bay of Bengal |
Canton, China, 1862 | 37,000 | Bay of Bengal |
Bangladesh, 1965 | 36,000 | Bay of Bengal |
Backergang, Bangladeshsh, 1767 | 30,000 | Bay of Bengal |
Barisal, Bangladesh, 1831 | 22,000 | Bay of Bengal |
Great Hurricane, Lesser Antilles Islands, 178- | 22,000 | Atlantic |
Chittagong, Bangladesh, 1963 | 22,000 | Bay of Bengal |
Great Coringa Cyclone, India, 1789 | 20,000 | Bay of Bengal |
Nagasaki Typhoon, Japan, 1828 | 15,000 | West Pacific |
Urir, Bangladesh, 1985 | 15,000 | Bay of Bengal |
Tacloban, Philippines, 1912 | 15,000 | West Pacific |
Devi Tauk, SE India, 1977 | 14,204 | Bay of Bengal |
Bangladesh, 1965 | 12,047 | Bay of Bengal |
(Source: wunderground.com)
How to Keep your home safe from Hurricanes?
Hurricanes are a powerful force of nature, and with climate change on the rise, these storms are predicted to become more frequent and intense. But fear not; there are steps you can take to fortify your home and protect your loved ones. Here’s a guide to hurricane preparedness for 2024 and beyond, along with information on US insurance to help you recover financially.
Home Protection Tips
- Roof Reinforcement: Your roof is the first line of defense. Consider adding an extra layer of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) to the roof sheathing for extra strength. Additionally, ensure wind clips or hurricane straps are installed to connect the roof to the walls securely.
- Window and Door Guardians: Flying debris is a major threat during hurricanes. Invest in storm shutters made of metal, polycarbonate, or high-impact glass. These shutters provide a crucial barrier against wind and projectiles. Alternatively, apply hurricane-resistant film to existing windows for added protection.
- Trim Those Branches: Overhanging branches and dead trees pose a danger during strong winds. Regularly trim trees around your house to minimize the risk of them falling and damaging your roof or power lines.
- Clear the Drainage Path: Clogged gutters and downspouts can pool water on the roof, causing leaks and structural damage. Ensure proper drainage by cleaning gutters and downspouts before hurricane season.
- Garage Door Defense: Garage doors are particularly vulnerable to high winds. If budget allows, consider reinforcing your garage door with bracing kits or installing hurricane-resistant doors.
- Secure Loose Objects: Take inventory of outdoor furniture, grills, and other loose items around your property. Secure them with straps or bring them indoors before a storm to prevent them from becoming projectiles.
Insurance: A Financial Lifeline in the Wake of Disaster
The emotional toll of a hurricane is immense, but the financial burden shouldn’t add to your stress. In the United States, homeowners insurance typically covers damage caused by hurricanes. Here’s a breakdown of relevant coverage:
- Dwelling Coverage: This covers the structure of your home, including walls, roof, and foundation, against damage caused by wind, rain, hail, and other hurricane-related perils.
- Other Structures Coverage: This covers detached structures on your property, such as garages, sheds, or carports, damaged by a hurricane.
- Personal Property Coverage: This protects your belongings inside the house, like furniture, appliances, and electronics, from hurricane damage. Coverage limits apply, so be sure to discuss them with your insurance agent.
- Loss of Use Coverage: If your home becomes uninhabitable due to hurricane damage, this coverage helps with additional living expenses, like hotel stays or rental costs, while repairs are underway.
- Important Note: Flood damage is typically excluded from standard homeowners insurance. Consider purchasing separate flood insurance, especially if you live in a flood-prone area.
- Filing a Claim: Document the damage with photos and videos after a hurricane. Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to initiate the claims process. Be prepared to provide details about the damage and any preventative measures you took before the storm.
Climate Change: A Stark Reality and a Call to Action
Hurricanes are just one example of how climate change is intensifying natural disasters worldwide. Rising sea levels, extreme temperatures, and unpredictable weather patterns are becoming the new normal. While individual preparedness is crucial, it’s equally important to advocate for climate action.
Here’s how you can contribute:
- Support Climate-Conscious Policies: Make your voice heard by contacting your elected officials and expressing support for policies that prioritize renewable energy and sustainable practices.
- Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Simple changes in daily life can make a difference. Consider using public transportation, carpooling, or adopting energy-efficient appliances.
- Stay Informed and Educate Others: Knowledge is power. Stay updated on climate change issues and share reliable information with friends and family.
By taking proactive measures to safeguard your home, understanding your insurance coverage, and advocating for climate action, you can be better prepared to weather the storms, both literally and figuratively. Remember, a little planning and preparation can go a long way in protecting your loved ones and your financial security during these challenging times.
Conclusion
Hurricanes are unavoidable natural calamities. However, proper safety can reduce the damage and economic losses. As shown in these hurricane statistics, not a single year has passed since dangerous hurricanes have not appeared. However, with the use of advanced technology, the prediction of hurricanes can be made in advance to reduce the losses and save thousands of innocent lives.

Pramod Pawar brings over a decade of SEO expertise to his role as the co-founder of 11Press and Prudour Market Research firm. A B.E. IT graduate from Shivaji University, Pramod has honed his skills in analyzing and writing about statistics pertinent to technology and science. His deep understanding of digital strategies enhances the impactful insights he provides through his work. Outside of his professional endeavors, Pramod enjoys playing cricket and delving into books across various genres, enriching his knowledge and staying inspired. His diverse experiences and interests fuel his innovative approach to statistical research and content creation.