In 2022, the U.S. experienced 18 weather or climate events that caused at least $1 billion in damage. In total, the price tag is over $165 billion, according to a recent report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA)
- Not only were there a significant number of weather events, Adam Smith, applied climatologist for NOAA, said, but the events were highly diverse.
- Hurricane Ian and the droughts and heatwaves in the central and western parts of the U.S. were two of the costliest weather events of 2022, causing over $135 billion in damages combined, he said.
- The $165 billion figure does not account for money lost through supply-chain disruptions, physical or mental health care costs. Nor does it include the cost of damages from the December 2022 winter storms because those damages are still being calculated, Smith explained.
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BONITA SPRINGS, FL - SEPTEMBER 29: Vehicles float in the water after Hurricane Ian on September 29, 2022 in Bonita Springs, Florida. Hurricane Ian brought high winds, storm surge and rain to the area causing severe damage. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
MECCA, CALIFORNIA - JULY 12: An irrigation pond is viewed near an agricultural field with the shrinking Salton Sea in the distance on July 12, 2022 near Mecca, California. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, more than 97 percent of the state of California's land area is in at least severe drought status, with nearly 60 percent in at least extreme drought. California is now in a third consecutive year of drought amid a climate-change fueled megadrought in the Southwestern United States. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
SARASOTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 28: Palm trees blow in the wind from Hurricane Ian on September 28, 2022 in Sarasota, Florida. Ian is hitting the area as a likely Category 4 hurricane. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
