In 2024, the United States experienced a series of devastating environmental disasters that profoundly affected communities, ecosystems, and the economy. Here are the top ten environmental disasters that marked the year:
1. Hurricane Helene
In late September 2024, Hurricane Helene struck the Big Bend region of Florida as a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 140 mph. The storm caused catastrophic flooding, particularly in western North Carolina, East Tennessee, and southwestern Virginia, and spawned numerous tornadoes. Tampa Bay experienced record-breaking storm surges, leading to widespread devastation. The hurricane resulted in at least 219 fatalities and an estimated $78.7 billion in damages, making it the deadliest U.S. hurricane since Katrina in 2005.
2. Hurricane Milton
In October 2024, Hurricane Milton emerged as one of the most intense Atlantic hurricanes on record. Achieving Category 5 status with peak winds of 180 mph, Milton made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, as a Category 3 hurricane. The storm caused extensive flooding, a deadly tornado outbreak, and significant infrastructure damage. The hurricane claimed at least 35 lives and caused approximately $34.3 billion in damages.
3. Western Megafires
The summer of 2024 saw unprecedented wildfires across the western United States. Notably, the Park Fire in California burned approximately 173,854 hectares, ranking as the fourth-largest wildfire in U.S. history. The Durkee Fire in Oregon scorched around 119,084 hectares, leading to severe air quality issues and health concerns. These megafires were exacerbated by prolonged drought conditions and record-breaking heatwaves, highlighting the escalating threat of climate change-induced wildfires.
4. Southern Tornado Outbreak
In January 2024, a severe tornado outbreak affected the southern United States, resulting in widespread destruction across multiple states. The outbreak caused significant property damage, numerous injuries, and loss of life, emphasizing the need for improved early warning systems and disaster preparedness in tornado-prone regions.
5. Northwest Winter Storm
In January 2024, the northwestern United States experienced a severe winter storm that brought heavy snowfall, ice, and freezing temperatures. The storm led to widespread power outages, transportation disruptions, and several fatalities, underscoring the challenges posed by extreme winter weather events.
6. New Mexico/Arizona/Nevada Multiple Hazards
In late June 2024, New Mexico faced a convergence of five disasters simultaneously, including wildfires, flooding, and severe storms. The monsoon season exacerbated these conditions, leading to widespread property damage, displacement of residents, and significant challenges for emergency response teams.
7. Texas Severe Weather Events
Throughout 2024, Texas experienced multiple severe weather events, including a hailstorm, a hurricane, and three severe storm events. These events caused extensive property damage, agricultural losses, and disrupted daily life for many residents.
8. Midwest Tornado Outbreaks
The Midwest saw six billion-dollar tornado outbreaks over the summer and fall of 2024, primarily concentrated in Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. Each of these states experienced over 100 tornadoes, leading to significant destruction of homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
9. Upper Midwest Flooding
In late June 2024, the Upper Midwest, including Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota, experienced severe flooding due to heavy rainfall. The floods led to extensive property damage, displacement of residents, and adverse effects on agriculture in the region.
10. New Mexico Wildfire
In July 2024, New Mexico experienced a significant wildfire event that resulted in over a billion dollars in damages. The fire led to evacuations, destruction of property, and long-term environmental impacts on the affected areas.
These events underscore the increasing frequency and severity of environmental disasters in the United States, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive climate action and disaster preparedness.
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