**Billion Dollar U.S. Disasters**[^1]

**B. Wayne Blanchard, PhD, CEM**

**September 18, 2008**

**Part 1: Ranked approximately by Economic Loss:**

(Part 2: Listed in Chronological Order -- Follows)

Bibliographical Listing of Sources Used at the end

1.  **Great Miami Hurricane** (18-21 Sep1926). Cat.4-3, FL, AL; death
    toll uncertain; more than 800 missing. ARC report lists 373 deaths
    and 6,381 injuries. (NOAA Hurricane History).

\$164.839 billion (Using 2006 inflation, pop. and wealth
normalization[^2]; Blake et al, 2007, 9)

\$160.0 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars; AIR model modified, in
Pielke, et al, 2008)

\$157.0 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke/Landsea model;
Pielke, et al, 2008)

\$139.5 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins/Lowe model;
Pielke, et al, 2008)

\$102.0 billion. (Pielke 2005)

> \$ 90.0 billion disaster had it occurred in recent times" (NOAA
> Hurricane History).
>
> \$ 77.5 billion (Time Magazine, 1998; citing Pielke and Landsea,
> adjusted to 1998)
>
> \$ 72.3 billion (normalized to 1995 dollars; Pielke et al., 2008)

2.  **Hurricane Katrina** (August 2005). Category 3, LA, MS; \~1833
    deaths - highest U.S. total since 1928 hurricane in southern
    Florida. (NCDC 2007).

> \$125 billion (At the time; NCDC 2007)
>
> \$ 85.050 billion (Using 2006 inflation, pop., wealth normalization;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$ 84.645 billion (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction
> Deflator; Blake, 2007, 9)
>
> \$ 82 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars; AIR model modified, in
> Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$ 81.2 billion (IIA, *Business Continuity Management*, July, 2008, p.
> 4)
>
> \$ 81.0 billion ("at least" \$81B, property damage..." (Blake,
> Rappaport, Landsea, 2007, 5)
>
> \$ 81 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)

\$ 81 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe model;
Pielke, et al, 2008)

> \$ 43.6 billion (Insured loss (2007 dollars). (III, *Catastrophes:
> Insurance Issues*, Jan 2008)
>
> \$ 41.1 billion (Insurance claims paid. (Treaster, *NYT*, October 25,
> 2007; III *CII*, Jan 2008)

\$ 39.3 billion (Private insurer losses in 2006 dollars (GAO 2007, p.
14)

\$ 31.3 billion (Federal outlays (Woolsey, 2007)

\$ 2.4 billion (Obligated in FEMA Public Assistance (PA) in Miss. (FEMA
27Feb2008)

3.  **Galveston Hurricane** (1900). Category 4; TX

> \$104.330 billion (Using 2006 inflation, pop., wealth normalization;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$78.0 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$71.9 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$66.0 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars; AIR model modified, in
> Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$38.0 billion (Pielke 2005)

4.  **Hurricane Andrew** (Aug 1992). Category 5; FL, LA, 61 deaths (NCDC
    2007).

> \$84.0 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars; AIR model modified, in
> Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$58.555 billion (Using 2006 inflation, pop., wealth normalization;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$57.7 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$54.3 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$48.1 billion (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction Deflator;
> Blake, et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$38.3 billion (Pocock)

\$35.468 billion (Time Magazine, 1998; cited by Mandia, 2008)

\$27.0 (35.6) billion (NCDC 2007)

\$26.5 billion (Not adjusted for inflation; Blake, Rapport, Landsea,
2007, 7)

\$22.3 billion (2006 dollars; GAO 2007, p. 14)

\$22.9 billion (Insured loss in 2007 dollars; III, *Catastrophes:
Insurance Issues*, Jan 2008)

\$18.0 billion (Insured losses then; Larson, *Time Magazine*, 1998)

\$15.5 billion (Insured loss when occurred; III, *Catastrophes:
Insurance Issues*, Jan 2008)

5.  **9/11 Terrorist Attacks** (Sep 11, 2001). NY, DC, PA

\$ 80.0 billion estimated damages." (Gould/IBM Global Business Services,
2007, p.4-5)

> \$ 35.5 billion (indexed 20 2006; Kunreuther, 2007, p. 4.)
>
> \$ 27.2 billion (Total direct cost; Looney 2002).
>
> \$ 22.9 billion (insured losses in 2007 dollars; III, *Catastrophes:
> Insurance Issues*, Jan 2008)
>
> \$ 18.8 billion (insured loss when occurred; III, *Catastrophes:
> Insurance Issues*, Jan 2008)
>
> \$ 14.0 billion (Private business physical assets estimated loss;
> Looney 2002)
>
> \$ 1.5 billion (State and local government enterprise estimated loss;
> Looney 2002)
>
> \$ 0.7 billion (Federal enterprises estimated loss; Looney 2002)

6.  **Galveston Hurricane** (1915) TX, category 4.

> \$71.397 billion (Using 2006 inflation, pop., wealth normalization;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$61.7 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$57.1 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$32.0 billion (Pielke 2005)

7.  **New England Hurricane (Long Island Express)** Cat 3 (Sep
    21-22, 1938) CT, MA, NY, RI

> \$70.0 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars; AIR model modified, in
> Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$41.621 billion (Using 2006 inflation, pop., wealth normalization;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$39.2 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$37.3 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$19.0 billion (Drag 2000)
>
> \$18.0 billion (Mandia, 2008; citing Landsea and Pielke adjusted for
> same storm if in 1998)
>
> \$15.0 billion (1998 adjusted; Mandia, 2008)
>
> \$ 6.571 billion (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction Deflator;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$ 3.5 billion (2005 dollars; Powell).

\$308 million (1938 dollars) 600 deaths. (NOAA, Hurricane History)

\$ 6.2 million (1938 dollars; Mandia, 2008; citing Morris and Bleyer)

8.  **Northridge Earthquake** (January 17, 1994). Magnitude 6.7; over 60
    deaths, over 5,000 injuries, over 25,000 left homeless. (GAO,
    *Natural Hazard Mitigation*, 2007, p. 16)

\$59.8 billion (Estimated direct economic loss; GAO, *Natural Hazard
Mitigation*, 2007, 16)

> \$41.0 billion (Insurance Journal 2006)

\$25.0 billion (FEMA 2006).

\$20.0 billion total property damage, including \$12.5b insured losses
at time. (III, May 2008)

\$19.0 billion (Kunreuther 2007, 3)

\$17.4 billion (Insured loss in 2007 dollars; III, *Catastrophes:
Insurance Issues*, Jan 2008)

\$12.5 billion (Insured loss when occurred; III, *Catastrophes:
Insurance Issues*, Jan 2008)

9.  **1928 Great Okeechobee Hurricane, So. FL.** 1928, Category 4.
    (Pielke and Landsea 1998)

> \$66.0 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars; AIR model modified, in
> Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$35.298 billion (Using 2006 inflation, pop., wealth normalization;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$33.6 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$31.8 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$ 3.5 billion **(**1992 dollars; Pielke and Landsea 1998)

10. **Drought/Heat Wave** (Summer 1988, central/eastern U.S.; estimated
    5,000 to 10,000 deaths (includes heat stress-related); severe losses
    to agriculture, related industries; NCDC 2007)

> \$61.6 (\$40.0) billion estimated damage/costs; NCDC 2007)

11. **Hurricane Donna** (Aug 29-Sep 14, 1960).Cat 4, Sombrero Key, FL.
    (Pielke/Landsea, 1998)

> \$52.0 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars; AIR model modified, in
> Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$31.9 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$29.6 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$28.159 billion (Using 2006 inflation, pop., wealth normalization;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$10.0 billion (1992 dollars; Pielke and Landsea, 1998)
>
> \$ 3.345 billion (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction Deflator;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)

12. **1944 Unnamed FL Hurricane** (1944) Category 3; FL.

> \$40.621 billion (Using 2006 inflation, pop., wealth normalization;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$38.7 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$35.6 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)

13. **Drought/Heat Wave** (June-Sept.1980). Central/Eastern U.S.;
    estimated 10,000 deaths (includes heat stress-related; NCDC 2007)

> \$48.4 (\$20.0) billion (Estimated damage/costs, agriculture, related
> industries; NCDC 2007)

14. **Midwest Flooding** (Sum. 1993). Flooding central US; heavy rains;
    48 deaths; NCDC 2007)

> \$26.7 (\$21.0) billion (Approximate damage/costs; NCDC 2007)

15. **Hurricane Camille** (1969). Cat 5 Gulf Coast, 256 deaths (Pielke,
    Simonpietri, Oxelson 1999

> \$24.0 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$22.286 billion (Using 2006 inflation, pop., wealth normalization;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$21.2 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$ 9.781 billion (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction Deflator;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$ 1.42 billion (Not adjusted for inflation; Blake, Rappaport,
> Landsea, 2007, p. 8)
>
> \$ 1.4 billion (NOAA *Hurricane History*)

16. **Hurricane Betsy** (1962). Category 3, So. FL, LA

\$68.0 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars; AIR model modified, in
Pielke, et al, 2008)

\$23.0 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe model;
Pielke, et al, 2008)

\$20.7 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea model;
Pielke, et al, 2008)

\$15.0 billion (1992 dollars; Pielke and Landsea, 1998)

\$11.853 billion (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction Deflator;
Blake et al, 2007, 9)

\$ 1.42 billion (Not adjusted for inflation; Blake, Rappaport, Landsea,
2007, p. 8)

17. **1947 Unnamed Hurricane** (1947) Cat. 4-3, Pompano Beach, FL.
    (Pielke and Landsea 1998)

> \$48.0 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars; AIR model modified, in
> Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$15.398 billion (Using 2006 inflation, pop., wealth normalization;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$16.8 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$14.8 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$ 9.0 billion (1992 dollars; Pielke and Landsea 1998

18. **Hurricane Hazel** 1954). Category 4, NC, SC. (Pielke, et al, 2008)

> \$23.2 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$17.339 billion (Using 2006 inflation, pop., wealth normalization;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$16.5 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)

19. **Hurricane Wilma** (Oct 2005) Florida, Category 3; estimated 35
    deaths (NCDC 2007).

> \$21.63 billion (Using 2006 inflation, pop., wealth normalization;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$21.5 billion (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction Deflator;
> Blake, 2007, 9)
>
> \$20.6 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$16.0 billion (Approximate damage/costs; NCDC 2007)

\$12.9 billion (Indexed to 2006). (Kunreuther 2007, 3)

\$10.9 billion (Insured loss in 2007 dollars; III, *Catastrophes:
Insurance Issues*, Jan 2008)

\$10.3 billion (Insured loss when occurred; III, *Catastrophes:
Insurance Issues*, Jan 2008)

20. **Hurricane Agnes** (19-25Jun1972) Cat 1, FL, VA, NY, some NE
    States; (NOAA, Hur. Hist.)

> \$18.749 billion (Using 2006 inflation, pop., wealth normalization;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$18.4 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$17.5 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$12.424 billion (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction Deflator;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$12.0 billion (1998 dollars; Pocock)
>
> \$ 3.1 billion (At the time; Pocock)
>
> \$ 2.1 billion (NOAA, Hurricane History;
>
> \$ 2.1 billion (Not adjusted for inflation; Blake, Rappaport, Landsea,
> 2007, p. 8)

21. **Hurricane Diane (**1955). (NC, PA, NJ, NY, CN, RI) 20K
    destroyed/damaged structures; 200 deaths. (Rozario 2007)

> \$18.07 billion (Using 2006 inflation, pop., wealth normalization;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$17.8 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$17.2 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$ 7.7 billion (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction Deflator;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)

\~\$ 1.0 billion (At the time; Rozario 2007)

22. **Hurricane Hugo** (Sep1989). Cat. 4; SC, NC, PR, VI; 86 deaths (57,
    U.S. mainland, 29, PR, Virgin Islands; NCDC 2007).

> \$17.5 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$16.088 billion (Using 2006 inflation, pop., wealth normalization;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$15.3 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$13.9 billion (Damage/costs; NCDC 2007)
>
> \$13.48 billion (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction Deflator;
> Blake, 2007, 9)
>
> \$12.6 billion (1998 dollars; Pocock)
>
> \$10.9 billion (Carolinas; NCDC 2007).
>
> \$ 9.0 billion (Damage/costs; NCDC 2007; Pocock, "actual costs").

\$ 7.4 billion (Indexed to 2006; Kunreuther 2007. p. 3)

> \$\~7.1 billion (Carolinas; NCDC 2007).

\$ 7.0 billion (Insured loss in 2007 dollars; III, *Catastrophes:
Insurance Issues*, Jan 2008)

\$ 7.0 billion (Not adjusted for inflation; Blake, Rappaport, Landsea,
2007, p. 8)

\$ 4.2 billion (Insured loss when occurred; III, *Catastrophes:
Insurance Issues*, Jan 2008)

23. **Hurricane Charley** (August 2004). Category 4, FL; at least 35
    deaths (NCDC 2007).

> \$17.135 billion (Using 2006 inflation, pop., wealth normalization;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$16.3 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$16.3 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$16.3 billion (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction Deflator;
> Blake, 2007, 9)
>
> \$15.0 billion (Estimate in damage/costs; NCDC 2007; Blake, Rappaport,
> Landsea, 2007, 8)

\$ 8.6 billion (Indexed to 2006; Kunreuther 2007, p. 3)

\$ 8.2 billion (Insured loss in 2007 dollars; III, *Catastrophes:
Insurance Issues*, Jan 2008)

\$ 7.5 billion (Insured loss when occurred; III, *Catastrophes:
Insurance Issues*, Jan 2008)

24. **Hurricane Carol** (1954). Category 3, Ct, NY, RI; Pielke, et al,
    2008)

> \$16.940 billion (Using 2006 inflation, pop., wealth normalization;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$16.1 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$15.1 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$ 4.345 billion (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction Deflator;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)

25. **Hurricane Ivan** (Sep 2004). Category 3; FL, AL; at least 57
    deaths; wind/flood damage in GA, SC, NC, VA, LA, MS, WV, MD, TN, KY,
    OH, DE, NJ, PA, and NY. (NCDC 2007).

> \$16.247 billion (Using 2006 inflation, pop., wealth normalization;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$15.5 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$15.5 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$15.451 billion (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction Deflator;
> Blake, 2007, 9)
>
> \$14.2 billion (Not adjusted for inflation; Blake, Rappaport, Landsea,
> 2007, p. 8)
>
> \$14.0 billion (Damage/costs; NCDC 2007)
>
> \$13.6 billion (Indexed to 2006; Kunreuther 2007, p. 3)
>
> \$ 7.8 billion (Insured loss in 2007 dollars; III, *Catastrophes:
> Insurance Issues*, Jan 2008)
>
> \$ 7.1 billion (Insured loss when occurred; III, *Catastrophes:
> Insurance Issues*, Jan 2008)
>
> \$ 2.6 billion (Damage in parts of Florida, Louisiana and Texas;
> Woolsey, 2007)

26. **Hurricane Rita** (Sep 2005). Category 3; TX, LA; 119 reported
    deaths; NCDC 2007)

> \$16.0 billion (Preliminary estimate in damage/costs, NCDC 2007)
>
> \$11.865 billion (Using 2006 inflation, pop., wealth normalization;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$11.808 billion (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction Deflator;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$11.3 billion (Not adjusted for inflation, Black, Rappaport, Landsea,
> 2007, p. 8)
>
> \$10.4 billion (Indexed to 2006; Kunreuther 2007, p. 3)
>
> \$10.0 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$10.0 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$ 5.9 billion (Insured loss in 2007 dollars; III, *Catastrophes:
> Insurance Issues*, Jan 2008)
>
> \$ 5.8 billion (Property insurance claims in TX and LA. (KWTX-TV
> Online, 24 Sep 2007)
>
> \$ 5.6 billion (Insured loss when occurred; III, *Catastrophes:
> Insurance Issues*, Jan 2008)
>
> \$ 4.0 billion (For FL residents displaced by Hurricane Rita; Woolsey,
> 2007)
>
> \$ 2.0 billion (FEMA expenditures by 24Sep2007; FEMA Sep 24, 2007
> Press Release)

27. **1949 Unnamed FL Hurricane** (1949). Cat. 3; Palm Beach, FL; Pielke
    and Landsea 1998)

> \$15.398 billion (Using 2006 inflation, pop., wealth normalization;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$14.7 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$13.5 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$ 2.6 billion (1992 Dollars; Pielke and Landsea 1998)

28. **Hurricane Carla** (September 10, 1961). Category 4; TX Coast; 46
    deaths; NOAA 1993)

> \$14.920 billion (Using 2006 inflation, pop., wealth normalization;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$14.2 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$13.5 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$ 2.604 billion (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction Deflator;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)

\$\~2.0 billion (1990 dollars, NOAA 1993)

29. **1944 Great Atlantic Hurricane** (Sep 9-16). Cat. 4; 390 deaths
    (340 at sea); Cotterly 2002); CT, NC, NY, RI, VA; Category 3;
    Pielke, et al, 2008)

> \$13.381 billion (Using 2006 inflation, pop., wealth normalization;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$13.2 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$12.1 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$ 5.927 billion (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction Deflator;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \~\$1.0 billion (1990 dollars, Cotterly 2002)

30. **1919 Unnamed Hurricane.** Category 4: FL, TX; Pielke, et al, 2008)

> \$13.847 billion (Using 2006 inflation, pop., wealth normalization;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$13.8 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$12.9 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)

31. **1945 Unnamed FL Hurricane.** Category 3. Pielke, et al, 2008.

> \$12.956 billion (Using 2006 inflation, pop., wealth normalization;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$12.3 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$10.1 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)

32. **Loma Prieta Earthquake** (Oct 17, 1989). Magnitude 6.9; 63 people
    killed. (USGS 1999)

> 11.7 billion estimated property damage (insured/uninsured) 2007\$;
> III, Earthquakes, 2008)
>
> \$6-\$10 billion (Estimated property loss; USGS 1999)
>
> \$7 billion estimated property damage (insured/uninsured); III,
> Earthquakes, May 2008).

33. **Hurricane Frederic** (Sep 12, 1979). Cat. 3; Gulf Coast (AL, MS);
    (Pielke/Landsea 1998)

> \$11.5 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$10.781 billion (Using 2006 inflation, pop., wealth normalization;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$10.3 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$ 7.2 billion (Pocock)
>
> \$ 6.922 billion (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction Deflator;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$ 2.3 billion (Pielke/Landsea 1998)
>
> \$ 2.3 billion (Not adjusted for inflation; Blake, Rappaport, Landsea,
> 2007, p. 8)

34. **San Francisco 1906 Earthquake** (1906).

> \$11 billion (about), 2007 dollars; \$524m actual losses in 1906
> (\$24m direct quake, \$500m fire); insured losses were \$235m, or
> about \$5.2b, 2007\$ (III, 2008, citing National Geophysical Data
> Center)
>
> \$ 8.2 billion (approximately, 2006 dollars). (Frantz 2005)
>
> \$5-6 billion in insurance claims in 2008 dollars for similar event
> today. (III, 2008
>
> \$400 million (1906 dollars) (Frantz 2005)

35. **Drought** (Spring/early Fall 2002). 30 States (Western, Great
    Plains, Eastern) (NCDC 2007)

> \$10.0 billion (Estimate in damages/costs; (NCDC 2007)

36. **Iowa Flooding Summer 2008**

\~ \$10 billion (*Gazette Online* (Iowa), August 6, 2008)

37. **Hurricane Gustav**.

> \$45 billion. "Estimates of economic losses due to business
> disruptions for tourism,
>
> chemicals, oil refining and extraction, and other industries are in
> the \$35 billion range.

Preliminary estimates of property insurance claims are about \$10
billion. Estimates of

personal outlays for refugee shelter in hotels and motels hundreds of
miles outside New

Orleans will only add to those figures." (Mason, Joe. "Message from the
Front of Hurricane

Gustav...," *RGE Monitor*, September 9, 2008.

\$4-10 billion insured losses; up to \$3 billion insured losses for
damage to offshore oil

platforms and wells and production losses. (Insure.com, 2Sep08)

\$3 - 7 billion. Estimated onshore insured losses\...primarily in LA.
(EQECAT, 2 Sep 2008)

\$2.5 - 4.5 billion. Revised initial industry loss estimate. (Risk Mgmt.
Solutions, Sep 08)

\$2 - 4.5 billion. Estimated insured losses to onshore properties. (AIR
Worldwide, 1Sep08)

\$1.8 - 4.4 billion. Estimated insured losses to offshore assets. (AIR
Worldwide, 1Sep08)

38. **Hurricane Frances** (Sep 5, 2004). Cat. 2; east-central FL; at
    least 48 deaths (NCDC 2007).

> \$10.168 billion (Using 2006 inflation, pop., wealth normalization;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$ 9.7 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$ 9.684 billion (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction Deflator;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$ 9.6 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$ 9.0 billion (Estimated damage/costs;. (NCDC 2007)
>
> \$ 8.9 billion (Not adjusted for inflation; Blake, Rappaport, Landsea,
> 2007, p. 8)
>
> \$ 5.5 billion (Indexed to 2006; Kunreuther 2007, p. 3)
>
> \$ 5.0 billion (Insured loss in 2007 dollars; III, *Catastrophes:
> Insurance Issues*, Jan 2008)
>
> \$ 4.6 billion (Insured loss when occurred; III, *Catastrophes:
> Insurance Issues*, Jan 2008)

39. **Unnamed 1933 VA/NC Hurricane.** Category 2 (Pielke, et al, 2008)

> \$9.8 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$8.603 billion (Using 2006 inflation, pop., wealth normalization;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$8.2 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)

40. **Hurricane Ike** (Sep 12-13, 2008). Category 2.

\$10 Billion to \$16 Billion. (Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings Limited,
13 Sept. 2008)

\$6-16 billion. (Risk Management Solutions, September 14, 2008)

> \$8-\$12 billion. Initial post-landfall estimated insured onshore
> losses. (AIR,13Sep08)
>
> \$8-18 billion. "EQECAT, Inc., the leading authority on extreme-risk
> modeling, Saturday morning said, based on current storm information
> provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
> (NOAA), initial post-landfall estimated insured onshore losses from
> Hurricane Ike could range from \$8 billion to \$18 billion, primarily
> in the Texas counties of Brazoria, Harris, Galveston, Chambers and
> Jefferson. This estimate is based upon initial observations of
> Hurricane Ike wind, wave and flood patterns. EQECAT's estimates may be
> updated as additional information about the storm becomes available.
> Hurricane Ike caused significant flooding in and around Galveston
> Bay." (*Business Wire*, September 13, 2008)

41. **Hurricane Dora (**Sep 7-15, 1964) Category 2/3.

> \$8.066 billion (Using 2006 inflation, pop., wealth normalization;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)

42. **Hurricane Jeanne** (Sep 26, 2004). Cat. 3; east-central FL; at
    least 28 deaths (NCDC 2007).

> \$7.508 billion (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction Deflator;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$7.5 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$7.5 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$7.0 billion (Estimated damage/costs; NCDC 2007)
>
> \$6.9 billion (Not adjusted for inflation; Blake, Rappaport, Landsea,
> 2007, p. 8)

\$4.1 billion (indexed to 2006; Kunreuther 2007, p. 3)

\$4.0 billion (estimated insured loss in 2007 dollars; III,
*Catastrophes,* Jan 2008)

\$3.6 billion (estimated insured loss when occurred; III,
*Catastrophes:* Jan 2008)

43. **Northeast Blackout** (Aug 14, 2003).

> \$6.8-\$10.3 billion. (ICF Consulting 2003)

"...roughly \$6 billion, White House, *National Strategy for Homeland
Security*, 2007, 1:11)

\$4-\$10 billion (U.S.-Canada Power System Outage Task Force, 2004, p.
1)

44. **Southern Drought/Heat Wave** (Sum.1998). TX/OK east to Carolinas;
    at least 200 deaths.

> \$6.0-\$9.0 billion (6.6-9.9) (Damage/costs to agriculture and
> ranching; (NCDC 2007)

45. **Hurricane Alicia** (Aug 18-21, 1983). Category 3; TX; 21 deaths
    (NCDC 2007)

> \$7.5 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$7.2 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$4.825 billion (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction Deflator;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$3.0 (5.9) billion (Damage/costs, (NCDC 2007)
>
> \$2 billion (Not adjusted for inflation; Blake, Rappaport, Landsea,
> 2007, p. 8)
>
> \$2 billion (Actual costs in damages; Pocock)

46. **Hurricane Floyd** (Sep.1999). Large category 2; eastern NC; 77
    deaths; some flooding in SC, VA, MD, PA, NY, NJ, DE, RI, CT, MA, NH,
    and VT; (NCDC 2007)

> \$6.8 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$6.7 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$6.342 billion (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction Deflator;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$6.0 (6.5) billion (Estimated damage/costs; (NCDC 2007)
>
> \$4.5 billion (Not adjusted for inflation; Blake, Rappaport, Landsea,
> 2007, p. 8) (Pocock)

47. **Tropical Storm Allison** (June 2001). TX; at least 43 deaths;
    fatalities and significant damage reported in TX, LA, MS, FL, VA,
    and PA; (NCDC 2007).

> \$6.6 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$6.414 billion (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction Deflator;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$6.4 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$5.0 (5.1) billion (Estimated damage/costs; (NCDC 2007)
>
> \$5.0 billion (Not adjusted for inflation; Blake, Rappaport, Landsea,
> 2007, p. 8)
>
> \$4.1 billion (Indexed to 2006 dollars; Kunreuther 2007, p. 3)

48. **Hurricane Opal** (Oct 1995). Cat 3; FL panhandle, AL, W. GA, E.
    TN, and Western Carolinas; 27 deaths; (NCDC 2007).

> \$6.3 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$6.1 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$4.758 billion (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction Deflator;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$3.0 (3.6) billion (Damage/costs; (NCDC 2007)
>
> \$3.0 billion (Not adjusted for inflation; Blake, Rappaport, Landsea,
> 2007, p. 8) (Pocock)

49. **Drought** (Spring-Summer 2006).

> Over \$6.0 billion preliminary estimate of damages/costs. (NCDC 07)

50. **Hurricane Georges** (September 1998). Category 2 Puerto Rico,
    Florida Keys, and Gulf coasts of LA, MS, AL, and FL panhandle; 16
    deaths; (NCDC 2007).

> \$5.9 (6.5) billion (Estimated damage/costs; (NCDC 2007). NCDC 2007).

\$4.4 billion (Indexed to 2006; Kunreuther 2007, p. 3)

> \$3.8 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)

\$3.758 billion (Estimated insured loss, 2007 dollars; III,
*Catastrophes: Insurance* Jan 2008)

> \$3.6 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)

\$2.955 billion (Estimated insured loss when occurred; III,
*Catastrophes: Insurance* Jan 2008)

\$1.155 billion (Not adjusted for inflation; Blake, Rappaport, Landsea,
2007, p. 8)

51. **TX/OK/LA/MS Severe Weather and Flooding** (May 1995). Torrential
    rains, hail, and tornadoes across TX-OK and southeast LA- so. MS;
    Dallas. (NCDC 2007)

> \$5.0-\$6.0 (6.5-7.1) billion (Damage/costs; (NCDC 2007)

52. **Storm/Blizzard** (March 1993). \"Storm of the Century,\" or
    "Superstorm" eastern seaboard; tornadoes, high winds, and heavy
    snows (2-4 feet); approximately 270 deaths, (NCDC 2007)

> \$5.0-\$6.0 (6.3-7.6) billion (Damage/costs; (NCDC 2007)
>
> \$3-6 billion (Pocock)

53. **Hurricane Fran** (Sep 1996). Category 3; NC and VA; 37 deaths;
    (NCDC 2007)

> \$6.2 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$5.8 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> Over \$5.0 (5.8) billion (Damage/costs; (NCDC 2007)
>
> \$4.979 billion (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction Deflator;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$3.5 billion (Pocock)
>
> \$2.11 billion (estimated insured loss, 2007 dollars; III,
> *Catastrophes: Insurance*, Jan 2008)
>
> \$1.6 billion (estimated insured loss at occurrence; III,
> *Catastrophes: Insurance*, Jan 2008)

54. **Southern Plains Severe Drought** (Fall 1995/Sum.1996). TX and OK
    most severely affected

> \$5.0 (6.0) billion (Approximate damage/costs; (NCDC 2007)

55. **Freeport Hurricane of 1932.** Category 4; TX; **(**Pielke, et al,
    2008)

> \$5.9 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$5.7 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)

56. **Hurricane Celia** (1970). Category 3; South TX. Pielke, et al,
    2008)

> \$5.7 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$5.6 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$3.038 billion (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction Deflator;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)

57. **Unnamed Hurricane of 1916.** Category 3; AL, MS; Pielke, et al,
    2008)

> \$6.3 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$5.3 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)

58. **Unnamed Hurricane of 1903**. Category 1; FL; (Pielke, et al, 2008)

> \$5.2 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$4.2 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)

59. **Hurricane Cleo** (1964). Cat. 2; Miami, FL; (Pielke/Landsea 1998)

> \$5.2 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$4.7 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$2.7 billion (1992 dollars). (Pielke/Landsea 1998)

60. **Winter Storms -- CA** (1955). 28 dead (NOAA, CA Top 15 Weather
    Events of 1900s, 2007)

> \$5 billion (Est. indirect costs, costs to state's economy (Galloway,
> *A CA Challenge*, 2007, 1)[^3]
>
> \$1.841 billion (Calculated econ. losses. (NOAA, CA Top 15 Weather
> Events of 1900s, 2007)

61. **Unnamed 1941 Hurricane** (1941). Cat 3, Homestead, FL. (Pielke and
    Landsea 1998)..

> \$5 billion (1992 dollars). (Pielke and Landsea 1998).

62. **Hurricane Isabel** (Sep 2003) Cat 2; eastern NC; storm surge NC,
    VA, MD; wind damage and flooding, NC, VA, MD, DE, WV, NJ, NY, and
    PA; at least 55 deaths. (NCDC 2007)

> \$5.0 billion (Estimated damages/costs; (NCDC 2007)
>
> \$4.0 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$4.0 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$3.985 (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction Deflator; Blake et
> al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$3.37 billion (Not adjusted for inflation; Blake, Rappaport, Landsea,
> 2007, p. 8)

63. **Hurricane King** (1950) Category 3; FL; \$3.7-\$4.4B (2008
    dollars); (Pielke, et al, 2008)

> \$4.4 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$3.7 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)

64. **Drought/Heat Wave** (Spring-Sum. 2000). SC and SE States; \~ 140
    deaths; (NCDC 2007)

> Over \$4.0 (4.2) billion in damage/costs; (NCDC 2007)

65. **Northern Plains Flooding** (April-May 1997). Flooding ND, SD, MN
    due to snowmelt; 11 deaths. (NCDC 2007)

> \~ \$3.7 (4.1) billion (Damage/costs; (NCDC 2007)

66. **Hurricane Beulah** (1967). Category 3; TX: (Pielke, et al, 2008)

> \$4.0 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$4.0 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)

67. **Hurricane Juan** (Oct-Nov 1985). Cat 1; LA, SE U.S; 63 deaths;
    (NCDC 2007)

> \$4.2 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$3.9 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$3.417 billion (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction Deflator;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$1.5 (2.8) billion (Damage/costs; (NCDC 2007)
>
> \$1.5 billion (Not adjusted for inflation; Blake, Rappaport, Landsea,
> 2007, p. 8; Pocock)

68. **Hurricane Audrey** (1957). Category 4; LA, TX; Pielke, et al,
    2008)

> \$4.1 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$3.8 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)

69. **Hurricane Ione** (1955). Category 3, NC; Pielke, et al, 2008)

> \$6.0 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$3.7 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)

70. **Nisqually (Washington/Oregon) Earthquake** (February 28, 2001)

> \$2-3.9 billion (Public, business, household property; Thurston
> County, WA OEM, 2004, 40)
>
> \$2.7 billion estimated property damage in 2007 dollars. (III,
> Earthquakes, May 2008)
>
> \$2.3 billion estimated property damage at the time. (III,
> Earthquakes, May 2008)
>
> \$2.0 billion (Thurston County, WA OEM, 2004, p. 40)
>
> \$1.5 billion (Damage to \~300K residences, Puget Sound; (Thurston
> County WA OEM, 2004)

71. **Unnamed FL Hurricane of 1926** (Not Great Miami Hurricane). Cat 2.
    Pielke, et al, 2008)

> \$3.7 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Pielke & Landsea
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)
>
> \$3.6 billion (Normalized to 2005 dollars using Collins and Lowe
> model; Pielke, et al, 2008)

72. **Tornadoes** and **Severe Storms** (Early May 2003). Midwest, MS
    valley, OH/TN valleys and portions of southeast; modern record
    one-week total of \~ 400 tornadoes reported; 51 deaths; (NCDC 2007)

> Over \$3.4 billion (Damages/costs; (NCDC 2007)

73. **California Freeze (**December 1990). **\$3.4 billion** "calculated
    damages in direct and indirect economic losses including damage to
    public buildings, utilities, crop damage, and residential burst
    pipes....Record-setting low temperatures for extended period during
    critical growing period. Temperatures not above 25 degrees in parts
    of San Joaquin Valley for three to five days and all time record low
    temperatures were set at Sacramento, Stockton, and Bakersfield. Many
    records were set for duration of freezing temperatures. The
    agricultural industry was devastated as acres of trees-not just
    fruit-were destroyed. Thirty-three counties were disaster-declared."
    (NOAA. *California\'s Top 15 Weather Events of 1900s.*)

74. **1964 Alaskan Earthquake (9.2, near Anchorage), West Coast
    Tsunami** (27 March 1964).

\$3.3 billion estimated property damage in 2007 dollars. (III,
Earthquakes, May 2008)

\$1.6 billion (USGS 2001)

\$500 million \~ property damage at time of occurrence (III,
Earthquakes, May 2008)

75. **Southeast Ice Storm** (Feb 1994). \~**\$3.0 (3.7) billion**
    damage/costs; 9 deaths. Intense ice storm with extensive damage in
    portions of TX, OK, AR, LA, MS, AL, TN, GA, SC, NC, and VA; (NCDC
    2007)

76. **California Flooding** (Jan-March 1995).Over **\$3.0 (3.6)
    billion** damage/costs; 27 deaths. (Frequent winter storms cause
    20-70 in. rainfall and periodic flooding across much of CA. (NCDC
    2007)

77. **Blizzard of \'96 Followed by Flooding** (Jan 1996). 187 deaths;
    snowstorm (1-4 feet) over Appalachians, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast;
    followed by severe flooding in parts of same area due to rain and
    snowmelt. (NCDC 2007)

> \$3.0 (3.5) billion damage/costs. (NCDC 2007)
>
> \$3 billion (Pocock)

78. **Flooding**\--**West Coast** (Dec 1996-Jan 1997). 36 deaths; rain
    (10-40 inches in 2 weeks) and snowmelt produce severe flooding;
    portions of CA, WA, OR, ID, NV, MT. (NCDC 2007)

> \$3.0 (3.4) billion damage/costs. (NCDC 2007)

79. **Mt. St. Helens Volcano Eruption, WA** (May 18, 25, June 12, 1980).
    60 deaths. (Pocock)

\$3.0 billion. (Pocock)

\$1.1 billion. (USGS, citing International Trade Commission study for
U.S. Congress)

\~\$1.0 billion (Thurston County, WA OEM, 2004, p. 103)

\$ .86 billion (Foxworthy)

80. **San Fernando, CA Earthquake** (1971), Magnitude 6.5.

\$2.8 billion estimated property damage in 2007 dollars (III,
Earthquakes, May 2008)

\$553 million estimated property damage then; (III, Earthquakes, May
2008)

81. **Great Chicago Fire.** Oct. 1871, **\$2.568 billion** (2003
    dollars). (NFPA, Key Dates...)

82. **Oakland Firestorm** (Oct 1991). 25 deaths; low humidity/high
    winds;. (NCDC 2007)

\~ \$2.5 (3.5) billion (damage/costs; (NCDC 2007)

> \$2.516 billion (2006 dollars; III, *Catastrophes: Insurance Issues*,
> Jan 2008)
>
> \$2.024 billion (2003 dollars). (NFPA, Key Dates in Fire History)
>
> \$1.7 billion (At occurrence; III, *Catastrophes: Insurance Issues*,
> Jan 2008)

83. **Wildfires** **Southern California (**Late Oct early Nov 2003).
    Over **\$2.5 billion** damage/costs; 22 deaths. Dry weather, high
    winds, and resulting wildfires in So. CA. More than 743,000 acres of
    brush/timber burned, over 3700 homes destroyed;. (NCDC 2007)

84. **Phillips Semiconductor Plant Lightning Strike,** Albuquerque, NM,
    2000 **\-- \$2.34 Billion:**

> "Another example of the potential impact of a disruption in the supply
> chain involves the European electronics manufacturer Ericsson --
> *once* one of the world's leading producers of cellular telephones. In
> March of 2000 a lightning bolt struck the Phillips semiconductor
> manufacturing plant in Albuquerque, New Mexico and ignited a fire in a
> single furnace. The fire was extinguished within ten minutes, however,
> not without contaminating millions of chips as well as the "clean
> rooms" needed to fabricate them. The plant was effectively shut down
> for months. Unlike Ericsson's competitor Nokia, which demanded that
> Phillips provide chips from an alternate source in Europe, Ericsson
> relied on assurances that the plant would be back on-line within a few
> weeks and too late discovered that this was not true. Ericsson lost
> \$2.34 billion and was forced to withdraw from the cell phone
> market...and they have never returned." (Kelly, 2008)

85. **Blizzard of '78,** Eastern U.S., particularly northeast, 1978

\$2.3 billion (Drag, 2000; citing NOAA, Natural Disaster Survey...)

\$1 billion (Pocock)

86. **Hurricane Marilyn** (Sep 1995). Cat 2, U.S. Virgin Islands; 13
    deaths. (NCDC 2007)

> \$2.1 (2.5) billion (Estimated damage/costs; (NCDC 2007)
>
> \$1.19 billion (estimated insured loss, 2007 dollars; III,
> *Catastrophes: Insurance*, Jan 2008)
>
> \$.875 billion (estimated insured at occurrence; III, *Catastrophes:
> Insurance*, Jan 2008)

87. **Hurricane Inez** (1966). **\$2.2 billion** (1992 dollars).
    Cat.1, S. FL (Pielke/Landsea 1998)

88. **So. CA Wildfires (**Oct 2007)**.** Nearly **\$2.1 billion.**
    "...well over 1 billion in destroyed and damaged property, and
    nearly \$900 million in lost business and productivity." (San Diego
    Foundation, Dec 5, 2007, p. 8.) **\~\$1 billion.** (Treaster, NYT,
    October 25, 2007)

89. **Florida Freeze** (Dec 1983). About **\$2.0 (4.0) billion** damage
    to citrus industry; no deaths. Severe freeze central/northern
    Florida; (NCDC 2007)

90. **Wildfires Western Fire Season** (Spring-Sum 2000). Over **\$2.0
    (2.1) billion** estimated damage/costs (includes fire suppression).
    Severe fire season due to drought and frequent winds, nearly 7
    million acres burned; (NCDC 2007)

91. **Hurricane Dennis** (July 2005). Cat 3; landfall in western FL
    panhandle resulting in storm surge and wind damage along FL-AL
    coasts, with scattered wind and flood damage in GA, MS, TN. at least
    15 deaths. (NCDC 2007)

> \$ 2.33 billion (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction Deflator;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$ 2.3 billion (Not adjusted for inflation; Blake, Rappaport, Landsea,
> 2007, p. 8)

\<\$ 2 billion (Preliminary estimate, damage/costs; NCDC 2007)

92. **Wildfire Western Fire Season** (Spring - Fall 2002). Over **\$ 2.0
    billion** in damages/costs; 21 deaths. Major fires over 11 western
    states from the Rockies to the west coast, due to drought and
    periodic high winds, with over 7.1 million acres burned;. (NCDC
    2007)

93. **Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, Prince William Sound, Alaska,** March 24,
    1989.

> \$2 billion (Estimated clean-up cost to Exxon; (Zechman 2007)

94. **Hail and Tornadoes** **Midwest and Ohio Valley** (April 2001).
    Over **\$1.9 billion** in damage/costs, with the most significant
    losses due to hail; at least 3 deaths. Storms, tornadoes, hail in
    states of TX, OK, KS, NE, IA, MO, IL, IN, WI, MI, OH, KY, WV, and
    PA, over 6-day period; (NCDC 2007)

95. **California New Year\'s Flood** (1996/1997). "**\$1.8 billion**
    economic losses including 23,000 homes and 2,000 businesses damaged
    or destroyed." "Significant rainfall fell throughout central and
    northern California from December 26, 1996 through January 3, 1997,
    with the heaviest and warmest rains on New Year\'s Eve/Day. Snow
    levels were above 10,000 feet. Several towns were inundated.
    Three-hundred square miles were flooded, including the Yosemite
    Valley, which flooded for the first time since 1861-62. For weeks
    after the rains stopped rivers continued to flow out of their banks
    and major roads remained impassable due to flood damage and
    mudslides. Along I-80\...rainfall recorded for the event totaled
    3.71 inches at Sacramento\...9.57 inches at Auburn\...and 29.73
    inches at Blue Canyon. Forty-eight counties were disaster-declared,
    including all 46 counties in northern California. Calculated
    damages: 8 dead..." (NOAA. *California\'s Top 15 Weather Events of
    1900s.*)

96. **Hurricane Iniki** (Sep 11, 1992). 7 deaths. Cat 4; Hawaiian island
    of Kauai; (NCDC 2007)

> \$2.563 billion (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction Deflator;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$2.3 billion (estimated insured loss in 2007 dollars; III,
> *Catastrophes: Insurance*, Jan 2008)

\~\$1.8 (2.4) billion damage/costs (NCDC 2007)

> \$1.8 billion (Not adjusted for inflation; Blake, Rappaport, Landsea,
> 2007, p. 8)
>
> \$1.6 billion (estimated insured loss at occurrence; III,
> *Catastrophes: Insurance*, Jan 2008)

97. **Hurricane Bob** (Aug 1991). Cat 2; mainly coastal NC, Long Island,
    New Eng (NCDC 2007)

> \$2.538 billion (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction Deflator;
> Blake et al, 2007, 9)
>
> \$1.5 (2.1) billion damage/costs; NCDC 2007.
>
> \$1.5 billion (Not adjusted for inflation; Blake, Rappaport, Landsea,
> 2007, p. 8)

98. **Tornadoes** **OK, KS, TX, TN** (May 3, 1999). Outbreak of F4-F5
    tornadoes, Oklahoma City area hardest hit; (NCDC 2007)

\< \$1.6 (1.7) billion damage/costs (NCDC 2007)

\$1.2 billion (NewspaperArchive.com)

\<\$1 billion (Pocock)

99. **Hail** and **Storms** (Early April 2003). Over **\$ 1.6 billion**
    in damages/costs: 3 deaths. Severe storms and large hail over the
    southern plains and lower MS valley, with Texas hardest hit, and
    much of the monetary losses due to hail. (NCDC 2007)

100. **Minnesota Severe Storms/Hail** (May 1998). Over **\$1.5 (1.7)
     billion** damage/costs; 1 death. Very damaging severe
     thunderstorms, large hail over wide areas of MN. (NCDC 2007)

101. **Severe Weather Eastern US** (April 27-May 3, 2002). Severe
     weather included supercell thunderstorms, hail storms, and
     tornadoes, causing widespread damage in 17 states. Insured property
     damage, as reported by Property Claims Services, estimated at
     **\$1.54 billion** with the majority occurring in the states of KY,
     MD, VA and TN. (Willis, 2002)

102. **Northeast Ice Storm** (Jan 1998). Over **\$1.4 (1.5) billion**
     damage/costs; 16 deaths. Intense ice storm hits Maine, NH, VT, and
     NY, with extensive forestry losses. (NCDC 2007)

103. **Hurricane Elena** (Aug-Sep 1985). Cat 3, Florida to Louisiana; 4
     deaths. (NCDC 2007)

\$2.848 billion (Using 2006 DOC Implicit Price Construction Deflator;
Blake et al, 2007, 9)

\$1.3 (2.4) billion damage/costs (NCDC 2007)

\$1.25 billion (Not adjusted for inflation; Blake, Rappaport, Landsea,
2007, p. 8)

104. **Tornadoes Arkansas-Tennessee** (Jan 1999). Two outbreaks, 6-day
     period NCDC 2007)

\~ \$1.3 (1.4) billion damage/costs (NCDC 2007)

\$1.3 billion (Pocock)

105. **California El Niño Storms** (1982-83). 6,661 homes and 1,330
     businesses damaged or destroyed. Multiple strong storms; high wind,
     heavy rain and heavy snowfall across CA; led to direct wind damage,
     higher tides, immediate flooding to coastal and valley locations,
     mudslides in coastal mountain areas, record snowfall in the Sierra
     Mountains, and resulting spring snowmelt river flooding. In one
     36-hour period, 25 inches of rain fell in the Santa Cruz (coastal)
     mountains while 8.5 feet of snow fell in the Lake Tahoe region.
     Forty-six counties were disaster-declared. Calculated Damages: 36
     dead, 481 injured (NOAA. *California\'s Top 15 Weather Events of
     1900s.*)

**\$1.209 billion** economic losses. (NOAA. *California\'s Top 15
Weather Events of 1900s.*)

**\$1.1 billion** (*NOAA Magazine* 2002)

106. **Gulf States Storms and Flooding** (1982-Early 1983). \~ **\$1.1
     (2.2) billion** in damage/costs; at least 50 deaths. Storms and
     flooding related to El Nino, especially in the states of TX, AR,
     LA, MS, AL, GA, FL. (NCDC 2007)

107. **Florida Freeze** (Jan 1985). \~ **\$1.2 (2.2) billion** damage to
     the citrus industry; no deaths. Severe freeze central/northern
     Florida. (NCDC 2007)

108. **Great Boston Fire** (MA). Nov. 1872, **\$1.146 billion**. (NFPA,
     Key Dates in Fire History)

109. **Phillips Petroleum Plant Fire** (1989). Pasadena, TX, **\$1.113
     billion** (2003 dollars). (NFPA Key...)

110. **Western Storms and Flooding** (1982-Early 1983). \~ **\$1.1 (2.2)
     billion** in damage/costs; at least 45 deaths. Storms and flooding
     related to **El Nino**, especially in the states of WA, OR, CA, AZ,
     NV, ID, UT, MT; (NCDC 2007)

111. **Nor\'easter of 1992** (Dec 1992). **\$1.0-\$2.0 (1.3-2.6)
     billion** damage/costs; 19 deaths. Slow-moving storm batters
     northeast U.S. coast, New England hardest hit. (NCDC 2007)

112. **Drought/Heat Wave,** **Southeast** (Sum 1986). **\$1.0-\$1.5
     (1.8-2.6) billion** in damage/costs; estimated 100 deaths. Severe
     summer drought in parts of the southeastern U.S. with severe losses
     to agriculture. (NCDC 2007)

113. **Drought \-- Northern Plains (**Sum 1989). At least **\$1.0 (1.5)
     billion** in damage/costs; no deaths reported. Severe summer
     drought over much of the northern plains with significant losses to
     agriculture. (NCDC 2007)

114. **Flooding** (May 1990). Over **\$1.0 (1.4) billion** damage/costs;
     13 deaths. Torrential rains cause flooding along the Trinity, Red,
     Arkansas Rivers in TX, OK, LA, AR. (NCDC 2007)

115. **Drought/Heat Wave** (Sum 1993, Southeastern U.S). About **\$1.0
     (1.3) billion** damage/costs to agriculture; at least 16 deaths.
     (NCDC 2007)

116. **So. California Wildfires** (Fall 1993). Dry weather, high winds,
     wildfires (NCDC 2007).

\~ \$1.0 (1.3) billion damage/costs (NCDC 2007)

\$1 billion. (NOAA. *California\'s Top 15 Weather Events of 1900s*)

117. **Tropical Storm Alberto** (July 1994). \~ **\$1.0 (1.2) billion**
     damage/costs; 32 deaths. Remnants of slow-moving Alberto brought
     torrential 10-25 inch rains in 3 days, widespread flooding, and
     agricultural damage in parts of GA, AL, and FL panhandle. (NCDC
     2007)

118. **Pacific Northwest Severe Flooding** (Feb 1996). \~ **\$1.0 (1.2)
     billion** damage/costs; 9 deaths. Very heavy, persistent rains
     (10-30 inches) and melting snow over OR, WA, ID, West MT. (NCDC
     2007)

119. **Texas Flooding** (Oct 1994). \~ **\$1.0 (1.2) billion**
     damage/costs; 19 deaths. Torrential rain (10-25 in. in 5 days),
     thunderstorms cause flooding across much of SE Texas; (NCDC 2007)

120. **Western Fire Season** (Sum-Fall 1994). \~ **\$1.0 (1.2) billion**
     damage/costs; death toll undetermined. Severe fire season; western
     states; dry weather; (NCDC 2007)

121. **Eastern Drought/Heat Wave** (Sum 1999). Over **\$1.0 (1.1)
     billion** damage/costs; estimated 502 deaths. Very dry summer and
     high temperatures, mainly in eastern U.S., with extensive
     agricultural losses; (NCDC 2007)

122. **Southeast Severe Weather** (Winter-Spring 1998). Over **\$1.0
     (1.1) billion** damage/costs; at least 132 deaths. El Nino related
     tornadoes, flooding in southeastern states; (NCDC 2007)

123. **Flooding, Tornadoes** **MS and OH Valleys (**March 1997).
     Tornadoes and severe flooding AR, MO, MS, TN, IL, IN, KY, OH, WV;
     67 deaths (NCDC 2007).

> \$1.0 (1.1) billion estimated damage/costs (NCDC 2007).

\~\$1.0 billion (Pocock)

124. **Hurricane Bonnie** (Aug 1998). \~ **\$1.0 (1.1) billion**
     damage/costs; 3 deaths. Cat 3, strikes eastern North Carolina and
     Virginia, extensive agricultural damage due to winds and flooding,
     with 10-inch rains in 2 days in some locations; (NCDC 2007)

125. **Wildfires** (2006). **Well over \$1.0 billion** in overall
     damages/costs. At least 28 fatalities, including 20 firefighters.
     (NCDC 2007)

126. **Tornadoes** and **Severe Storms** (March 2006). **Over \$1.0
     billion** damage/costs. At least 10 deaths. Outbreak of tornadoes
     over portions of the Midwest and South during a week-long
     period-affecting the states of AL, AR, KY, MS, TN, TX, IN, KS, MO,
     & OK. (NCDC 2007)

127. **Flooding** **Texas** (Oct-Nov 1998). \~ **\$1.0 (1.1) billion**
     damage/costs; 31 deaths. Severe flooding in SE TX from 2 heavy rain
     events, with 10-20 inch rainfall totals; (NCDC 2007)

128. **Wildland Fire,** Los Alamos, NM, May 2000. **\$1.068 billion**.
     (NFPA, Key Dates...)

129. **Drought** (Spring-Sum 2005). Over **\$1.0 billion** in
     damage/costs. Rather severe localized drought causes significant
     crop losses (especially for corn and soybeans) in the states of AR,
     IL, IN, MO, OH, and WI. (NCDC 2007)

130. **Washington State Flooding** (Early Dec 2007). "**At least \$1
     billion** in damage, killed a half-dozen people, displaced hundreds
     from their homes, and hurt businesses." (Ammons, *Seattle Times*,
     29Jan08)

131. **"The Perfect Storm" (Halloween Nor'easter of 1991)**
     October 1991. **\$1B.** (Drag, 2000)

132. **"Columbus Day Wind Storm"** October 12, 1962, WA, OR. **\~\$1B.**
     "Total property damage in the region was estimated at \$235 million
     (1962 dollars). The storm blew down 15 billion board feet of timber
     worth \$750 million (1962 dollars); this is more than three times
     the timber blown down by the May 1980 eruption of Mount St.
     Helens..." (Tetra Tech/KCM, 1995,p. 16-3). This totals \$985
     million in 1962 dollars.

133. **Three Mile Island** (March 28, 1979). Harrisburg, PA nuclear
     power plant failure. \~\$1B. (975 million dollars clean-up cost in
     1980s dollars; Enzler, *Environmental* Disasters, 2006)

**Monthly averaged insured disaster losses in the U.S. 1980-2006.
\$1billion.** (GAO,

*Climate Change*, May 2007, p. 4)

**Ongoing: Weekly** averaged **total disaster losses** 1989 to the
present \-- **\$1 billion**. (Mileti, 5)

**\
**

# **Part 2:**

# **Billion Dollar U.S. Disasters -- Chronologically Listed**

# 

**2008 Hurricane Ike** (Sep 12-13). \$8 to \$18 billion.

**2008 Hurricane Gustav** (Early Sep). \$4-10 billion insured losses.
(Insure.com, 2Sep08)

**2008 Iowa Flooding.** \~\$10B (Gazette Online, Iowa, August 6, 2008)

**2007 Southern California Wildfires,** Oct**.** (SD Foundation, 2007;
Treaster, NYT, 2007)

**2007 Washington State Flooding** (Early Dec). (Ammons, *Seattle
Times*, 29Jan08)

**2006 Wildfires** (NCDC 2007)

**2006 Drought** (Spring-Summer). Estimate of over \$6.0 billion
damages/costs. (NCDC 2007)

**2006 Tornadoes**/**Severe Storms** (March/April 2006). (NCDC 2007)

**2005 Hurricane Wilma** (Oct). (NCDC 2007; Kunreuther 2007, 3)

**2005 Hurricane Rita** (Sep). (NCDC 2007; Kunreuther 2007, p. 3;
KWTX-TV; Woolsey)

**2005 Hurricane Katrina** (August). (NCDC 2007)

**2005 Hurricane Dennis** (July 2005). (NCDC 2007)

**2005 Drought** (Spring-Summer). (NCDC 2007)

**2004 Hurricane Jeanne** (September 26), (NCDC 2007; Kunreuther 2007,
p. 3)

**2004 Hurricane Ivan** (Sep). (NCDC 2007; Kunreuther 2007; Woolsey)

**2004 Hurricane Frances** (Sep) (NCDC 2007; Kunreuther 2007, p. 3)

**2004 Hurricane Charley** (Aug) (NCDC 2007; Kunreuther 2007, p. 3)

**2003 Wildfires** **So. California (**Late October/early November
2003). (NCDC 2007)

**2003 Hurricane Isabel** September 2003. Category 2; (NCDC 2007)

2003. **Northeast Blackout** (Aug 14). (ICF Consulting 2003; White
      House, *NSHS*, 2007, 1:11)

**2003 Tornadoes** and **Severe Storms (**Early May 2003). (NCDC 2007)

**2003 Hail** and **Storms** (Early April). \$ 1.6 billion in
damages/costs. (NCDC 2007)

**2002 Drought** **Widespread** (Spring-early Fall). Over \$10.0B. (NCDC
2007)

**2002 Wildfire Western Fire Season** (Spring-Fall). Over \$ 2.B. (NCDC
2007)

**2002 Severe Weather Eastern US** (April 27-May 3). (Willis, 2002)

**2001 9/11 Terrorist Attacks** (Sep 11). (Looney 2002; Kunreuther,
2007, p. 4.)

**2001 Tropical Storm Allison** (June 2001). (NCDC 2007; Kunreuther
2007, p. 3)

**2001 Hail and Tornadoes** **Midwest and Ohio Valley** (April 2001).
(NCDC 2007)

**2001 Nisqually (Washington/Oregon) Earthquake** (Feb 28). (III,
Earthquakes, May 2008)

**2000 Drought/Heat Wave** (Spring-Summer 2000). (NCDC 2007)

**2000 Wildfires Western Fire Season** (Spring-Summer 2000). Over
**\$2.0B** (NCDC 2007)

**2000 Wildland Fire,** Los Alamos, NM, May 2000. **\$1.068B**. (NFPA,
Key Dates in Fire...)

**2000** **Phillips Semiconductor Plant Lightning Strike, Albuquerque,
NM** (March) **\--** \$2.34B.

**1999** **Hurricane Floyd** (Sep). Cat 2; at least \$6.0B damage/costs;
77 deaths. (NCDC 2007)

**1999 Eastern Drought/Heat Wave** (Summer). Over \$1.0B. (NCDC 2007)

**1999 Tornadoes** **OK, KS, TX** (May 3). F4-F5; over \$1.6B. (NCDC
2007)

**1999 Tornadoes Arkansas-TN** (Jan). Two outbreaks 6-day period;
\$1.3B. (NCDC 2007)

**1998 Flooding** **SE Texas** (Oct-Nov**).** \$1.0 (1.1) billion. (NCDC
2007)

**1998 Hurricane Georges** (Sep). Cat 2; Puerto Rico, FL Keys, coasts of
LA, MS, AL, FL.

**1998 Hurricane Bonnie** (Aug). Cat 3; eastern NC, VA, \$1.0B. (NCDC
2007)

**1998 Minnesota Severe Storms/Hail** (May). \$1.5B. (NCDC 2007)

**1998 Southeast Severe Weather** (Winter-Spring)). Tornadoes, flooding;
SE states; \$1.0B

**1998 Northeast Ice Storm** (Jan). Maine, NH, Vermont, and NY, \$1.4B
(NCDC 2007)

**1997/8 California El Nino Storms** (1997-1998). \$1.1 billion..."
(*NOAA Magazine* 2002)

**1997 Northern Plains Flooding** (April-May). Dakotas and MN, heavy
spring snowmelt.

**1997 Flooding and Tornadoes** **MS and OH Valleys (**March 1997).
\$1B. (NCDC 2007)

**1996/7 Flooding** \-- **West Coast** (Dec 1996-Jan 1997). \~\$3.0
(3.4) billion NCDC 2007)

**1996/7 California New Year\'s Flood** (1996/1997). \$1.8B. (NOAA. *CA
Top 15 Weather Events.*

**1996 Hurricane Fran** (Sep). Cat 3; NC, VA, \$5.0B. (NCDC 2007)

**1996 Pacific Northwest Severe Flooding** (Feb). OR, WA, ID, west MT;
\$1.0B. (NCDC 2007)

**1996 Blizzard of \'96 Followed by Flooding** (Jan0. Appalachians,
Mid-Atlantic, Northeast.

**1995/6 Southern Plains Severe Drought** (Fall 1995-Summer 1996).
\$5.0B. (NCDC 2007)

**1995 Winter Storms -- California**. \$1.841B (NOAA, CA Top 15 Weather
Events of 1900s)

**1995 Hurricane Opal** (Oct). Cat 3; FL panhandle, AL,GA, TN,
Carolinas, \$3.B. (NCDC 07)

**1995 Hurricane Marilyn** (Sep). Cat 2, U.S. Virgin Islands; \$2.1B.
(NCDC 2007)

**1995 Texas/Oklahoma/Louisiana/Mississippi Severe Weather and
Flooding** May 1995.

**1994 Northridge Earthquake** (Jan 17). Magnitude 6.7**.** \$41B
(Insurance Journal 2006).

**1994 Southeast Ice Storm** (Feb). TX, OK, AR, LA, MS, AL, TN, GA, SC,
NC, and VA.

**1994 Western Fire Season** (Summer-Fall). \$1.0B. (NCDC 2007)

**1994 Texas Flooding** (Oct). **\$1.0 (1.2) billion** damage/costs; 19
deaths. (NCDC 2007)

**1994 Tropical Storm Alberto** (July). GA, AL, FL panhandle; \$1.0B.
(NCDC 2007)

**1993 California Wildfires** (Oct). \$1B. (NOAA. *CA Top 15 Weather
Events of 1900s*)

**1993 Midwest Flooding** (Summer). \$21B; 48 deaths. (NCDC 2007)

**1993 Southeast Drought/Heat Wave** (Summer). **\$1.B** (NCDC 2007).

**1993 Eastern Seaboard Storm/Blizzard** (March). \"Storm of the
Century\" \$5B (NCDC 2007).

**1992 Nor\'easter of 1992** (Dec). NE U.S. coast, New England hardest
hit; **\$1B** (NCDC 2007).

**1992 Hurricane Iniki** (Sep). Cat 4; Hawaiian island of Kauai; about
**\$1.8B**. (NCDC 2007)

**1992 Hurricane Andrew** (Aug). Cat 5; FL, LA, **\$27B**. (NCDC 2007)

**1991 Oakland Firestorm** (Oct). \$2.5 (3.5) billion damage/costs; 25
deaths. (NCDC 2007

**1991 "The Perfect Storm" (Halloween Nor'easter of 1991)** October.
\$1B. (Drag, 2000)

**1991 Hurricane Bob** (Aug). Cat 2; NC, Long Island, New England;
**\$1.5B**. (NCDC 2007)

**1990 California Freeze** (Dec). \$3.4 billion (NOAA. *CA Top 15
Weather Events of 1900s.*)

**1990 Flooding** (May). Trinity, Red, AR Rivers in TX, OK, LA, AR; over
**\$**1.B. (NCDC 2007)

**1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, Prince William Sound, Alaska,** March 24,
1989. (\$2B)

**1989 Hurricane Hugo** (Sep). Cat. 4; SC & NC; over \$9.0 (13.9)
billion (NCDC 2007).

**1989 Drought \-- Northern Plains** (Summer). \$1B. (NCDC 2007)

**1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake** (Oct 17). Mag. 6.9; \$6-\$10B property
loss. (USGS 1999)

**1989 Phillips Petroleum Plant Fire**. Pasadena, TX, \$1B (2003
dollars) (NFPA Key Dates...)

**1988 Drought/Heat Wave** (Summer). Central and eastern US; \$40B.
(NCDC 2007)

**1986 Southeast Drought/Heat Wave** (Summer). \$1.0-\$1.5B. (NCDC 2007)

**1985 Hurricane Juan** (Oct-Nov). Cat. 1; LA and Southeast U.S.,
**\$1.5B**, (NCDC 2007)

**1985 Hurricane Elena** (August-September 1985). Cat. 3; FL to LA;
\$1.3B (NCDC 2007)

**1985 Florida Freeze** (January 1985). \$2.0 B. (NCDC 2007)

**1983 Hurricane Alicia** (August 18-21, 1983). Category 3, Texas;
\$3.B. (NCDC 2007)

**1983 Florida Freeze** (December 1983). (NCDC 2007)

**1982/3 Western Storms and Flooding** (1982 - Early 1983). (NCDC, 2007)

**1982/3 Gulf States Storms and Flooding** (1982 - Early 1983). El Nino
(NCDC 2007)

**1980 Mt. St. Helens Volcano Eruption** (May 18, 25, June 12). 60
deaths, \$3 billion. (Pocock)

**1980** **Drought/Heat Wave** (June-Sept.1980). Central/Eastern U.S;
\$20B. (NCDC 2007)

**1979 Hurricane Frederic** (12 Sep 1979). Gulf Coast; **\$2.3
billion**. (Pielke/Landsea 1998)

**1979 Three Mile Island** (March 28, 1979). Harrisburg, PA nuclear
power plant failure. \~\$1B

**1978 Blizzard of '78,** \$2,3 billion (Drag, 2000; citing NOAA,
Natural Disaster Survey...)

**1972 Hurricane Agnes** (June 19-25). Cat 1, FL, VA, NY, NE States;
(NOAA, Hurr. History)

**1971 San Fernando, CA Earthquake**, Magnitude 6.5; \$553M then; \$2.8M
2007\$ (III 2008)

**1970 Hurricane Celia** (1970). Category 3; TX. Pielke, et al, 2008)

**1969 Hurricane Camille.** Cat. 5, Gulf Coast, (Pielke, et al. 1999;
NOAA Hurricane History)

**1967 Hurricane Beulah** (1967). Category 3; TX: \$4B (2008 dollars);
(Pielke, et al, 2008)

**1966 Hurricane Inez** (Sep 21-Oct 10). Category 1, South Florida
(Pielke and Landsea 1998)

**1964 Hurricane Dora** (Sep 7-15). Category 2/3.

**1964 Hurricane Cleo** (Aug 20-Sep 5). Category 2, Miami, FL. (Pielke
and Landsea 1998)

**1964 1964 Alaskan Earthquake** (March 27, 1964). **\$1.6 billion.**
(USGS 2001)

**1962 "Columbus Day Wind Storm"** October 12, 1962, WA, OR. **\~\$1B.**

**1962 Hurricane Betsy** (Aug 27-Sep 13). Cat. 3, Southern FL. (Pielke
and Landsea, 1998)

**1961 Hurricane Carla** (September 10, 1961). Texas Coast; (NOAA 1993)

**1960 Hurricane Donna** (Aug 29-Sep 14). Cat.4, Sombrero Key, FL.
(Pielke/Landsea, 1998)

**1957 Hurricane Audrey**. Category 4; LA, TX; \$3.8-\$4.1B (2005
dollars) Pielke, et al, 2008)

**1955 Hurricane Diane.** Northeast (PA, NJ, NY, CN, RI, MA) (Rozario
2007)

**1955 Hurricane Ione** (1955). Category 3, NC; \$3.7B-\$6.0B (2005
dollars) Pielke, et al, 2008)

**1950 Hurricane King.** Category 3; FL; \$3.7-\$4.4B (2008 dollars);
(Pielke, et al, 2008)

**1949 Unnamed 1949 Hurricane** (1949). Category 3, Palm Beach. (Pielke
and Landsea 1998)

**1947** **Unnamed 1947 Hurricane** (1947). Cat. 4, Pompano Beach, FL.
(Pielke/Landsea 1998)

**1945 Unnamed FL Hurricane.** Category 3. Pielke, et al, 2008.

**1944 Great Atlantic Hurricane of 1944** (September 9-16, 1944).
Category 4; (Cotterly 2002)

**1944 Unnamed Florida Hurricane** (Pielke, et al, 2008)

**1941 Unnamed 1941 Hurricane** (1941). Cat. 3, Homestead, FL. (Pielke
and Landsea 1998)

**1938 New England Hurricane (Long Island Express)** (NOAA, Hurricane
History) (Powell).

**1935** **Unnamed FL Hurricane.** Category 2. Pielke, et al, 2008)

**1932 Freeport Hurricane of 1932.** Category 4; TX; (Pielke, et al,
2008)

**1928 1928 Southern Florida Hurricane** **(Great Okeechobee
Hurricane)** (1928).

**1926 Miami Hurricane** (September 18-21, 1926). (NOAA Hurricane
History).

**1926 Unnamed FL Hurricane of 1926** (Not Miami)**.** Cat 2
\$3.6-\$3.7B (05\$) (Pielke, 2008)

**1919 Unnamed Hurricane.** Category 4: FL, TX; \$12.9-\$13.8B (2005 \$)
(Pielke, et al, 2008)

**1916 Unnamed Hurricane of 1916.** Category 3; AL, MS; Pielke, et al,
2008)

**1915 Galveston Hurricane**. **\$32 billion**. (Pielke 2005)

**1906 San Francisco 1906 Earthquake**. \$11 billion (about), 2007
dollars.

**1903 Unnamed Hurricane of 1903**. Category 1; FL; (Pielke, et al,
2008)

**1900 Galveston Hurricane**. **\$38 billion**. (Pielke 2005)

**1872 Great Boston Fire** (MA). Nov. 1872 \$1.146 billion. (NFPA, Key
Dates in Fire History)

**1871 Great Chicago Fire.** Oct. 1871, \$2.568 billion (2003 dollars).
(NFPA, Key Dates...)

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[^1]: This document is an expansion of the May 2006 National Climate
    Data Center document *Billion Dollar U.S. Weather Disasters*, which
    includes 70 weather-related U.S. billion dollar disasters. This
    document expands upon that work in three ways (1) adding weather
    related billion dollar disasters prior to 1980, (2) adding other
    than weather-related U.S. billion dollar disasters -- such as the
    Northridge Earthquake and the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks \-- and (3)
    adding other at-hand statistics on the same disasters treated by the
    NCDC.

[^2]: Authors state that "normalization reflects inflation, changes in
    personal wealth and coastal county populations to 2005, (Pielke et
    al. 2007) then including an estimate to 2006 dollars by increasing
    totals by 5%."

[^3]: Cites: State of California, Department of Water Resources,
    *Alternatives for Increasing Flood*

    *Insurance Participation for Communities Behind Levees in
    California.* May 2006.