Which Hurricanes Have Caused the Most Extensive Damage?

Hurricanes are intense tropical cyclones that can bring devastating winds, rain, and storm surges to coastal communities. The impact of these storms can be catastrophic, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Here are some of the most destructive hurricanes in history, ranked by the amount of damage they caused.

10. Hurricane Katrina (2005) - $108 Billion

Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana on August 29, 2005, causing widespread flooding and devastation in the Gulf Coast region. The storm surge caused by Katrina’s landfall was the highest ever recorded in the United States, with waters reaching as high as 25 feet in some areas. The storm caused over 1,800 deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands of people.

9. Hurricane Harvey (2017) - $125 Billion

Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas on August 25, 2017, causing historic flooding in the Houston area. The storm brought record rainfall, with parts of the city receiving over 60 inches of rain in just a few days. The storm caused 89 deaths and damaged over 200,000 homes.

8. Hurricane Irma (2017) - $132 Billion

Hurricane Irma made landfall in Florida on September 10, 2017, causing widespread power outages and damage to homes and businesses. The storm brought hurricane-force winds to the entire state, with some areas experiencing sustained winds of over 130 mph. The storm caused 134 deaths and left millions without power.

7. Hurricane Maria (2017) - $143 Billion

Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017, causing catastrophic damage to the island’s infrastructure and leaving millions without power or access to clean water. The storm caused an estimated 2,975 deaths, making it one of the deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history.

6. Hurricane Andrew (1992) - $150 Billion

Hurricane Andrew made landfall in Florida on August 24, 1992, causing widespread destruction and chaos in the Miami area. The storm brought sustained winds of up to 165 mph and caused over 26,000 homes to be destroyed. The storm caused 26 deaths and left millions without power.

5. Hurricane Rita (2005) - $160 Billion

Hurricane Rita made landfall in Texas on September 24, 2005, causing widespread flooding and damage to homes and businesses. The storm brought hurricane-force winds to parts of Texas and Louisiana, and caused over 120 deaths.

4. Hurricane Sandy (2012) - $185 Billion

Hurricane Sandy made landfall in New Jersey on October 29, 2012, causing widespread flooding and damage to homes and businesses along the East Coast. The storm surge caused by Sandy’s landfall was one of the largest ever recorded, with waters reaching as high as 14 feet in some areas. The storm caused 147 deaths and left millions without power.

3. Hurricane Ike (2008) - $193 Billion

Hurricane Ike made landfall in Texas on September 13, 2008, causing widespread damage and flooding in the Galveston area. The storm brought hurricane-force winds to parts of Texas and Louisiana, and caused over 100 deaths.

2. Hurricane Wilma (2005) - $200 Billion

Hurricane Wilma made landfall in Florida on October 24, 2005, causing widespread power outages and damage to homes and businesses. The storm brought hurricane-force winds to parts of Florida, and caused over 30 deaths.

1. Hurricane Harvey (2005) - $214 Billion

Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas on August 25, 2005, causing catastrophic flooding and damage in the Houston area. The storm brought record rainfall, with parts of the city receiving over 60 inches of rain in just a few days. The storm caused over 100 deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands of people.

These hurricanes highlight the devastating impact that these storms can have on communities. As the impact of climate change becomes more pronounced, it’s important to continue to monitor and prepare for these powerful storms to minimize their effects on human populations.