America’s Most Devastating Hurricanes

Hurricane Irma ravaged the Caribbean and Florida in September 2017. With winds reaching 185 mph, it was one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded. Irma caused massive destruction, resulting in an estimated $50 billion in losses and 134 deaths.

Hurricane Wilma struck the Caribbean and Florida in October 2005, becoming one of the most powerful hurricanes in recorded history. With winds reaching 175 mph, it caused widespread flooding and destruction, resulting in an estimated $29 billion in losses and 62 deaths.

Hurricane Rita made landfall in September 2005, primarily impacting the Texas and Louisiana coasts. With winds reaching 120 mph, it caused extensive flooding and destruction. Rita caused an estimated $18 billion in damage and resulted in the deaths of 120 people.

Hurricane Mitch devastated Central America in October 1998, causing massive destruction in Honduras and Nicaragua. Along with torrential rains, it caused flooding and landslides, killing nearly 11,000 people. Property damage was estimated at $6 billion.

Hurricane Maria struck the Caribbean in September 2017, hitting Puerto Rico with winds reaching 175 mph. It caused devastating destruction, sparking a major humanitarian crisis. Economic losses were estimated at $90 billion, and the human toll was nearly 3,000.

Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast of the United States in August 2005, impacting New Orleans, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. With winds reaching 175 mph, it caused catastrophic flooding and massive destruction. Damage was estimated at $125 billion, and the death toll was more than 1,800.

Hurricane Ike struck the Caribbean and Texas in September 2008, causing widespread destruction. Making landfall in Galveston with winds of 110 mph, it caused massive flooding. Economic losses were estimated at $30 billion, and Ike caused 112 deaths in total.

Hurricane Harvey hit Texas in August 2017, causing catastrophic flooding. With rainfall exceeding 60 inches, it caused an estimated $125 billion in damage. Harvey is one of the costliest hurricanes in U.S. history, resulting in the deaths of 107 people.

Hurricane Charley struck Florida in August 2004, causing widespread destruction. With winds reaching 150 mph, it caused flooding and massive damage. Charley was one of the most devastating hurricanes of the season, killing 10 people. Property damage from Hurricane Charley was estimated at approximately $14 billion.

Hurricane Camille struck the United States in August 1969, particularly affecting Mississippi and Louisiana. With winds reaching 190 mph, it caused devastating flooding and massive destruction. Camille caused an estimated $1.4 billion in damage and claimed 256 lives in total.

Hurricane Andrew struck Florida in August 1992. With winds reaching 165 mph, it caused massive destruction, particularly in Florida and Louisiana. Economic losses were estimated at $27 billion, and 65 people lost their lives.

Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast of the United States in October 2012, causing widespread damage, particularly in New York and New Jersey. With winds reaching 115 mph, it caused massive flooding and power outages. Economic losses were estimated at $65 billion, and the human toll was 233.

Hurricane Florence struck North and South Carolina in September 2018, causing devastating flooding and extensive damage. With rainfall reaching 36 inches, it caused an estimated $24 billion in economic losses. Florence killed 53 people.

As of September 2024, Hurricane Helene is among the deadliest hurricanes to hit the United States, second only to Hurricane Katrina. Helene killed at least 232 people in six states, including Florida and North Carolina.

Florida, recently hit by Hurricane Helene, faced Category 5 Hurricane Milton, considered the most devastating to hit the state in 100 years.