Facts

In 2022 there were 18 weather and climate disasters in the U.S. that each cost over $1 billion. The total cost was $165 billion.

Last year, the U.S. experienced 18 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disasters, leading to the deaths of at least 474 people. The following 18 events, each exceeding $1 billion, put 2022 in third place (tied with 2011 and 2017) for the highest number of disasters recorded in a calendar year, behind 2021 — with 20 events — and 2020, with a record 22 separate billion-dollar events:

• One winter storm/cold wave event (across the central and eastern U.S.).
• One wildfire event (wildfires across the western U.S., including Alaska).
• One drought and heat wave event (across the western and central U.S.).
• One flooding event (in Missouri and Kentucky).
• Two tornado outbreaks (across the southern and southeastern U.S.).
• Three tropical cyclones (Fiona, Ian and Nicole).
• Nine severe weather/hail events (across many parts of the country, including a derecho in the central U.S).

Read the entire article at The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration