The year 2024 brought an array of weather extremes across the United States, marking one of the most tumultuous years in recent memory. From hurricanes and wildfires to record-setting tornadoes and flooding, nature’s force left a lasting impact on millions. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the year’s most significant weather events and their effects on the nation.
A Year of Costly Disasters
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s NCEI, 2024 was the second most destructive year of the past decade. These events spanned nearly every corner of the country, underscoring the diverse challenges posed by the U.S.’s vast geography and climate.
Tornadoes Surge to Near-Record Levels
Tornadoes dominated the weather landscape in 2024, with 1,765 confirmed reports–434 more than in 2023. According to the National Weather Service, this was the second-highest annual total since 2011, with May alone contributing 576 tornadoes. The majority of 2024’s tornadoes struck Texas, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, and Florida.
Hurricanes Leave a Devastating Mark
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season featured above-average activity and a record-breaking ramp-up following a peak-season lull. Numbers from the NOAA tell us the Atlantic basin saw 18 named storms, 11 of which developed into hurricanes, and five intensified into major hurricanes. By comparison, an average season typically produces 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.
Five of the 11 hurricanes made landfall in the United States, including two that struck as major hurricanes. Hurricane Helene was the most notable, leaving a trail of destruction and becoming the deadliest U.S. mainland storm since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, claiming at least 230 lives across seven states.
Flooding: A Persistent Threat
Flooding continued to be the most frequent and expensive natural disaster in the U.S. in 2024. Heavy rains in January led to widespread flooding in San Diego, displacing around 1,200 homes–more than half in the city, according to NBC 7 San Diego.
Hurricane Helene delivered catastrophic flooding across the southern Appalachian Mountains in late September. Torrential rains overwhelmed rivers and saturated already-soaked towns, inundating and setting new flood records in western North Carolina. According to the NOAA, the region experienced nearly 2,000 landslides, with major roadways closed for days due to impassable conditions.
Later in the year, in November, a powerful “bomb cyclone” struck the Pacific Northwest. A bomb cyclone occurs when a storm rapidly intensifies due to a dramatic drop in atmospheric pressure, often leading to severe weather. This particular storm delivered intense rainfall, strong winds, and heavy snow. Reports from Fox Weather show areas like Sonoma County received up to 20 inches of rain, while mountain regions experienced significant snow accumulation.
Wildfires Burned Millions of Acres
Despite fewer wildfires overall in 2024 compared to the 10-year average, the acreage burned was staggering. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, over 8.5 million acres were scorched by wildfires, exceeding the average of past years by 1.6 million acres.
The western U.S. endured a prolonged wildfire season due to windy and dry conditions, with smoke blanketing entire regions. Mid-Atlantic and southern New England regions faced an unusual late-season fire surge in November. Southern California also experienced a spike in activity in early November due to a Santa Ana wind event.
Winter 2024-2025 Outlook
As 2024 ends, AccuWeather forecasts indicate that the ‘24-’25 winter will bring moderate conditions to most of the country, much like the previous year’s record warmth. Warmer-than-average temperatures are expected from the southern U.S. to the eastern Great Lakes, New England, and northern Alaska. In contrast, slightly colder-than-average conditions are predicted for southern Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and the northern High Plains. These shifting patterns serve as a reminder of the evolving nature of seasonal weather and its potential implications on properties.
Source: https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/
Preparing for 2025
For many real estate investors, 2024 highlighted the importance of preparing for extreme weather events. Mitigation resources, such as those on the NREIG website, can help minimize damage from severe weather and protect your investments. Proactive measures and comprehensive insurance coverage are essential for navigating the challenges posed by our changing climate.
For mitigation tips, read:
Preparing Investment Properties for Wildfire, Hurricane and Tornado Season
