AccuWeather Increases Total Damage and Economic Loss Estimate From Helene to Between $225B-$250B

AccuWeather has increased its estimate of the total damage and economic loss from Hurricane Helene in the U.S. to between $225 billion and $250 billion.

The update accounts for new verified information, including the loss of life, the immediate and long-term costs of healthcare for storm survivors and injured first responders, extended power outages, infrastructure reconstruction projects for utilities, highways, bridges and railroad tracks, major business and travel disruptions, as well as long-term losses to tourism, technology, renewable energy and other industries across the southern Appalachians and southeastern U.S., according to AccuWeather.

Modeling and analytics firm Karen Clark & Co. on Thursday said privately insured losses from Hurricane Helene will be about $6.4 billion from wind, storm surge and inland flooding in nine states.

Previous disasters suggest that even 10 years after such a damaging storm, rebuilding and recovery efforts may still be ongoing in some places. Residents and businesses in impacted areas “will need considerable support and assistance in the coming years,” while long-term impacts from flooding could also contribute to health conditions due to exposure to mold, mildew, contaminated flood waters and other hazards, the report states.

AccuWeather’s estimate also includes the projected costs of repairing or rebuilding infrastructure, including power substations and water treatment plants that were destroyed. The electric grid in some places does not exist anymore.

The updated estimate also includes new reports on damage, loss and disruptions caused by storm surge, flooding rainfall and wind damage in Florida and Georgia. There were also millions of dollars of losses to agriculture, including cotton, peanuts, pecans, tobacco and others from the storm.

AccuWeather issued its first preliminary estimate for the total damage and economic loss from the hurricane for $95 billion to $110 billion. AccuWeather later updated the estimate for the total damage and economic loss for the storm to $145 billion to $160 billion.

Hurricane Helene was one of the most damaging storms in U.S. history, along with Hurricane Ian from 2022 brought $180 to $210 billion in total damage and economic loss. Hurricane Harvey caused $190 billion in total damage and economic loss.

Major storms this year included a $28 to $32 billion from Hurricane Beryl and $28 billion in losses from Hurricane Debby.

Top graphic: Source: AccuWeather.

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