AccuWeather has revised its damage and economic loss estimate for Hurricane Helene, raising the total to between $145 billion and $160 billion. This updated figure marks a significant increase from the initial estimate of $95 billion to $110 billion released last week, as new damage reports have emerged in the past 48 hours. Helene is now one of the most costly storms in U.S. history, driven by a devastating storm surge, powerful winds, and unprecedented flooding.
The catastrophic flooding in the southern Appalachians, particularly in Asheville, North Carolina, and widespread storm surge along Florida’s west coast, including the Tampa Bay area, are key contributors to the updated estimate.
Read: AccuWeather Warns Of Tropical Threat That Could Affect Louisiana To Florida, Georgia, And Carolinas
“AccuWeather was the first source to accurately forecast the increasing threat of life-threatening flash flooding in the southern Appalachians, long before Helene made landfall on the Gulf Coast. AccuWeather warned the public and officials of the catastrophic risk to lives and property in the southern Appalachians on Sept. 24, before any other known source,” said Porter.
”AccuWeather experts have continually monitored information related to Hurricane Helene from a variety of sources, and unfortunately, upon early surveying of the scale of damage to homes and businesses, the extensive loss of life, injuries, evacuations, rescues and widespread power outages which are likely to last at least weeks in some areas and other factors, we were compelled to increase our estimate.” “The scale of this historic flooding disaster in the southern Appalachians cannot be understated. The majority of homes and businesses in some communities are destroyed and some have been washed away. Bridges, roadways and other expensive and critical infrastructure have been heavily damaged or destroyed. Pictures and video from the scene, as limited as those reports have been due to ongoing major communication infrastructure damage, suggest one of the worst flooding disasters in United States history, with tragically striking similarities in damage to other catastrophic floods such as flooding associated with Hurricane Katrina, the flooding from Hurricane Harvey and the Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Floods of 1889 and 1977.”
Read: Widespread Devastation Isolates Asheville, North Carolina As Hurricane Helene’s Toll Rises
With over 90 confirmed deaths and many more unaccounted for, Helene has left lasting damage across the Southeast. More than 4.5 million customers lost power, and some may remain without electricity for weeks due to downed trees and blocked roads.
In comparison to past storms, Helene’s damage estimates place it among the most destructive hurricanes in U.S. history, alongside Hurricane Ian (2022), Harvey (2017), and Katrina (2005). The updated figure includes damage to homes, businesses, medical facilities, infrastructure, and vehicles, as well as power outages that have caused food spoilage and disrupted medical care.
AccuWeather’s estimate covers both insured and uninsured losses, factoring in job and wage losses, crop damage, supply chain disruptions, evacuation costs, and long-term effects on business, transportation, and tourism. It also accounts for health impacts, including unreported deaths and injuries, as well as extensive cleanup and government expenses.
Read: FEMA Announces Federal Disaster Assistance For Florida Following Hurricane Helene
Helene’s storm surge and flooding, especially in high-value coastal areas like Tampa Bay, have significantly contributed to the overall damage estimate. Historic tide records were set in the region, with gauges dating back to the 1940s recording unprecedented levels.
AccuWeather’s revised estimate highlights the storm’s immense impact and the extensive recovery that lies ahead for affected communities.
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