The National Weather Service estimates that weather disasters have cost more than $35 billion this year, based on insurance estimates.
This year has seen some very harsh weather. The year has seen intense floods, drought and tornadoes. In May, a twister killed 160 people in Joplin, Mo. and in April a devastating tornado ripped through Alabama. Texas has been hard hit by a heat wave that will cost the state in excess of five billion dollars in crop and livestock loss.
Nationwide, the number of natural disasters has tripled in the last two decades, according to insurance firm Munich Reinsurance America. Thunderstorm losses since 1980 have become five times more severe, on average. There were $20 billion in such losses by midyear in 2011, doubling the average of the past three years.
In sum, 2011 will go down in history as one of the costliest years in recent years as a result of natural disasters.
Closer to home, we are still in the middle of hurricane season. While South Florida has not been struck by a hurricane in five years, history suggests that it is only a matter of time before another hurricane does strike us. If a hurricane does strike South Florida, it is likely to cause extensive damage to the region.
As such, it is imperative to be prepared. This blog has many useful links to learn more about what you can do to prepare in advance of a hurricane’s arrival, and how to deal with a hurricane’s aftermath.