Deadly Tornado Outbreaks Cause Over $4.7 Billion in Damages Across Southern U.S.

Last month, the Southern, Southeastern, and Central U.S. experienced a devastating outbreak of tornadoes, resulting in a staggering $4.7 billion in damages. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) declared it to be one of the most expensive weather events of the year so far. This catastrophe was part of 11 confirmed weather and climate disaster events in 2023, with losses exceeding $1 billion. The total cost of these events has surpassed $25 billion.

Between May 6-9, over 165 tornadoes ravaged states including Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Additionally, a southern derecho, a widespread and long-lived wind storm, led to over $1 billion in damages between May 16-17, spanning from Texas to Florida. Tragically, this storm claimed the lives of at least eight individuals and caused $1.2 billion in damages. Notably, winds exceeding 110 mph tore through central and eastern Texas during this catastrophic event.

Year of Natural Disasters

This year has also witnessed a January winter storm in the northwest, multiple tornado outbreaks in April, and damaging hail, tornadoes, and high winds in March, which incurred $5.9 billion in losses. The preliminary count for tornadoes in March and April totaled 450 across the U.S. Additionally, the deadliest single tornado of 2023 hit Greenfield, Iowa, on May 21, resulting in widespread destruction and claiming the lives of five individuals.

Increasing Frequency of Severe Weather

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has underscored the growing frequency and duration of severe weather events. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell emphasized that severe weather is "becoming part of our new normal," while FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik A. Hooks highlighted the escalating frequency of these events. According to NOAA spokesperson Adam Smith, the time intervals between billion-dollar disasters have notably decreased, resulting in reduced resources and time available to respond, recover, and prepare for future events, particularly impacting vulnerable socioeconomic populations.