AccuWeather has revised down the number of hurricanes expected this season. (Credit: Shutterstock)
A tropical wind and rain storm that hit the East Coast last weekend caused $3 billion in total damage and economic loss, according to a preliminary estimate from AccuWeather.
The storm caused widespread coastal flooding from the Carolinas to the Jersey Shore. In parts of South Carolina, more than 11 inches of rain fell in a 72-hour span. Wind gusts of more than 60 miles per hour hit North Carolina, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Parts of New Jersey, Virginia, Delaware and New York saw storm surge of more than three feet.
“This was a dangerous and disruptive storm that impacted popular beach towns during a busy holiday weekend,” said Jonathan Porter, AccuWeather chief meteorologist, in a statement. “The timing of this storm moving up the coast during some of the highest astronomical tides of the year significantly amplified the impacts. Thousands of flights were delayed and canceled. Transit services were suspended. Plans for outdoor events and even the New York City Columbus Day Parade were canceled because of the high winds and rain from this storm.”
AccuWeather’s estimate includes damage to homes and businesses, damage to infrastructure, disruptions to commerce, tourism losses, impacts to shipping operations, financial losses due to power outages, and major travel delays.
“The cost to repair flood damage can be quite expensive,” Porter said. “Saltwater can quickly eat away at metal and the steel reinforcements inside concrete and destroy electrical systems inside a home or business. The salt does not just dry up and disappear. It can stay behind inside the walls, floors, even the heating and cooling systems. Exposure to saltwater can also cause serious damage to all vehicles, especially EVs.”
AccuWeather experts say seven major weather events in the U.S., including the LA wildfires and the Texas floods, have caused a combined total damage and economic loss of $378 billion to $424 billion so far this year.
Due to an extended lull in tropical activity in September, AccuWeather has revised down its hurricane forecast for the season. It is now predicting six hurricanes this season; four have formed in the Atlantic basin so far this year.
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