The Lone Star State is experiencing an unprecedented year of natural disasters, with 16 events causing at least $1 billion in damages each so far in 2024. This matches the total from 2023, and with peak hurricane season, fall severe weather, and winter storms still to come, Texas is likely to break this dubious record.
Hurricanes have historically caused the most damage among natural disasters in Texas since 1980, with projections of $200 to $300 billion worth of damage. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey alone caused between $100-200 billion in damage, accounting for 96% of the total cost of natural disasters that year, making it the costliest year on record.
Severe storms are the second most expensive type of natural disaster in Texas, causing $50 to $100 billion worth of damages since 1980. Other significant contributors include droughts and winter storms, each causing $20 to $50 billion in damages.
As the frequency and intensity of these events increase, combined with Texas’ rapidly expanding population, more people are being impacted than ever before. The past few years have been some of the costliest, with the exception of a few outliers, prompting questions about the driving force behind these changes and whether they are a clear indicator of climate change.
Generative AI contributed to this story, based on data provided by National Centers for Environmental Information. It was reviewed and edited by LoneStarLive.com.