Fact Check: Hurricanes can cause significant flooding and damage.

Fact Check: Hurricanes Can Cause Significant Flooding and Damage

What We Know

Hurricanes are a type of tropical cyclone that can lead to catastrophic flooding and extensive damage. According to the NOAA Office for Coastal Management, hurricanes have historically caused the most deaths and destruction among recorded weather disasters in the U.S. The total cost of damages from weather and climate disasters in the U.S. from 1980 to the present is approximately $2.915 trillion, with tropical cyclones accounting for over $1.5 trillion of that total. This indicates that hurricanes are a significant contributor to the overall damage caused by weather-related events.

In 2024, two major hurricanes, Helene and Milton, exemplified the destructive potential of these storms. Hurricane Helene caused historic rainfall exceeding 30 inches and record-breaking flooding in regions like western North Carolina, resulting in damages estimated at $78.7 billion. Similarly, Hurricane Milton produced a storm surge of up to 10 feet, leading to extensive damage along the Gulf Coast, with total costs reaching $34.3 billion (NOAA, 2024) [source-2].

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim that hurricanes can cause significant flooding and damage is robust and well-documented. The NOAA data highlights that hurricanes are responsible for the highest number of fatalities and property losses among weather-related disasters. For instance, the 2017 hurricane season, which included Harvey, Irma, and Maria, resulted in combined costs of $339.2 billion, showcasing the financial impact of these storms [source-1].

Moreover, the Insurance Information Institute corroborates this by stating that hurricanes account for a substantial portion of insured property losses in the U.S. The historical context provided by NOAA, which notes that hurricanes have caused over 7,211 deaths since 1980, further emphasizes their lethal potential.

While the data is primarily sourced from government agencies and reputable organizations, it is important to consider potential biases. NOAA is a federal agency, and while its data is generally regarded as reliable, it may emphasize the severity of hurricanes in the context of climate change discussions. However, the consistency of findings across multiple studies and reports from various institutions lends credibility to the assertion that hurricanes can indeed cause significant flooding and damage.

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The claim that hurricanes can cause significant flooding and damage is supported by extensive data and historical evidence. Hurricanes are among the most destructive weather events, leading to billions of dollars in damages and significant loss of life. The evidence from NOAA and other reputable sources confirms that hurricanes pose a serious threat to both human safety and infrastructure.