Economic losses from hurricanes and other natural disasters soared in the U.S. last year and were above average globally, reflecting another year of costly severe storms, floods and droughts. Damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton helped push total economic losses from natural disasters in the U.

Damage from two hurricanes and a series of punishing wildfires left a price tag of $218 billion in economic costs last year, an 85 percent jump from 2023.

Economic toll from hurricanes and other natural disasters soared in U.S. last year and were above average globally.