Unum
2024-08-06 16:20:20 UTC
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/thunderstorms-have-caused-usd45-billion-in-damages-in-the-u-s-in-just-six/
Global losses from natural disasters eclipsed the long-term average in the
first half of 2024, with thunderstorms causing more damage in the U.S. than
hurricanes, wildfires or other catastrophes.
An analysis from the reinsurance company Munich Re found that severe
thunderstorms in the U.S. caused $45 billion in losses from January to June,
$34 billion of which were insured. That makes 2024 the fourth-costliest
thunderstorm year on record, based on the first six months.
Many of the losses were driven by tornadoes and hail spawned from the storms,
the report notes.
North America accounted for $60 billion in losses — half of all damages
worldwide. Globally, insured losses totaled $62 billion, compared with the 10-
year average of $37 billion.
A report from another reinsurance company, Swiss Re, also warned last year
that thunderstorm damage is growing worldwide. A high number of low- to
medium-severity events occurred around the globe last year, causing more than
$100 billion in losses. Thunderstorms were the main contributor.
Studies show that climate change worsens thunderstorms around the world.
That’s largely a matter of simple physics — a warmer atmosphere holds more
moisture, allowing for more intense rainfall events.
Global losses from natural disasters eclipsed the long-term average in the
first half of 2024, with thunderstorms causing more damage in the U.S. than
hurricanes, wildfires or other catastrophes.
An analysis from the reinsurance company Munich Re found that severe
thunderstorms in the U.S. caused $45 billion in losses from January to June,
$34 billion of which were insured. That makes 2024 the fourth-costliest
thunderstorm year on record, based on the first six months.
Many of the losses were driven by tornadoes and hail spawned from the storms,
the report notes.
North America accounted for $60 billion in losses — half of all damages
worldwide. Globally, insured losses totaled $62 billion, compared with the 10-
year average of $37 billion.
A report from another reinsurance company, Swiss Re, also warned last year
that thunderstorm damage is growing worldwide. A high number of low- to
medium-severity events occurred around the globe last year, causing more than
$100 billion in losses. Thunderstorms were the main contributor.
Studies show that climate change worsens thunderstorms around the world.
That’s largely a matter of simple physics — a warmer atmosphere holds more
moisture, allowing for more intense rainfall events.