The Three Most Costly Floods in American History

Floods rank among the most powerful forces on earth, capable of wiping entire communities and even regions away. A devastating flood can quickly swamp rivers and local drainage systems, among other things. Traditional property insurance often doesn’t cover flooding, making flood insurance a must. Contact Lee Insurance Agency LLC to discuss flood insurance in North Carolina.

Flooding caused by Hurricane Katrina remains the most expensive in American history.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina etched its name in the history books by causing extensive damage in New Orleans and beyond. When you first think of hurricanes, you may envision the damage caused by high winds, but in practice, storm surges and flooding may wreak the most havoc.

The flood damage caused by Hurricane Katrina certainly was devastating, with the storm overwhelming more than a hundred levees. The National Flood Insurance Program alone paid about $16 billion in damages.

Hurricane Harvey Sets the Record Per Average Paid Loss.

Hurricane Harvey slammed into East Texas and the Gulf Coast, causing widespread flooding and devastation. In total, the storm is estimated to have caused over $9 billion in National Flood Insurance Program payouts alone. The average payment for losses topped $115,000, making this the most expensive per capita hurricane in American history.

Hurricane Florence was likely the costliest in North Carolina history.

In North Carolina, the most costly flooding in state history was likely caused by Hurricane Florence in 2018. It’s always hard to separate flood damage from wind and other factors, but in total, it’s believed that surge water, flooding, and wind damage caused $22 billion worth of damage in the state. Tragically, 15 people in North Carolina perished due to the hurricane.

North Carolina and many other states experience countless floods per year. While many may not set records or make history, they can cause immense damage. As such, flood insurance is crucial. Get in touch with Lee Insurance Agency LLC to explore flood insurance in North Carolina.