www.hillcountrynews.com / NewsBreak.com
In 2021, natural disasters killed 688 people across the United States and caused more than $145 billion of property damage. 2021 was the third highest year America has seen for natural disaster damage since 1980. There were 20 disasters that totaled over $1 billion each. They included last month’s tornado outbreak in Central U.S, wildfires and heatwaves in the West, and four hurricane and tropical storm strikes on the Gulf of Mexico. Last year was the country's fourth warmest year with 21 named storms in the Atlantic, its third most active season. Disaster costs over the past five years have exceeded $742 billion reflecting the increasing exposure of weather and climate conditions.