[californiadisasters] Disasters in 2011: a Record Year for the U.S.

Disasters in 2011: a record year for the U.S.

posted by Pat Brennan, O.C. Register science, environment

December 31st, 2011, 10:00 am

The nation set a record for weather-related disasters in 2011, racking up 12 that caused more than $1 billion in damage in the contiguous 48 states.

Droughts, wildfires, floods, blizzards and especially tornadoes caused a preliminary total of $52 billion in damage and more than 600 deaths, according to the National Climatic Data Center, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Here is the list of the 12 as broken down by the agency; the accompanying photos show the devastation.

Wildfires in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona in spring and fall, with more than $1 billion in damage, at least five deaths.

Hurricane Irene, Aug. 20-29, more than $7.3 billion, at least 45 deaths.

Upper Midwest flooding, summer, more than $2 billion, at least five deaths.

Mississippi River flooding, spring and summer, $3 to $4 billion, at least seven deaths.

Southern plains and Southwest drought, heatwave and wildfires, spring and fall, approaching $10 billion.

Midwest and Southeast tornadoes and severe weather, June 18-22, more than $1.3 billion, at least three deaths.

Midwest and Southeast tornadoes, May 22-27, more than $9.1 billion, 177 deaths.

Southeast Ohio Valley and Midwest tornadoes, April 25-30, more than $10.2 billion, 321 deaths.

Midwest and Southeast tornadoes, April 14-16, more than $2.1 billion, 38 deaths.

Southeast and Midwest tornadoes, April 8-11, more than $2.2 billion.

Midwest and Southeast tornadoes, April 4-5, more than $2.8 billion, nine deaths.

Groundhog Day blizzard in central, eastern and northeastern states, Jan 29-Feb. 3, more than $1.8 billion, 36 deaths.

Source: http://sciencedude.ocregister.com/2011/12/31/disasters-in-2011-a-record-year-for-the-u-s/166197/

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