The 16 most destructive hurricanes in US history

It's expected to hit the Carolinas by Thursday, and has so far reached a maximum wind speed of 105 mph.

The US has seen plenty of catastrophic and costly storms during hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean, which lasts from June to the end of November. Single events have caused billions of dollars in damage.

Scientists have long warned that climate change is likely to make storms more severe and intense, since a warmer climate means elevated ocean temperatures, higher sea levels, and more atmospheric water vapor.

Here's a look at some of the most devastating, costly storms ever to hit the US.

Hurricane Opal, 1995: $5.1 billion

In 1995, Hurricane Opal devastated the Florida panhandle before hitting Alabama and Tennessee. The storm caused $5.1 billion worth of damage.

Hurricane Isabel, 2003: $5.3 billion

Hurricane Isabel, the costliest hurricane of the 2003 season, made landfall in North Carolina, impacting much of the Outer Banks. It caused $5.3 billion in damages.

Hurricane Floyd, 1999: $6.9 billion

flooding

Hurricane Hugo, 1989: $7.1 billion

Category 4 storm in South Carolina

Hurricane Jeanne, 2004: $7.6 billion

Hurricane Jeanne, which made landfall in Florida, had devastating effects in Haiti. The storm was responsible for more than 1,000 deaths, and overall caused about $7.6 billion in damage.

Tropical Storm Allison, 2001: $9 billion

Hurricane Frances, 2004: $9.5 billion

Making its way west across the Atlantic, Hurricane Frances made landfall in Florida. It led President George W. Bush to declare Florida and parts of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina disaster areas. In all, the storm caused about $9.5 billion worth of damage.

Hurricane Rita, 2005: $12 billion

Just a few weeks after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana, Hurricane Rita formed. The storm brought heavy rainfall to the state again and hit Texas as well, causing $12 billion in damages. It's often referred to as the "forgotten storm" of the horrific 2005 season.

Hurricane Charley, 2004: $15.1 billion

Hurricane Charley, a Category 4 storm, hit southern Florida in August 2004. Because it changed direction after it was anticipated to hit the Tampa area, it was quite destructive, causing $15.1 billion of damage.

Hurricane Irene, 2011: $7.3 billion

as a Category 1 storm

Hurricane Wilma, 2005: $21 billion

Hurricane Wilma, which broke records as the most intense hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean at the time, had the lowest central pressure of any hurricane in the Atlantic basin. The Category 3 storm was especially damaging to Mexico, Cuba, and Florida.

Hurricane Andrew, 1992: $26.5 million

About 25 years ago, the Category 5 Hurricane Andrew ripped through Florida, leaving millions without power and neighborhoods completely destroyed. The response was so problematic that it led to major changes within the Federal Emergency Management Agency, according to USA Today.

Hurricane Ike, 2008: $29.5 billion

Category 2 storm

Hurricane Sandy, 2012: $71.4 billion

$71.4 billion in damage

Hurricane Katrina, 2005: $108 billion

costliest hurricane

Hurricane Harvey, 2017: $125 billion

making it the costliest in US history.

The 16 most destructive hurricanes in US history

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!