Deadliest, Costliest, and Most Intense United States Tropical Cyclones

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Hurricane Center receives a number of requests for statistical information regarding the deaths and damage caused by tropical cyclones (tropical depressions, tropical storms, subtropical storms, and hurricanes) affecting the United States. Information about tropical cyclone intensity is also frequently requested.

NOAA has published a Technical Memorandum listing the deadliest tropical cyclones in the United States during the period of 1851-2010 and the costliest tropical cyclones in the United States during the period of 1900-2010. In addition, the most intense hurricanes to make landfall in the United States from 1851-2010 are presented along with other facts and figures.

This new version reflects recent updates to the historical record. To estimate the monetary loss that historical hurricanes would have produced had they occurred in 2010, this edition (as does prior editions) uses the methodology of Pielke et al. (2008). For storms since 1995, a more consistent methodology has been used to estimate damage due to flooding.

Another NHC document examines the entire Atlantic basin.

To access these reports, please visit:

NWS: National Hurricane Center: The Deadliest, Costliest, and Most Intense United States Tropical Cyclones from 1851 to 2010 (and Other Frequently Requested Hurricane Facts) [NOAA Technical Memorandum NWS NHC-6]

NWS: National Hurricane Center: The Deadliest Atlantic Tropical Cyclones, 1492-1996