AccuWeather puts total damage and economic losses from Helene at $145 billion to $160 billion

AccuWeather raised its estimate of total damage and economic losses from Hurricane Helene to between $145 billion and $160 billion.

This update is an increase from AccuWeather’s preliminary estimate late last week of $95 billion to $110 billion in total damage and economic losses issued while the storm’s most significant impacts were still occurring. The increase makes Hurricane Helene one of the costliest storms in US history.

Related: Helene triggers flooding, knocks out power to millions

Losses come from devastating storm surges, damaging winds and historic flooding. In particular, a catastrophic flooding disaster unfolded in the southern Appalachians, including Asheville, North Carolina, and surrounding areas, as well as widespread storm surge impacts along Florida’s populated west coast.

Most homes and businesses in some communities were destroyed, bridges, roads and critical infrastructure were severely damaged or destroyed.

Related: Hurricane Helene to become Cat 3, initial estimates put $3-6 billion in insured losses

Helene impacted Florida’s Big Bend as a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph. It moved north and brought hurricane conditions to Georgia and catastrophic flooding to the southern Appalachians, while bringing damaging winds and flooding rains to the Atlanta metro area. Helene also left more than 4.5 million customers without power, according to AccuWeather.

Helene is one of the most damaging storms in US history, along with 2022’s Hurricane Ian, which brought $180 billion to $210 billion in total damage and economic losses. Hurricane Harvey in 2017 caused $190 billion in total damage and economic loss, and Hurricane Irma that year caused $80 billion in total damage and economic loss.

AccuWeather’s estimate largely takes into account damage to homes, businesses, medical facilities, roads and vehicles, as well as power outages that result in food damage and medical care being interrupted.