Record 2011 Billion Dollar Weather Events, Expanded

Dec 15, 2011; 10:23 AM ET

It’s been quite a year, folks. In a news story, we talked about a list of weather events in 2011 (originally compiled by NOAA) which caused more than $1 billion each. Here is a video showcasing them:

NOAA’s report was based on an NCDC report, and I’ll borrow some graphs from it here, as well as link back to AccuWeather.com news stories and blogs that I did about the events. Here’s an interesting graph showing how unusual the number of events was this year (but note that, adjusted for CPI, it’s only the 3rd most damaging year on record):

It’s also interesting to note that most of the events occur in the Southeast (if you’re looking for an inexpensive place to live, weather-wise):

And without any further ado, here is the list:

Central / East Groundhog Day Blizzard (Jan. 29-Feb. 3):

This storm killed 36 people and caused more than $2 billion in damages.

Three major tornado outbreaks in the month of April broke most existing tornado records.

Midwest / Southeast Tornadoes (April 4-5):

Nine people were killed during the tornadoes. The losses totaled more than $2 billion.

Southeast / Midwest Tornadoes (April 8-11):

Losses totaled more than $2 billion.

Midwest / Southeast Tornadoes (April 14-16):

These tornadoes killed 38 people. Property damages exceeds more than $2 billion.

Southeast / Ohio Valley / Midwest Tornadoes (Apr 25-28):

The tornadoes killed 327 people and caused more than $9 billion in damage.

Midwest / Southeast Tornadoes (May 22-27):

: Property losses totaled more than $7 billion, and 177 people were killed.

Midwest / Southeast Tornadoes and Severe Thunderstorms (June 18-22):

These severe weather events were recently reported to have caused more than $1 billion in damages.

Southern Plains / Southwest Drought, Heat Waves, & Wildfires (Spring-Fall):

Direct losses were more than $5 billion.

Mississippi River Flooding (Spring-Summer):

The floods were responsible for at least two deaths. The losses were estimated to be $2 to 4 billion.

Upper Midwest Flooding (Summer):

Losses were estimated at $2 billion.

Hurricane Irene (Aug 20-29):

The hurricane killed at least 45 people. Losses were estimated to be $8 billion.

Texas / New Mexico / Arizona Wildfires (Spring-Fall):

Damages from the wildfires were in excess of $1 billion.