List of the costliest tropical cyclones

This is a list of costliest tropical cyclones, listed by tropical cyclone basin. Damage tolls of tropical cyclones are listed in USD of the year of the tropical cyclone. The main effects of tropical cyclones include strong winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, floods, tornadoes, and landslides. This list is based on property damage done directly by a tropical cyclone.

Overall costliest

The costliest tropical cyclones on record are Hurricanes Katrina and Harvey, both causing $125 billion in damages in 2005 and 2017 respectively. In 2022, Hurricane Ian became the third costliest tropical cyclone on record. Hurricanes Maria, Irma, and Ida also have damage tolls of over $70 billion.

North Atlantic Ocean

The costliest Atlantic hurricanes on record are Hurricanes Katrina and Harvey, both causing $125 billion in damages in 2005 and 2017 respectively. In 2022, Hurricane Ian became the third costliest Atlantic hurricane on record. Hurricanes Maria, Irma, and Ida also have damage tolls of over $70 billion. The costliest tropical cyclone in the Atlantic that did not become a hurricane is Tropical Storm Allison, which caused $9 billion in damages in 2001. The costliest Atlantic hurricane to not have its named retired is Hurricane Sally in 2020, which caused $7.3 billion in damages.

Northeastern Pacific Ocean

The costliest Pacific hurricane on record was Hurricane Otis in 2023. Hurricane Manuel in 2013 is the second costliest Pacific hurricane on record. Hurricane Iniki of the 1992 Pacific hurricane season season is still the costliest central Pacific hurricane on record. Only five Pacific hurricanes have caused over one billion dollars in damage, the three mentioned above and Hurricane Odile and Tropical Storm Agatha.

Northwestern Pacific Ocean

The costliest typhoon on record was Typhoon Doksuri in 2023, which caused over $28 billion in damages, primarily in China. Typhoon Hagibis in 2019 was responsible for nearly $18 billion in damages. Typhoon Jebi in 2018 is the third costliest typhoon on record. and Typhoon Fitow in 2013 is the fourth costliest. Adjusting for inflation, Typhoon Mireille of 1991 is the second costliest typhoon on record with it causing $18.4 billion (2018 USD) in damages. Without adjusting for inflation, it is tied with Typhoon Faxai of 2019 with causing $10 billion in damages. Typhoons Lekima and Songda both caused over $9 billion in damages in 2019 and 2004 respectively.

North Indian Ocean

The costliest North Indian Ocean cyclone on record was Cyclone Amphan in 2020, which caused over $13 billion in damages. Cyclone Nargis became the second costliest cyclone in 2008 after causing $12.9 billion in damages. Cyclone Gonu is the costliest tropical cyclone in the Arabian Sea. Other costly cyclones include Cyclones Fani, the 1999 Odisha cyclone, and Cyclone Phailin.

South-West Indian Ocean

The costliest South-West Indian Ocean tropical cyclone on record was Cyclone Idai in 2019, which caused $3.3 billion in damages. The next costliest cyclone, Cyclone Freddy in 2023, caused $655 million in damages across Southern Africa. Cyclones Enawo in 2017, Kenneth in 2019 and Leon–Eline in 2000 individually caused $400 million, $345 million and $311 million in damages respectively. These are the only five South-West Indian Ocean cyclones to caused over $300 million in damages.

Australian region

The costliest Australian region tropical cyclone on record was Cyclone Yasi in 2011, which caused $3.6 billion in damages. The next costliest cyclone, Debbie, caused $2.67 billion in damages and is closely followed by Oswald which caused $2.52 billion in damages. Additionally, Cyclones Veronica, Ita, and Larry caused over $1 billion in damages in 2019, 2014, and 2006 respectively. Cyclone Tracy is considered one of Australia's most destructive cyclones. While only causing $645 million in damages, 71 people were killed and over 25,000 people were left homeless.

South Pacific Ocean

The costliest South Pacific tropical cyclone was Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, which caused $8.4 billion in damages. The next costliest, Cyclone Winston in 2016 , caused $1.4 billion in damages. Other costly South Pacific cyclones include Cyclone Pam in 2015 and Tropical Depression 06F in 2023.

Mediterranean Sea

The costliest Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone is Storm Daniel in 2023, which caused $21.14 billion in damages in Greece and Libya. The next costliest is Tropical Storm Rolf in 2011, which caused over $1.25 billion in damages. Other costly Mediterranean tropical-like cyclones include Cyclone Qendresa in 2014, Cyclone Numa in 2017, Cyclone Ianos in 2020, and Cyclone Apollo in 2021.

Elsewhere

Only two South Atlantic tropical cyclones have caused measurable amounts of damages. In 2004, Hurricane Catarina caused $350 million in damages when it made a category two landfall in Santa Catarina. In 2022, Subtropical Storm Yakecan caused $50 million in damages in Uruguay and Southern Brazil.

In the eastern portion of the South Pacific, tropical cyclone formation is extremely rare, and Cyclone Yaku in 2023 is the only known system to impact land, causing $690 million in damages in Peru and Ecuador.

See also

• Outline of tropical cyclones
• List of the deadliest tropical cyclones
• List of the most intense tropical cyclones

References