The dangers and the costs of severe storms are high, and they’re rising.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has recorded a rise of extremely expensive “billion-dollar” hurricanes in recent decades, or storms that have cost $1 billion in damages to the United States. From 2016 to 2021, it calculated a total cost of $507.9 billion, or about half a trillion dollars.
In South Carolina, some of the more notable hurricanes in recent years have included Hurricane Matthew in 2016; Hurricane Florence, which brought significant flooding in 2018; and Hurricane Ian, which struck the state in 2022 only after making a much more devastating hit on Florida. Ian recorded 161 fatalities, and with a cost of $113 billion, it became the third-most costly tropical cyclone ever recorded.
Another major insurance cost comes from the category of severe convective storms, which can be hailstorms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and lightning. Many insurance groups, like CoreLogic and Aon, have offered rising estimates of the annual costs of these storms, which have reached about $17 billion as of 2023.
The time for much of the state’s severe weather arrives with the formal beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season on June 1. Historically, the frequency of storms peaks in September, and the season formally ends November 30.
As cities and towns prepare for severe weather, here are several important considerations:
- Review the city’s emergency action plan. Supervisors need to make sure that employees are trained on their roles and responsibilities.
- Develop a dismissal plan for employees. Employees who can be dismissed need enough time to leave work and either get home safely or evacuate before severe weather strikes.
- Review the city’s business continuity plan. How will critical operations continue to function? How will essential employees operate during the emergency, and how will they travel to and from work?
- Consider the location of the cities’ vehicles and equipment. Relocate vehicles and equipment to areas less prone to flooding, and do not store all of them in one place, if possible.
- Conduct a tornado drill so employees know assembly points.
- Develop an emergency communications plan. In recent years, cities have made effective use of social media in major storm events, but it’s important to remember that online communication is not necessarily used by everyone in the community, so television and radio still have a place.
- After a catastrophic storm, carefully photograph all damages. Be sure avoid making repairs to a property until after completing an inspection or talking with an adjuster. Secure any damaged property to prevent further loss. This can include loose items, windows, doors and roof covers. When necessary, move items away from roof leaks and low-lying areas, and be sure to move important paperwork, computers and other equipment to a safe location.
The National Hurricane Center maintains preparation resources to help residents understand flooding and wind risks, emergency supplies, forecasts, evacuations, shelter and cleanup.