NOAA: 2020 already has a record number of $1 billion disasters, and it’s not over
/ June 28, 2025
As if you needed one more reason to always keep a go-bag ready, a new NOAA report has revealed that 2020 has already surpassed the previous record of 16 weather or climate-related disasters costing $1 billion or more—despite still having three months left in the year. This is a stark reminder of how quickly our climate is changing and the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
According to the report, as of October 7, 2020, there have been 16 such events in the U.S., matching the totals from 2011 and 2017. In fact, the first nine months of 2020 tied the record for the most billion-dollar disasters in a single year. This marks the sixth consecutive year—since 2015—in which at least 10 such events have occurred. Over the past 41 years (from 1980 to 2020), only a handful of years saw 10 or more major disasters, including 1998, 2008, 2011–2012, and now 2015–2020.
What’s even more concerning is that not only are these events becoming more frequent, but their intensity is also rising. The chart below illustrates just how severe 2020 has been compared to previous years, with more major disasters than both 2011 and 2017 combined.
It's worth noting that this report doesn’t include Hurricane Delta, which is set to break two records on its own. Delta became the earliest 25th named storm in history, and when it makes landfall, it will be the first time in recorded history that ten named storms have hit the U.S. in a single season.
This data raises some serious questions about preparedness and long-term planning. As I look at the map associated with the report, I can't help but think about where people might choose to relocate in the future. James Wesley Rawles once suggested that Montana and surrounding areas could be a safe haven for preppers—the so-called "American Redoubt." Maybe there's truth to that, especially given the booming real estate market in places like Bozeman, where homes are selling fast with no vacancies and multiple offers per property.
But beyond location, there's the issue of insurance. I’m from the Louisiana Gulf Coast, and I’ve seen firsthand how home insurance rates are skyrocketing. Many people in my network are being priced out of coverage despite living in an area prone to hurricanes. So, what happens when insurance becomes unaffordable? Does renting become a better option? And what does this mean for the mortgage industry, which is central to so many financial systems?
These trends are not just numbers on a page—they’re real, they’re accelerating, and they’re shaping the way we live. How are you adjusting your plans in light of these changes? What steps are you taking to prepare for a future that looks increasingly uncertain?
