Looking at the Largest Floods to Impact the United States

Unfortunately, many parts of the United States are prone to flooding. When it comes to destructive power, floods rank among the most dangerous natural disasters on Earth. Each year, floods cause more than a billion dollars in damage, making it crucial for homeowners to take out flood policies, especially if they live in a high-risk area. If you’d like to learn more about protecting your family from flood damage, contact Insurance Protection Specialists, serving Flowood, MS, and beyond, to explore flood insurance policies.

The Most Disastrous Floods in History

It’s often hard to compare weather events throughout history as circumstances, technologies, populations, and other factors undergo change. Many historians argue that the Great Flood of 1993 was the most severe flood in modern history (in the USA). The flood raged from April to October, causing over $27 billion in damage (in today’s dollars) and claimed at least 32 lives. Much of the flooding was situated along the Mississippi River and its tributaries.

If we head further back in time, we can find even deadlier and more devastating floods. The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 claimed over 500 lives, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in American history. The 1993 flood caused more financial damage but lives ultimately matter most.
In 2017, the United States was hit by four major floods, including floods in Florida, the Payson floods, the South Easter Texas floods, and floods in California. These floods caused more than $60 billion in damages and claimed at least 70 deaths.

As you can see, floods can cause damage and cost lives in many areas. Property owners can mitigate some flood risks by taking out flood insurance. Contact the Insurance Protection Specialists, Flowood, MS, to discuss flood insurance options.