A Look Back at America’s Deadliest Flooding Events
Flood-related incidents have resulted in an average of over 125 fatalities annually in the United States for the past several decades, as reported by the National Weather Service. Among these, flash floods hold the grim distinction of being the leading cause of storm-related deaths.
This report highlights some of the most catastrophic flooding events across the nation over the last 25 years.
Rescuers deployed helicopters, boats, and drones to search for victims and assist individuals trapped in trees or stranded at camps due to washed-out roadways.
Hurricane Helene, 2024
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene impacted Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia, leading to approximately 250 fatalities as per the National Weather Service.
Many of the casualties were due to severe inland flooding rather than high winds. Helene marked the deadliest hurricane to affect the continental United States since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
The storm wreaked havoc in remote Appalachian towns and left millions without vital resources such as power, cell service, and supplies. In North Carolina alone, 108 lives were lost, according to the state’s Department of Health and Human Services.
Kentucky, 2022
In late July 2022, devastating floodwaters swept through eastern Kentucky, resulting in 45 deaths, as reported by AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tyler Roys.
These floods obliterated homes and businesses, significantly damaging schools, roads, bridges, and water infrastructure, leaving countless families bereft of their belongings.
Tennessee, 2021
In August 2021, twenty people lost their lives when creeks near the small town of Waverly in Middle Tennessee overflowed after over 17 inches of rain fell within 24 hours.
Numerous homes were washed away, cars were destroyed, and businesses were heavily impacted. Among the deceased were twin infants swept from their father’s arms during the deluge.
Hurricane Harvey, 2017
Hurricane Harvey struck Texas in August 2017 as a formidable Category 4 storm, lingering for days as it moved inland and released several feet of rain across many Gulf Coast areas, particularly Houston.
The storm resulted in at least 68 fatalities, as noted by a report from the National Hurricane Center. Nearly all but three of these deaths were linked directly to freshwater flooding, which obliterated over 300,000 structures and led to an estimated $125 billion in damages.
West Virginia, June 2016
In June 2016, an unassuming rainstorm escalated into a disaster in West Virginia, trapping dozens during the night and ultimately leading to 23 fatalities statewide.
Superstorm Sandy, 2012
Superstorm Sandy combined elements of a hurricane and other storms when it hit New York and surrounding regions in October 2012.
The storm led to 147 deaths, with 72 occurring in the eastern U.S., according to the National Hurricane Center. Over 110 fatalities were reported due to drowning, according to Roys.
Mississippi River, 2011
In 2011, substantial rainfall in multiple states and an unusual slow melt led to swollen rivers across the Mississippi River Basin.
Flash flood events during this time resulted in 24 fatalities in Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee throughout April and May, according to the National Weather Service.
Hurricane Ike, 2008
Hurricane Ike struck Southeast Texas in September 2008, generating storm surges reaching 20 feet in the coastal city of Galveston.
The storm unleashed more than 4 feet of rain on Houston, causing immense destruction, damaging thousands of vehicles, and leaving hundreds of thousands of households with flood-affected homes. Ike resulted in over 100 deaths, many attributed to flooding.
Hurricane Katrina, 2005
Hurricane Katrina stands as the deadliest flooding incident in the U.S. in the past quarter-century.
The hurricane devastated the Gulf Coast and triggered catastrophic flooding as levees failed in New Orleans, where many residents had to be rescued from rooftops by boat and helicopter.
As the costliest storm in U.S. history, Katrina resulted in nearly 1,400 fatalities and approximately $200 billion in damages.
Tropical Storm Allison, 2001
Tropical Storm Allison claimed 41 lives, primarily due to flooding caused by 40 inches of rain that fell across Texas and Louisiana.
The storm lingered for several days post-landfall in June 2001, leading to significant flooding in Houston.
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