It might not seem like it from listening to the often hype-filled media, but 2013 was one of the quietest years in history for U.S. natural disasters. As noted by the graph above, tornadoes were down significantly from past years. In addition, statisticians were reporting wildfires at their lowest level since 1984, and the United States experienced the longest period since the Civil War without landfall of a major hurricane (3, 4, 5). Details and stats below:
(RealtorMag, December 12, 2013)
(LA Times, December 9, 2013
Comment: As the saying goes, "It's all relative". For those who personally experienced a U.S.natural disaster during the past year, it was the worst year on record. One need only reflect on the war-like results of the Moore, Oklahoma tornado, the damage from the record floods in Colorado, or tragic loss of life and property during the Yarnell Hill Fire to grasp the truth in that point. Thoughts and prayers are with those affected by these events and all others from this past year.
Graphic: NOAA
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