AccuWeather has raised its damage estimate for Hurricane Helene to as much as $225 billion, citing widespread infrastructure destruction and economic losses across the southern Appalachians and southeastern U.S.
Damage estimates for Hurricane Helene have risen to as much as $225 billion, according to an updated assessment by AccuWeather. The estimate, which could climb to $250 billion, reflects widespread destruction across the southern Appalachians and southeastern U.S., including severe infrastructure damage and economic losses.
AccuWeather’s revised estimate includes damage to power grids, highways, and bridges, with some areas expected to take years to recover. Interstate 40 and Interstate 26 are impassable in parts, and the electric grid in some regions has been destroyed.
“Helene brought historic devastation and has tragically changed lives forever. The level of human suffering, the rising death toll and the tremendous damage to people’s homes and businesses, as well as to critical infrastructure, from telecommunications to roads and highways and water supplies has been overwhelming. Helene was a truly historic storm,” said AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter.
The estimate also accounts for healthcare costs, long-term mental health impacts, and disruptions to businesses, particularly in the tourism, technology, and agriculture sectors. AccuWeather initially projected damages between $95 billion and $110 billion but raised the figure as the extent of the destruction became clearer.
Helene’s economic impact now ranks among the costliest hurricanes in U.S. history, comparable to Hurricane Katrina, which caused $320 billion in damages when adjusted for inflation. Many residents and businesses affected by the storm are underinsured, posing additional challenges for recovery efforts.
“The latest weather disaster to hit the U.S. is straining federal, state and local resources,” Porter continued. “The disruption to businesses could last for weeks or months, and it will likely take years for many to recover. Hurricane Helene will likely further complicate the insurance crisis in high-risk areas, where some families and businesses are already facing skyrocketing premiums or having their coverage dropped altogether due to the growing threats of flooding rainfall and storm surge in vulnerable areas.”