U.S. weather year in review highlights severe storms and record damage in 2024

In 2024, the U.S. experienced a busy year of severe weather, with 24 events causing over a billion dollars in damage. This included 17 severe weather outbreaks, four tropical cyclones, one wildfire, and two winter storms. A major winter storm at the year's start affected much of the country, bringing snow and ice from the Pacific Northwest to the East Coast. The tornado count reached over 1,700, with Ohio recording a record 73 tornadoes. The hurricane season was above average, with 18 named storms and five major hurricanes. Hurricane Helene was particularly devastating, causing over 200 deaths and nearly $90 billion in damage.