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QuoteWizard looked at data from the Nation Centers for
Environmental Information, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration. They tallied billion-dollar natural disasters
nationwide over the past 40 years, and found that major
disasters have increased by 257% in Illinois.
In the first 20 years, there were 21 natural disasters in
Illinois. In the most recent 20 year period, there were 75,
researcher Nick VinZant said.
Severe storms are the most common natural disaster. Illinois saw
the fourth most tornadoes in 2021 with 80. Only Texas, Alabama
and Mississippi had more.
Between Dec. 10 and Dec. 11 of last year, several tornadoes
ripped across Illinois and five other states, leveling homes and
businesses and killing nearly 100 people.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, the costliest U.S. tornado in the last 50 years
occurred in Joplin, Missouri, in May 2011, and caused $2.8
billion in damage.
The study also found large increases in the number of wildfires,
floods and cyclones nationwide.
Texas has faced more major natural disasters than any other
state. Over the last 40 years, the Lone Star State has had 137
natural disasters, 103 of them in the last 20 years. Hawaii has
experienced the fewest with just one billion-dollar cyclone
since 1981.
VinZant said as a result nationwide, homeowners are paying 2%
more for insurance since last year, but even more in the Land of
Lincoln.
In Illinois, it's up 7%, so it was at an average of $1,600, it
is now at an average of $1,700, VinZant said.
With the rapid rise in home prices in Illinois, VinZant said
your insurance may not be able to cover you if disaster strikes.
Kevin Bessler reports on statewide issues in
Illinois for the Center Square. He has over 30 years of
experience in radio news reporting throughout the Midwest.
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