How do tropical cyclones impact society?
Strong tropical cyclones,1 regionally known as hurricanes, typhoons, or cyclones; influence societies around the globe. Worldwide, an average of 84 tropical cyclones form each year (Figure 1). While not all tropical cyclones make landfall, those that do are capable of significant damage. In the United States, tropical cyclones caused annual average damages of $1.6 billion between 1950-1989, and of $6.2 billion between 1989-1995.2 Hurricane Andrew, which struck south Florida and Louisiana in 1992, is the costliest storm on record, at $30 billion in total losses and $16 billion in insured losses. China suffered an annual average of $1.3 billion (unadjusted) in typhoon-related damages between 1986 and 1994.3 Other countries that experience significant tropical cyclone damages include Mexico, other Central American and Caribbean states; Japan and other nations along the Pacific Rim and in southeast Asia; and countries along the Indian Ocean including Australia. The property damage costs of
