It’s no secret 2021 was a year of headline-making weather events. Between droughts and wildfires, to hurricanes and tornadoes, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports 18 different weather and climate disaster events occurred this year, totaling losses exceeding $1 billion. Previously, the 20-year average between 1980 and 2020 was 7.1 events.

Drought in the northern plains was no surprise this year due to shockingly low spring snowfall. As just a few examples, North Dakota received 40” below average snowfall and suffered some of the driest conditions in the country this summer. Drought also worsened further west as the Pacific Coast saw record heat, with temperatures reaching as high as 108 degrees in Seattle, 116 in Portland and 121 in Palm Springs, California,  propelling the wildfires that burned through millions of acres this year and sent smoky skies further east. A series of 163 uncharacteristic tornadoes then rounded out the year, the most on record for December and second most in any winter month.

As we wrap up 2021, now is a great time to evaluate your operation for any gaps in coverage. View a list of available coverage options in your state.

Read more on 2021 weather disasters.