The US has seen it’s share of natural disasters throughout it’s history, and flooding seems to be one of the most destructive and common types of natural disasters possible.  Those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it (or at least that’s what my history teacher always said).   Here’s a quick list of the 5 worst flood disasters in United States history:

Worst Flood Disasters in the United States:

Mississippi River Flood 1993:

This devastating flood occurred between April and October of 1993.   A total flooded area of nearly 30,000 square miles and for a duration of 81 days, this flood caused 50 deaths and ~$15 billion dollars in damage.

Learn more: http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2070796_2070798_2070783,00.html

Big Thompson Canyon, Colorado, 1976

This flash flood occurred in the Big Thompson Canyon in the mountains west of Loveland, Colorado.  A very sudden and large wall of water rushed down the canyon after a day of extremely heavy rains (12-14 inches)  The water in the canyon was usually at a level of 18 inches, and this turned in to a 20 foot torrent that destroyed homes, roads and all infrastructure.   143 were killed and more than 150 were injured in this natural disaster.  The costs were 35 million in damage and a loss of 418 homes, 52 businesses & 438 vehicles.   Here’s a Denver Post archived article about the event. 

Rapid City South Dakota, 1972

Floods are scary events, but even more scary when they occur in the dead of night.  This flash flood killed 238 people and cost $165 million.    Also referred to as the Black Hills Flood, this like the Big Thompson flood was caused by an extremely heavy amount of rain that fell over a short period of time ( 15 inches in only 6 hours)  Estimates say over 1335 homes and 5,000 vehicles were destroyed.

Mississippi River Flood 1927

This event is largely considered to be the most destructive flooding event that ever happened in US history.   Known as the Great MIssissippi Flood, the damage  covered 27,000 square miles drenched with up to 30 feet of water.    This event was the cause of the Federal government to create a gigantic system of floodways and levees.   Estimates were 500 people dead and over 700,000 people were left homeless as a result of this disaster.

Boulder County Colorado 2013

Another flooding disaster that was the result of heavy rains,  the flooding in 2013 in Boulder county left 200 miles and 17 counties flooded.  17 inches of rain within a few days fell, which is comparable to Boulder’s annual precipitation.    This disaster caused $1 billion in damages and killed 8 people.  Many smaller towns in and around the mountains were stranded for several days and required rescue from the national guard.

Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans 2005

No list of flood disasters would be complete without mentioning Hurricane Katrina.  The most expensive natural disaster to ever happen in the United States, this hurricane and subsequent flooding leveled New Orleans and much of the Louisiana coast line, killing 1,800 and creating $81 billion dollars in damages.   Over a decade later, the area still struggles to recover and many of the former residents never returned.

Taking a look back at the worst flood disasters in the US is important – and it’s important to ask yourself if you’re covered for a flooding disaster like this.  Get a quote for flood insurance today.