The Deadliest Natural Disaster in Every U.S. State
Natural disasters vary widely across the United States depending on geography and climate. Some regions regularly experience hurricanes or wildfires, while others face blizzards, floods, tornadoes, or earthquakes. Each year, severe weather and natural events cause billions of dollars in damage and can dramatically impact communities across the country.
Because of the nation’s diverse landscapes, every state faces different types of natural disasters. Western states often deal with wildfires and earthquakes, while the Midwest and South frequently experience tornadoes and floods. Coastal states are especially vulnerable to powerful hurricanes.
For this list, we examined historic government data on major natural disasters across all 50 states to determine which event caused the greatest loss of life in each state. Sources include records from the U.S. Geological Survey, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the National Weather Service.
While many disasters cause widespread damage, this list focuses on the events that resulted in the highest number of fatalities. Here is the deadliest natural disaster to ever strike each U.S. state.
1. Alabama
Natural disaster: Deep South Tornado Outbreak
Date: March 21, 1932
Fatalities: 286
Other events considered: Killer tornadoes of 1920, 1980 Heat Wave
2. Alaska
Natural disaster: Good Friday Earthquake
Date: March 27, 1964
Fatalities: 131
Other events considered: Chilkoot Trail "Palm Sunday" Avalanche of 1898, 1967 Fairbanks Flood
3. Arizona
Natural disaster: Tropical Storm Norma
Date: Sept. 4-5, 1970
Fatalities: 23
Other events considered: Tropical Storm Norma (1970), Yarnell Hill Fire (2013)
4. Arkansas
Natural disaster: Mississippi River Flood
Date: May-August 1927
Fatalities: 127
Other events considered: Albert Pike Flash Floods (2010), Flood of 1978
5. California
Natural disaster: San Francisco Earthquake
Date: April 18, 1906
Fatalities: 3,000
Other events considered: Crescenta Valley Flood (1933-34), Los Angeles Flood (1938)
6. Colorado
Natural disaster: Big Thompson Canyon Flood
Date: July 31, 1976
Fatalities: 144
Other events considered: Denver Flood (1965)
7. Connecticut
Natural disaster: Great New England Hurricane
Date: September 21, 1938
Fatalities: 85
Other events considered: Great Flood (1955)
8. Delaware
Natural disaster: Gale of '78
Date: October 23, 1878
Fatalities: 100
Other events considered: Mid-Atlantic Flood (2006)
9. Florida
Natural disaster: Lake Okeechobee Hurricane
Date: September 6-20, 1928
Fatalities: 2,500-3,000
Other events considered: Labor Day Hurricane (1935)
