AccuWeather predicts Hurricane Harvey to be the most costly natural disaster in US history

AccuWeather Global Weather Center - August 30, 2017  - AccuWeather  predicts Hurricane Harvey, which has wreaked havoc in Texas, to be the most costly natural disaster in United States history.

Dr. Joel N. Myers, founder, president and chairman of AccuWeather, and sometimes called the "father of commercial meteorology" stated, "This will be the worst natural disaster in American history. The economy's impact, by the time its total destruction is completed, will approach $160 billion, which is similar to the combined effect of Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy. This represents a negative impact on the economy of 8/10 of one percent of the gross national product or GDP. The GDP is $19 trillion currently. Business leaders and the Federal Reserve, major banks, insurance companies, etc. should begin to factor in the negative impact this catastrophe will have on business, corporate earnings and employment. The disaster is just beginning in certain areas. Parts of Houston, the United States' fourth largest city will be uninhabitable for weeks and possibly months due to water damage, mold, disease-ridden water and all that will follow this 1,000-year flood." The worst flooding from Harvey is yet to come as rivers and bayous continue to rise in Texas with additional levees at risk for breaches and failures.

"The meteorologist forecasting community as a whole did a very good job in warning people about this storm. Public officials were slow, in some cases, to react or to know what to do, which affected too many people and caused the loss of property and damage and destruction. This was unfortunate because when a natural disaster threatens, minutes and hours count and preparation and risk avoidance is imperative. While AccuWeather forecasts were a few hours ahead of the competition in alerting people and companies to the severity of the impacts that were coming. The entire meteorological community did a first rate job, and it's frustrating that some entities were slow to take action. We are gratified that many people told us because of AccuWeather forecasts they did get to safety and out of harm's way and many businesses we serve reported they took immediate action to minimize losses," Myers said.

"AccuWeather cautions that the negative impact from the storms are far from over. There will be more flooding, damage, fatalities and injuries," Myers said. "We urge all citizens near the path of Hurricane Harvey to remain vigilant and be prepared to take immediate action if flood waters rise."

By Chaffin Mitchelle, Staff Writer for AccuWeather.com

We can help the victims of Hurricane Harvey

In 2008 Iowa saw some of the worst flooding in our history. Parts of eastern Iowa were under water, as the river burst its banks at 500-year flood levels. Thousands were forced to flee the disaster.

When we were in trouble here in Iowa, people from across the country came to help. People gave money. People gave blood. People came not because they had to, but because they wanted to help.

Today, our fellow Americans in Texas and Louisiana are suffering. Their homes are flooded. Entire communities are under water. It's our turn to help them out.

One way to do that is with a donation to the Red Cross:

  • Call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
  • Text the word "HARVEY" to 90999 to make a $10 donation to the Red Cross's Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.
  • Visit the Red Cross's website to make a secure contribution.

You can also help by donating blood at a local Red Cross blood drive. Click here to find a drive near you.

In times of crisis, Iowans help their neighbors.

Thank you for doing your part.

Fred Hubbell

Thousands of Iowans Packaging Meals Now through Saturday

Share Iowa Volunteers’ Compassion and Show 100 Millionth Meal Packaged at Hunger Fight - More Volunteers Still Needed for Tenth Annual Hunger Fight
 
Who: Meals from the Heartland is an organization that empowers people to save the starving, focused both on feeding people and giving people an opportunity to volunteer.
 
What: The Annual Hunger Fight, the largest hunger relief project in the nation, is an event where millions of meals are packaged in Des Moines for people around the world who face hunger every day—including Iowans and now Hurricane Harvey flood victims.
 
Meals from the Heartland is one of Convoy of Hope’s largest partners in feeding the world and victims of national disasters.  Convoy of Hope is in Texas distributing ready-made food and will be distributing Meals from the Heartland’s rice and soy meals.
 
When: TodaySept. 2      Where: Hy-Vee Hall at the Iowa Events Center, 730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309
 
Why: Meals from the Heartland hopes to package its 100 millionth meal and is seeking additional volunteers and opportunities to share its story with the public. Coverage of the four-day event to package millions of meals can truly illustrate the compassion of Iowans and enlist more volunteers to assist.
 
At-event Interview Opportunities: Video and photo coverage as well as interviews of volunteers and groups.
  • Susan Bunz, executive director of Meals from the Heartland.
  • Local businesses and service organizations
  • Church and community groups
  • Youth organizations and athletic teams
  • Facility tours will be available.
by Lori Blackburn
 
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