“We can’t stop the force of nature — but we can be prepared to face it.”
A year ago, two hurricanes Helene and Milton turned the 2024 season into one of the most devastating in Florida’s recent history. At Let Us Claim, we stood alongside families whose homes were damaged and communities still feeling the long-term effects today.
This article takes a closer look at how these storms formed, the damage they caused, the human and economic losses they left behind, the progress in recovery efforts, and the lessons we must apply to be better prepared in the future.
¿Cómo se formaron y cuál fue su trayectoria?
Hurricane Helene
Helene developed in the Atlantic in late September 2024. Conditions were ideal for strengthening warm waters and low wind shear. Within days, it grew into a Category 4 hurricane, making landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region with sustained winds over 130 mph. Its massive size spread across several states, bringing torrential rain, flooding rivers, and dam overflows.
Hurricane Milton
Soon after, in early October, Milton emerged. It reached Category 3 strength with winds up to 120 mph. Although smaller than Helene, it became deadly by spawning over 40 tornadoes across Florida, devastating homes, farms, and communities. Milton proved that a hurricane’s true impact isn’t defined solely by its category, but also by its secondary effects.
The Damage They Left Behind
The combined economic and social impact of Helene and Milton exceeded $110 billion in losses.
- Homes and Properties: Tens of thousands of houses were destroyed or severely damaged. Many homeowners are still waiting for insurance responses or facing repair delays due to rising material and labor costs.
- Infrastructure: Bridges and highways were impassable for weeks. Power grids collapsed, leaving more than 7 million people without electricity at some point.
- Agriculture: Milton hit farmers hard, causing massive losses in citrus and vegetable crops and impacting Florida’s honey and pollination industries.
- Environment: The storms caused beach erosion, water contamination, and damage to mangroves and coral reefs that protect the coastline
Human Losses
Behind every statistic are stories of families whose lives were changed forever.
- Helene caused over 250 confirmed deaths, mainly in Georgia and North Carolina, due to flash floods and landslides in mountainous regions.
- Milton took more than 45 lives across the U.S. and Mexico, many trapped in floodwaters or hit by tornadoes.
Beyond fatalities, thousands were injured or displaced. The psychological aftermath remains severe anxiety, depression, and fear each time a new hurricane warning is issued.
Key Statistics
| Indicator | Hurricane Helene | Hurricane Milton |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Category | 4 | 3 |
| Sustained Winds | ~140 mph | ~120 mph |
| Tornadoes Generated | 10+ | 45+ |
| Confirmed Deaths | 250 | 45 |
| Estimated Damages | $78.7 billion | $34.3 billion |
| Power Outages | 4+ million users | 3 million users |
One Year Later: How Are We Recovering?
At Let Us Claim, working directly with homeowners and businesses, we’ve seen firsthand the ongoing challenges of recovery:
- Infrastructure: Most major roads and bridges have been
restored, but rural areas still face significant delays. Coastal Communities: Beach and dune restoration projects continue, though slowly and at high cost. - Homes: Thousands of families have yet to return to normal. Some remain in temporary housing; others are still waiting for fair insurance settlements.
- Insurance Claims: Many insurers have delayed or underpaid claims—proving how essential it is to have a Public Adjuster to protect your rights.
- Recovery Inequality: Lowincome communities, small towns, and rural zones have been hit the hardest. While tourist areas are nearly rebuilt, others are still waiting for help.
What Helene and Milton Taught Us
Every hurricane season teaches us valuable lessons. Helene and Milton reminded us that:
- A hurricane’s danger isn’t defined only by its category tornadoes and floods can be just as destructive.
- Preparation is key: review your insurance policy, secure windows, and have an evacuation plan ready.
- Climate change is intensifying hurricanes, making each season more unpredictable.
- Having professional representation when filing an insurance claim can make the difference between recovering quickly or being left behind.
Climate Change and the Future
Scientists warn that Atlantic waters are getting warmer, fueling stronger storms. Helene and Milton proved this—two major hurricanes in just two weeks with massive impacts.
The takeaway is clear: we can’t lower our guard. Families must prepare every season, and communities must invest in resilient infrastructure and effective emergency plans.
Conclusion
A year after Helene and Milton, the marks of destruction remain lost lives, damaged homes, and communities still rebuilding. Yet, there is also hope and resilience.
At Let Us Claim, we believe the best way to honor what we’ve lived through is by being better prepared for what comes next. Our commitment is to stand by you, guide you, and ensure you receive what your insurance truly owes you.
Because when a hurricane strikes, it’s not enough to endure—it’s about claiming what’s fair, and we’re here to help you do it.
If your property was damaged by Helene, Milton, or any other event, schedule a free inspection with us today. We’ll review your policy, assess the damage, and guide you step by step so you don’t miss the compensation you deserve.
