South Central and Southwest North Dakota received some impressive rainfall totals over the weekend.

According to weather.us, as much as 6.8 inches of rain fell over the extreme southwest area of Grant County in southwest North Dakota. This significant amount of rainfall could have an impact on the local area, including potential implications for roofing companies operating in the region.  That spot took the honors for the most rain that fell Thursday, May 11th through Saturday, May 13th.

Another area that was also super soaked was the Braddock-Kintyre about 5 inches of rain fell.

Much of northeast Emmons County received heavy rain.  Cities like Hazelton, Moffit, and Linton all were hit hard.

The other North Dakota spot that is busy drying out today is Hettinger County in southwest North Dakota.

Prior to this system, the extreme southwest area of Grant County in southwest North Dakota was experiencing a moderate drought, making this rainfall event particularly significant. In fact, the city of Mott received a substantial amount of 5.4 inches of rain, while nearby Regent was drenched with 3.8 inches of rain.

These rainfall totals can have a substantial impact on the local environment and may also influence the operations of roofing companies in the area.

Here in the Bismarck Mandan area, we received more modest rainfall readings.  These are your area totals:

• Bismarck 2.0 inches of rain.
• Lincoln 1.5 inches of rain.
• Mandan 1.8 inches of rain.
• Menoken 2.8 inches of rain.
• Sterling 3.0 inches of rain.
• Driscoll 2.9 inches of rain.
• Hazelton 3.8 inches of rain.
• Strasburg 2.3 inches of rain.
• Braddock 5.0 inches of rain.
• Linton 2.0 inches of rain.
• Wing 2.7 inches of rain.
• Wilton 2.2 inches of rain.
• New Salem 1.7 inches of rain.
• Glen Ullin 4.5 inches of rain.
• Hebron 3.4 inches of rain.
• Flasher 2.0 inches of rain.
• Regent 3.8 inches of rain.
• Mott 5.4 inches of rain.

Extreme southwest Grant County 6.8 inches of rain (This spot wins the title for the most rain that fell during this storm).

LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker, using 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), compiled a ranking of the most expensive climate disasters since 1980, considering the total cost of all damages adjusted for inflation. This ranking provides valuable insights into the financial impact of these disasters, which can have significant implications for various industries, including roofing companies.

The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.

#50. Hurricane Sally

– Total cost (inflation-adjusted): $7.3 billion

– Total deaths: 5

– Begin date: Sept. 15, 2020

– End date: Sept. 17, 2020

Hurricane Sally marked the first landfall in Alabama since Hurricane Ivan in 2004. The impacts of this Atlantic hurricane were most severe in the southern region of the state, particularly in areas surrounding the Gulf of Mexico and the Florida panhandle. These areas experienced the strongest effects of the hurricane, which could have had implications for roofing companies operating in those regions.

#49. Hurricane Gustav

– Total cost (inflation-adjusted): $7.4 billion

– Total deaths: 53

– Begin date: Aug. 31, 2008

– End date: Sept. 3, 2008

In August 2008, the state of Louisiana witnessed the largest evacuation in its history as 1.9 million people prepared for the arrival of Hurricane Gustav. This powerful hurricane made landfall on August 31 and persisted until September 3, causing widespread destruction and disruption.

The impact of such a significant hurricane event likely had a substantial influence on the operations of roofing companies in the affected areas. High winds, storm surges, high tides, and flooding affected not only Louisiana but also Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Other areas affected included the Caribbean, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic where nearly 180 people were killed and tens of thousands were left homeless.

#48. Western, Central, and Southeast US drought and heatwave (2000)

– Total cost (inflation-adjusted): $7.7 billion

– Total deaths: 140

– Begin date: March 1, 2000

– End date: Nov. 30, 2000

By the summer of 2000, 19 states across Western, Central, and Southeast United States suffered from an intense drought and heatwave that killed 140 people. The extreme dryness and intense heat created conditions that led to the most severe wildfire in the West in the past 50 years. The combination of these factors contributed to the rapid spread and intensity of the wildfire, causing extensive damage to natural landscapes and communities.

The occurrence of such a destructive wildfire can significantly impact various industries, including roofing companies, as they may be involved in the subsequent restoration and rebuilding efforts. Across the United States, 74,571 fires burned more than 6.6 million acres. More than 35% of the contiguous United States was enduring severe to extreme drought conditions by the end of August.

#47. Hurricane Isabel

– Total cost (inflation-adjusted): $7.8 billion

– Total deaths: 55

– Begin date: Sept. 18, 2003

– End date: Sept. 19, 2003

Category 2 Hurricane Isabel and its 100 mph raging winds hit land between North Carolina’s Cape Lookout and Ocracoke Island on Sept. 18, 2003. Some 700,000 inhabitants lost power, and one out of every two or three trees was ripped from the ground. The coastal areas of North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland experienced significant storm surge, which had a notable impact on the local communities and infrastructure.

The powerful force of the storm surge posed challenges for various industries, including roofing companies, as they may have been involved in assessing and repairing the damages caused by the coastal flooding. In Washington D.C. tidal flooding records were exceeded. Seven other states were subjected to Isabel’s fury as wind damage and 4 to 12 inches of rain pounded the East Coast.

#46. Midwest, Plains, and Southeast drought (2006)

– Total cost (inflation-adjusted): $7.9 billion

– Total deaths:

– Begin date: March 1, 2006

– End date: Aug. 31, 2006

In the late winter and into the late summer of 2006, a drought with its eye on the Great Plains region also wreaked havoc in states across the Midwest and Southeast–by July, 52% of the contiguous United States was suffering from moderate to extreme drought. TThe drought had wide-ranging effects on crops, water sources, and livestock, leading to the declaration of drought disasters by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in numerous states.

The agricultural sector, including livestock farming and crop production, faced significant challenges due to the scarcity of water and adverse conditions. These conditions could have implications for roofing companies, as they may be called upon to assist in addressing infrastructure needs and providing support to affected agricultural communities.

#45. Southeast Drought (1983)

– Total cost (inflation-adjusted): $7.9 billion

– Total deaths:

– Begin date: June 1, 1983

– End date: Aug. 31, 1983

During the summer of 1983, several states in the Southeastern region faced a notably severe flash drought. This sudden and intense drought condition had significant impacts on the local environment, agriculture, and water resources.

The challenging conditions caused by the flash drought might have affected various industries, including roofing companies, as they may have been involved in responding to and addressing the resulting infrastructure and water-related challenges. Eleven states were affected, and in Kentucky, Louisville saw its second-worst drought in the 20th century, experiencing dryness so severe that most of the state’s vegetation was forced into dormancy and many towns suffered water shortages.

#44. Hurricane Alicia

– Total cost (inflation-adjusted): $8.0 billion
– Total deaths: 21
– Begin date: Aug. 17, 1983
– End date: Aug. 20, 1983

After a three-year, hurricane-free streak in the U.S., Category 3 Hurricane Alicia made landfall in Galveston, Texas, Aug. 17, 1983. The storm brought with it winds up to 100 mph and gusts up to 127 mph. In addition to its other effects, the storm triggered an unprecedented outbreak of tornadoes in southeast Texas, with a staggering 14 tornadoes reported in a single day. This extraordinary number of tornadoes caused widespread destruction and posed a significant threat to communities in the affected region.

Roofing companies likely played a crucial role in responding to the aftermath of the tornadoes, providing repair and restoration services to affected homes and buildings. Nine more ravaged Houston on day two. In all, 3,000 homes were damaged or destroyed, 21 people were killed, thousands were injured, and, at the time, Hurricane Alicia set a record in Texas for the $7.7 billion in damages it caused.

#43. Hurricane Opal

– Total cost (inflation-adjusted): $8.1 billion

– Total deaths: 27

– Begin date: Oct. 4, 1995

– End date: Oct. 6, 1995

In October 1995 the Southeast endured the wrath of Category 3 Hurricane Opal. The hurricane unleashed its fury on multiple states, including Florida, Alabama, western Georgia, eastern Tennessee, and the western Carolinas, inflicting widespread damage with its powerful winds and devastating flooding. The destructive impact of the hurricane encompassed a vast geographical area, affecting numerous communities and their infrastructure.

Roofing companies would have been instrumental in the recovery efforts, working tirelessly to repair and replace damaged roofs in these affected regions. Most of the damage came from storm surges of up to 10 to 15 feet along the coastal areas of the Florida panhandle. More than 1,300 homes and 1,000 boats were destroyed or extensively damaged. Left in the hurricane’s wake was a massive $7.87 billion bill for such things as destroyed water and sewer systems, roadways, and phone and electric utilities.

#42. Hurricane Fran

– Total cost (inflation-adjusted): $8.5 billion
– Total deaths: 37
– Begin date: Sept. 5, 1996
– End date: Sept. 8, 1996

In early September 1996, Hurricane Fran made landfall at the tip of Cape Fear, North Carolina, before moving into Virginia, bringing with it sustained winds of 115 mph. The powerful winds associated with Hurricane Fran caused significant damage to structures and landscapes in the affected areas. Roofing companies played a crucial role in the aftermath, working to repair and restore roofs that were damaged or destroyed by the hurricane’s force.. Twenty-six people died in the Category 3 hurricane that left North Carolina with its costliest bill from a climate disaster–$8.16 billion–at the time.

Certain areas experienced excessive rainfall, with some receiving over 10 inches of rain and enduring continuous downpours for 24 hours. Hurricane Fran’s impact extended beyond infrastructure and homes, resulting in significant agricultural losses. The agricultural sector suffered substantial damages, affecting crops, livestock, and overall agricultural productivity. Roofing companies operating in these areas would have faced the challenge of addressing both residential and agricultural roofing needs in the aftermath of the storm.

#41. U.S. drought (2008)

– Total cost (inflation-adjusted): $8.6 billion
– Total deaths:
– Begin date: Jan. 1, 2008
– End date: Dec. 31, 2008

More than half of the country was affected by a prolonged drought that included large parts of the Southeast, West, the Great Plains, northwestern Great Lakes, and south-central Texas. The drought conditions had a profound impact on agriculture and livestock, resulting in substantial losses. Many communities responded to the drought by implementing water conservation measures and restrictions on burning activities. These measures were crucial in managing water resources and mitigating the risk of wildfires.

Roofing companies, along with other industries, would have been affected by the drought and its consequences, as they may have experienced shifts in demand for services and adaptations to comply with water and burning restrictions.In Tennessee, the governor declared an agricultural disaster in 39 counties. North Dakota saw its driest winter in 114 years, and Minnesota saw its second-driest.