Severe Weather History


High Surf Records Across the U.S.

10,652

Recorded events

12

Counties affected

305

Direct deaths

$323.9M

Property damage

10,652 high surf events are recorded across 12 U.S. counties between 1996 and 2026.

Systematic records for this hazard begin in 1996 — earlier gaps reflect reporting practice, not calm weather.

Most affected

Top counties for high surf

RankCountyEventsDeathsDamage
#1Orange County, California40$265K
#2San Diego County, California30$10K
#3Adjuntas Municipio, Puerto Rico20$2K
#4Aguadilla Municipio, Puerto Rico22$0
#5San Juan Municipio, Puerto Rico10$0
#6Barceloneta Municipio, Puerto Rico11$0
#7Añasco Municipio, Puerto Rico10$5K
#8Aguada Municipio, Puerto Rico10$0
#9Nassau County, New York12$0
#10Monmouth County, New Jersey11$0
#11Honolulu County, Hawaii10$0
#12St. Croix Island, U.S. Virgin Islands10$0
Source: NOAA/NCEI Storm Events · ranked by recorded event count