Preliminary estimates from AccuWeather place the total damage and economic loss caused by Hurricane Helene between $95 billion and $110 billion, making it one of the most costly storms in U.S. history. The devastating storm surge, powerful winds, and historic flooding—particularly along Florida’s west coast and in the southern Appalachians—are significant contributors to this estimate. These figures are preliminary, as the storm’s full impact is still unfolding and not all areas have reported complete damage assessments. AccuWeather, which provided early warnings about Helene’s potential for w…