Which storms top the list for the most power outages in US history?
Extreme weather can cause massive power outages from trees collapsing and knocking down power lines. The devastating impacts of Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico's power grid this season serve as a reminder of the potential threats.
A Rhodium Group report found that no event in U.S. history has recorded so many people without power for as long as what has occurred in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands following Maria.
Although pre-1960s blackout events were more difficult to accurately assess, report authors believe that only the 1938 hurricane that hit New England might belong on this list.
The United States and U.S. territories have experienced numerous large-scale blackouts. On the list of top 10 largest blackouts in U.S. history, there is only one that is not caused by a hurricane. Hurricanes are the leading cause of power outages in the U.S. by a wide margin, according to the report.
"Hurricanes are most common on the list, this is most likely because of the size of a hurricane, the extent and number of people affected, and how long it takes to get power back on," Rhodium Group Research Analyst Peter Marsters said.
Three of the top 10 biggest U.S. blackouts include hurricane-driven power outages in Puerto Rico from Maria, Georges, and Hugo, which suggests that the island needs a more storm resilient power grid, the report reads.
RELATED:
How to stay safe when a hurricane causes power outages
How to avoid dangers of downed power lines amid extreme weather
How to survive a power outage in winter
The infrastructure on Puerto Rico is older, and the power grid is unreliable. Puerto Rico is an island, which creates logistical issues and difficulty connecting to outsides sources, Marsters said.
People walk next to a gas station flooded and damaged by the impact of Hurricane Maria, which hit the eastern region of the island, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, September 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
More Weather News
-
Early week storm may be strongest yet this season in northwestern US
Weather News - December 17, 2018, 4:42:52 AM EST
The next storm aiming for the northwestern United States will pack a big punch in Washington and Oregon through Tuesday.
-
Owen makes second, more severe strike on Queensland, Australia
Weather News - December 17, 2018, 12:04:29 AM EST
Residents of northern Queensland endured a second and more severe strike by former-Tropical Cyclone Owen.
-
Snow, rain and wind in late-week storm to impact holiday travel in eastern US
Weather News - December 17, 2018, 1:56:52 AM EST
As students embark on winter break, last-minute shoppers head to the stores and holiday travel ramps up across the country later this week, a major storm could lead to widespread travel headaches in the eastern U.S.
-
Severe Cyclonic Storm Phethai to soak eastern India into Tuesday
Weather News - December 17, 2018, 1:55:25 AM EST
Severe Cyclonic Storm Phethai in the Bay of Bengal will move into eastern India early in the week bringing damaging winds and flooding rainfall.
-
Snow showers, squalls to accompany fresh wave of cold air in northeastern US Monday
Weather News - December 17, 2018, 1:17:20 AM EST
Cold air diving into the northeastern United States to start the new week will be accompanied by gusty winds, snow and the threat for slippery travel.
-
Photos: Snow, freezing rain from Storm Deirdre causes disruptions across UK
Weather News - December 16, 2018, 6:13:02 PM EST
Storm Deirdre caused travel hazards, power outages and disruptions this weekend across the United Kingdom.
-
Early outlook: How will weather leading up to Christmas affect travel, white Christmas chances?
Weather News - December 16, 2018, 7:55:28 PM EST
Large storms and cold air are likely to take a break over much of the nation during much of the week ahead of the Christmas holiday.
-
Soaking rainstorm, interior ice and snow to impede weekend activities in northeastern US
Weather News - December 16, 2018, 5:40:13 AM EST
A storm will continue to bring rain, fog, ice and a wintry mix to parts of the northeastern United States this weekend.
TRENDING NOW
Rock salt versus salt brines: What's best for road safety?
As the country drudges through the winter, transportation departments located in the season’s icy grip are implementing new strategies to keep roadways safe.
Read Story
Photos: Snow, freezing rain from Storm Deirdre causes disruptions across UK
Storm Deirdre caused travel hazards, power outages and disruptions this weekend across the United Kingdom.
Read Story
Comments
Comments that don't add to the conversation may be automatically or manually removed by Facebook or AccuWeather. Profanity, personal attacks, and spam will not be tolerated.