How much damage did Hurricane Nicole create in Florida? Estimates already above $500 million
Early estimates put damage from Hurricane Nicole above $500 million
Early estimates out of Flagler and Volusia counties put the cost of damage from Hurricane Nicole above $500 million. That number will certainly grow as the destruction across the state is assessed. Many seaside residents have watched their homes crumble into the ocean and they are concerned about how they will rebuild their lives.
DAYTONA BEACH SHORES, Fla. - The damage and destruction from Hurricane Nicole – from collapsed homes and high-rise buildings to flooded streets – is already estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars – and will likely continue to rise.
Hurricane Nicole made landfall around 3 a.m. on Thursday, just south of Vero Beach, with maximum winds of 75 mph. However, in the hours before, the eastern coast was battered with large waves, increasing winds, and rain.
Volusia County and Flagler County both released their initial damage estimates on Friday:
Multimillion dollar homes collapsing due to Hurricane Nicole erosion
New drone video captured by Brandon Clement, of LSM (Live Storms Media), and shared with FOX 35 News shows the scope of devastation along Florida's east coast caused by Hurricane Nicole. Several multimillion dollar beachside homes in Daytona Beach Shores and Wilbur-by-the-Sea are collapsing due to erosion.
Flagler County damage report
Flagler County's Property Appraiser's Office said no homes were destroyed, but hundreds were damaged or flooded, totaling an estimated $23.7 million. According to a release, 299 homes were impacted, 20 of which has major damage. More than 200 homes were flooded, the report said.
Of the $23 million in damage, $13.3 million was in Flagler Beach, $1.2 million in Beverly Beach, and $9.2 million in unincorporated Flagler County.
Volusia County damage report
According to the Volusia County Property Appraiser, 19 homes were completely destroyed, and another 416 homes and buildings were damaged, totally more than $481 million.