Morici: Economic Impact of Hurricane Irene

Although, initially a Category 1 hurricane and now only a tropical storm, Irene is testing flood-level records in New York City and in much of the Northeast, raising casualty loss estimates to $20 billion. Two days of lost economic activity, over a period of a week, is almost certain, and adds another $20 billion. Longer term, rebuilding and postponed business activity will make up much of the near term impact on the economy.