The southern hemisphere suffered its strongest tropical cyclones on record last month, according to the latest Global Catastrophe Recap from modeller Impact Forecasting.

Tropical Cyclone Winston had maximum sustained winds of 295kmh and struck Fiji’s most populated island, Viti Levu, killing at least 44 people and damaging or destroying more than 24,000 homes. Total economic losses were estimated at $US470 million ($630 million), or 10% of Fiji’s GDP.

In the US, severe convective storms led to the greatest number of February tornadoes since 2008.

Combined economic losses in the US last month – including damage from heavy snow and ice – are expected to top $US1 billion ($1.34 billion).

Windstorms Norkys and Ruzica – known locally as Henry and Imogen – brought high winds and coastal flooding to Ireland and the UK. Total economic losses from both storms was estimated at $US175 million ($234.5 million).

Impact Forecasting Associate Director and Meteorologist Steve Bowen says El Nino “left its fingerprint” on many natural disasters last month.

“It is clear the El Nino phenomenon will continue to affect atmospheric and oceanic patterns in the months ahead,” he said.

Impact Forecasting is part of Aon Benfield.