The cost of hurricane losses is much greater on the Atlantic coast versus the Pacific coast due to the density of the real estate along the East coast.  This density makes the cost of reconstruction higher because many more properties are at risk for water and wind damage.  Warmer waters and rising sea levels have increased the intensity of storms driving up the associated costs with this increase of losses.  The more intense the storm, the greater the risk factor for storm surge affecting 7.2 million coastal homes and businesses along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts.