Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide 2026

No state in America knows hurricanes like Louisiana. The Pelican State has been struck by more hurricanes than any other, and the scars of Katrina, Rita, Laura, and Ida mark both the landscape and the collective memory. But Louisiana's resilience is equally legendary—a culture that rebuilds, that refuses to abandon home, that prepares not if but when the next storm comes. This guide honors that spirit by providing the practical knowledge Louisiana families need to survive what's coming.

Louisiana's Hurricane Reality

Louisiana's geography makes it a hurricane magnet. The state's 400+ miles of coastline, including the Mississippi River Delta and countless bayous, sits directly in the path of Gulf of Mexico hurricanes. Warm Gulf waters provide fuel for storms intensifying just before landfall. And much of south Louisiana—including New Orleans—sits at or below sea level, protected only by levees and pumping systems that can be overwhelmed.

The numbers tell the story: Louisiana has been struck by 62 hurricanes since 1851, more than any other state. Between 2020 and 2021 alone, the state was hit by five hurricanes—Laura, Delta, Zeta, Ida, and Nicholas—plus Tropical Storm Cristobal. This is not an occasional threat; this is an annual reality that shapes life in Louisiana.

Hurricane Katrina (2005) changed everything. The Category 3 storm overwhelmed New Orleans' levee system, flooding 80% of the city and killing over 1,800 people across the Gulf Coast. The disaster exposed failures at every level—inadequate infrastructure, insufficient evacuation planning, and a nation unprepared for catastrophe. The $125 billion in damage made it the costliest natural disaster in American history until Hurricane Maria.

Since Katrina, Louisiana has invested billions in hurricane protection, but the fundamental vulnerability remains. New Orleans sits in a bowl, much of it below sea level, surrounded by water. A direct hit by a major hurricane—particularly one that stalls and produces extended rainfall like Hurricane Harvey did to Houston—could again overwhelm even the improved defenses.

Primary Disaster Threats

Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

Hurricanes define Louisiana's disaster landscape. The state experiences tropical impacts almost every year, with major hurricanes making landfall roughly every 3-4 years. The threat spans from June through November, with peak activity in August and September.

Recent storms have demonstrated Louisiana's ongoing vulnerability:

• Hurricane Ida (2021): Category 4 at landfall, tied for strongest to hit Louisiana. Caused $75 billion in damage and killed 107 people across the eastern U.S.
• Hurricane Laura (2020): Category 4, devastated Lake Charles with 150 mph winds. One of the strongest storms to hit Louisiana.
• Hurricane Delta (2020): Hit the same Lake Charles area just 6 weeks after Laura, complicating recovery.
• Hurricane Gustav (2008): Prompted the largest evacuation in American history—2 million people from New Orleans.

Storm Surge and Coastal Flooding

Storm surge is the deadliest aspect of Louisiana hurricanes. The Gulf's shallow coastal waters, Louisiana's flat terrain, and the funneling effect of Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Borgne amplify storm surge to catastrophic levels. Surge from major hurricanes can reach 15-25 feet along the coast and penetrate miles inland.

Hurricane Katrina's storm surge breached the Industrial Canal and London Avenue levees, flooding New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward and Lakeview neighborhoods under 10-15 feet of water. Residents who hadn't evacuated were trapped in attics and on rooftops. The image of people waiting on rooftops for helicopter rescue became the defining image of the disaster.

Even with post-Katrina improvements to the Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System (HSDRRS)—the massive new levee system protecting New Orleans—storm surge remains a threat. The system is designed to protect against a "100-year storm," but climate change and land subsidence are moving the goalposts. Communities outside the levee system have no protection at all.

River Flooding

Louisiana sits at the mouth of the Mississippi River, which drains 40% of the continental United States. When heavy rains fall across the Midwest, that water eventually arrives in Louisiana. The combination of river flooding and hurricane rainfall can produce catastrophic flooding far from the coast.

The Great Flood of 2016 demonstrated Louisiana's inland flood vulnerability. An unnamed storm system dropped 20-30 inches of rain across the Baton Rouge area in August 2016. Over 60,000 homes were flooded, 13 people died, and damage exceeded $10 billion. Many flood victims were in areas that had never flooded before and weren't required to carry flood insurance.

The Mississippi River flood control system—miles of levees, floodways, and diversions—protects Louisiana from routine river flooding but could be overwhelmed by an extreme event. The "worst case" scenario involves a major Mississippi flood coinciding with a hurricane in the Gulf—a nightmare situation that has, fortunately, not yet occurred.

Tornadoes

Louisiana averages 45-50 tornadoes annually, often in two distinct patterns: spring supercell tornadoes from March through May, and hurricane-spawned tornadoes during tropical systems. Hurricane tornadoes are particularly dangerous because they form quickly in the outer bands with minimal warning time.

The February 2016 tornado outbreak killed 4 people in Louisiana when multiple tornadoes struck the New Orleans area during Mardi Gras season. More recently, Hurricane Ida spawned numerous tornadoes as its remnants moved up the East Coast. Louisiana's flat terrain and Gulf moisture create conditions favorable for tornado development year-round.

Extreme Heat

Louisiana's humid subtropical climate produces dangerous heat conditions from May through September. High temperatures regularly exceed 95°F, and when combined with Louisiana's notorious humidity, heat index values can exceed 110°F. Extended heat waves stress the power grid as air conditioning demand peaks.

Heat becomes deadly during power outages. After Hurricane Ida, over 100 deaths were attributed to the disaster, with many occurring in the weeks after landfall due to heat exposure when air conditioning was unavailable. Vulnerable populations—the elderly, those with chronic health conditions, and people without access to cooling—face the highest risk.

Regional Preparedness Priorities

Greater New Orleans

New Orleans faces the most concentrated hurricane risk in Louisiana:

• Evacuation critical: Much of the metro is below sea level—evacuation is survival
• Contraflow routes: Know I-10 and I-55 evacuation routes and timing
• Pump system: City pumps can fail—flooding happens even without levee breach
• Extended outages: Post-hurricane recovery takes weeks to months
• Assisted evacuation: City provides evacuation help for those without transportation

Southwest Louisiana (Lake Charles)

Lake Charles area faces extreme hurricane exposure:

• Direct hits: Hurricanes Laura and Delta (2020) proved the area's vulnerability
• Extended recovery: Some Laura damage wasn't repaired before Delta hit
• Industrial facilities: Chemical plants and refineries create secondary hazards
• Evacuation timing: Early departure essential—area can be isolated by flooding

Southeast Louisiana (Houma, Thibodaux)

Bayou communities face the most direct storm surge exposure:

• Outside levee protection: Many communities have no hurricane protection system
• Early evacuation required: Roads flood before storms arrive
• Land loss: Coastal erosion is eliminating buffer between communities and Gulf
• Fishing communities: Livelihoods depend on quick return after storms

Baton Rouge and Central Louisiana

Inland Louisiana faces different but significant risks:

• Flooding: 2016 proved catastrophic flooding can occur without hurricanes
• Hurricane remnants: Tropical storms weaken inland but still cause damage
• Evacuation destination: Baton Rouge absorbs coastal evacuees, straining resources
• Tornadoes: Higher tornado frequency than coast

North Louisiana (Shreveport, Monroe)

Northern Louisiana faces reduced but real hurricane and tornado threats:

• Tropical remnants: Weakened hurricanes still cause wind damage and flooding
• Tornadoes: Spring tornado season is active in northern Louisiana
• Evacuee support: Northern cities shelter coastal evacuees
• Winter weather: Occasional ice storms affect the region

Essential Louisiana Preparedness Steps

Step 1: Know Your Evacuation Zone and Route

Coastal Louisiana residents must know their evacuation zone:

• Find your zone: Visit getagameplan.org
• Contraflow timing: Know when lane reversals begin on major highways
• Multiple routes: Primary routes clog quickly—have alternatives
• Destination planned: Know where you're going before storms threaten
• Pet arrangements: Many hotels and shelters don't accept pets—plan ahead
• Early departure: 12-24 hours before landfall, traffic becomes gridlocked

Step 2: Build Comprehensive Hurricane Supplies

Louisiana hurricane kits must be extensive:

• Water: 1 gallon per person per day for 14+ days
• Food: Non-perishable supplies for 14+ days (outages last weeks)
• Medications: 30-day supply minimum
• First aid kit: Including supplies for cuts from debris
• Flashlights and batteries: Multiple lights, extra batteries
• Weather radio: Battery or hand-crank NOAA radio
• Important documents: Waterproof container AND digital copies
• Cash: $500+ in small bills—ATMs and cards fail for weeks
• Generator and fuel: 20+ gallons safely stored
• Ice chests: For food preservation when power is out
• Tarps and plywood: For emergency roof repairs

Step 3: Protect Your Property

Property protection can reduce damage significantly:

• Hurricane shutters or plywood: Pre-cut and labeled for each window
• Roof inspection: Repair loose shingles before hurricane season
• Tree trimming: Remove dead branches and thin canopy
• Secure outdoor items: Bring in anything that could become a projectile
• Document everything: Photo/video inventory for insurance claims
• Flood insurance: Required in many areas, smart everywhere

Step 4: Plan for Extended Recovery

Louisiana hurricane recovery takes weeks to months:

• Finances: Have savings or credit access for extended displacement
• Work continuity: Discuss remote work options with employer
• School plans: Know options if schools are damaged or closed
• Medical access: Identify pharmacies and doctors outside evacuation zone
• Housing backup: Know where you'll stay if home is damaged

Step 5: Prepare for Post-Storm Hazards

Dangers continue after the storm passes:

• Carbon monoxide: Never run generators indoors; install CO detectors
• Electrocution: Downed power lines may be energized
• Contaminated water: Floodwater contains sewage, chemicals, and debris
• Heat exposure: Without AC, heat becomes dangerous
• Chainsaw safety: Debris removal causes many injuries
• Contractor fraud: Verify credentials before hiring for repairs

Month-by-Month Louisiana Preparedness

Special Considerations

People Without Transportation

Louisiana provides assisted evacuation for residents without vehicles:

• Register in advance with your parish emergency management
• City-assisted evacuation uses buses and trains
• Bring only what you can carry—one bag per person
• Include medications, phone charger, and important documents

Pets During Evacuation

Katrina showed that people won't leave pets behind:

• Include pets in evacuation planning
• Pet-friendly hotels exist—identify them before storms
• Animal carriers, food, medications, vaccination records
• Some shelters now accept pets—verify in advance

Coastal Fishing Communities

Bayou communities face unique challenges:

• Earlier evacuation required—roads flood first
• Boat preparation and protection
• Commercial fishing equipment security
• Economic recovery often takes years

Louisiana Emergency Resources

• Get A Game Plan: getagameplan.org
• Louisiana GOHSEP: gohsep.la.gov
• National Hurricane Center: nhc.noaa.gov
• Louisiana 511: Road conditions and evacuation routes
• Parish Emergency Management: Contact your local office

Calculate Your Louisiana Preparedness Needs