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Louisiana · Risk Readiness
Before the emergency — maps, tools, and the honest picture of what Louisiana throws at different parts of the state.
See LA hazardsLA hazard profile
Louisiana's entire coast is hurricane exposure. Katrina (2005) killed 1,800 people and flooded 80% of New Orleans. Ida (2021) made landfall as a Category 4 and knocked out power to 1 million customers. The rebuilt levee system protects New Orleans but rural parishes remain highly exposed to surge. Louisiana floods constantly — from tropical systems, from the Mississippi and Red Rivers, and from intense local rain events. The August 2016 flood (which had no name and killed 13 people) was a 1,000-year rainfall event that flooded 146,000 homes, most with no flood insurance. Louisiana is losing coastline faster than any state in the country — roughly a football field every 100 minutes. This is not a future risk: it is erasing the natural storm buffer that protects inland communities right now. Coastal communities that existed in 1950 are open water today.
Direct landfalls and tropical moisture bring catastrophic wind, surge, and inland flooding.
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Flash floods, river flooding, and coastal surge affect low-lying areas and river corridors.
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Damaging winds, hail, and lightning — the most frequent hazard in most US states.
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Occur across most of the state, often embedded in severe thunderstorm lines and tropical systems.
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Ice accumulation causes prolonged power outages and road closures across the state.
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Official tools
Enter your address to see your flood zone designation and insurance requirements.
Source: FEMA
Real-time earthquake activity and seismic hazard maps for your region.
Source: USGS
Your property's wildfire exposure score based on vegetation, terrain, and proximity to wildland.
Source: USFS
Real-time river levels and flood stage by county.
Source: USGS WaterWatch
Weekly drought conditions by county.
Source: US Drought Monitor
Water quality guidance for households on private wells.
Source: EPA
Insurance gaps
Standard homeowner's policies in Louisiana exclude flood damage. Flood insurance through the NFIP has a 30-day waiting period — it cannot be purchased when a storm is forecast. Check your declarations page annually to confirm your coverage limits and deductibles.
Not in your standard policy
Flood damage — requires NFIP or private flood policy
Earthquake damage — requires separate endorsement
Sewer & drain backup — requires endorsement ($50–$100/yr)
Landslide / mudflow — generally excluded
Next steps
During an emergency
NC emergency contacts, alert signups, and real-time information.
Local EmergencyGet prepared
Step-by-step actions based on the hazards that apply to Louisiana.
LA Checklists