Can Coastal Science Help Lower Louisiana's Insurance Costs? LSU Thinks So
Research Impact Area: Hurricanes & Flooding
LSU Strengthens Prediction, Protection, and Recovery
From storm surge forecasting and near-instant flood prediction to coastal restoration and advanced weather monitoring, LSU research helps Louisiana prepare for, withstand, and recover from hurricanes and flooding—protecting lives, infrastructure, and the future of our coast.
2,000+
Emergency management agencies across the U.S. that rely on LSU’s CERA storm surge forecasting tool
- Coastal Emergency Risks Assessment (CERA) team
$200B+
Total in damages caused by tropical cyclone events in Louisiana, 1980-2024
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Featured Videos
Take a look inside LSU’s Coastal Meteorology Lab to see how researchers are creating hurricane forecasts tailored specifically for the Gulf Coast. Using unique atmospheric data and machine learning, they’re helping Louisiana better prepare for storm season.
Since its inception in 2006, LSU’s Coastal Emergency Risks Assessment has been delivering ever-improving storm-surge forecasts via an easy-to-use website meant for coastal residents and the emergency managers tasked with keeping them safe.
Hurricanes & Flooding Resources
Advances storm surge, flood, and coastal models to predict hurricane impacts and guide
resilience planning across the Gulf Coast. LSU Coastal Ecosystem Design Studio
Uses one of the world’s largest physical river models to simulate flow, sediment,
and storm impacts—informing coastal protection and hurricane risk reduction. LSU Center for River Studies
Develops advanced modeling and visualization tools—including storm surge systems like
CERA—to support real-time hurricane forecasting and emergency response. LSU Center for Computation & Technology
Brings together coastal scientists and engineers across LSU to study flooding, wetlands,
sediment, and storm impacts—developing solutions that strengthen coastal resilience
and hurricane preparedness. Coastal Studies Institute
Produces Gulf-specific hurricane forecasts and studies coastal weather systems to
improve regional prediction and preparedness. LSU Coastal Meteorology (COMET) Lab
Connects research, outreach, and community partnerships to help Louisiana prepare
for hurricanes, reduce flood risk, protect coastal ecosystems, and strengthen resilience
across working coastal communities. Louisiana Sea Grant
Demonstrates storm-resilient housing through 250+ exhibits and real-world models,
helping homeowners, builders, and policymakers reduce hurricane damage, lower insurance
costs, and break the rebuild cycle. LSU AgCenter's LaHouse Research & Education Center
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