🌪️ Louisiana's Climate History
Louisiana has experienced some of the most significant climate and weather events in United States history. Understanding these past events helps us prepare for future challenges and build resilience across our communities.
About This Archive
This page documents major climate and weather events that have significantly impacted Louisiana. All data is sourced from official records maintained by NOAA, the National Hurricane Center, USGS, and other authoritative agencies. Events are organized by category and presented chronologically within each section.
Major Hurricanes
Tropical cyclones that caused catastrophic damage and loss of life in Louisiana
August 29, 2021
Hurricane Ida
Catastrophic
Category 4 hurricane that made landfall near Port Fourchon on the 16th anniversary
of Hurricane Katrina. Tied for the strongest winds ever recorded at landfall in Louisiana
with 150 mph sustained winds. Caused widespread devastation across southeastern Louisiana
with catastrophic wind damage and storm surge.
150 mph
Max Winds
Category 4
Intensity
$75B+
Damages (US)
26
Fatalities (LA)
Major Impacts:
- Complete power grid failure affecting over 1 million customers, some for weeks
- Catastrophic wind damage in LaPlace, Houma, and Grand Isle
- Significant flooding from storm surge and rainfall (10-15 inches)
- 8 parishes declared federal disaster areas
- Entire communities displaced, particularly in coastal parishes
August 27, 2020
Hurricane Laura
Catastrophic
Category 4 hurricane that made landfall near Cameron with 150 mph winds, tied
for strongest Louisiana landfall on record. Caused catastrophic damage in southwestern
Louisiana with extreme winds and storm surge. The most powerful hurricane to strike
Louisiana in terms of wind speed since the Last Island Hurricane of 1856.
150 mph
Max Winds
Category 4
Intensity
$19B
Damages (US)
27
Fatalities (LA)
Major Impacts:
- Complete destruction in Cameron Parish with 9-15 foot storm surge
- Catastrophic wind damage extended 100+ miles inland to Lake Charles and beyond
- Structural damage to thousands of homes, including high-rise buildings in Lake Charles
- Agricultural losses exceeding $1.5 billion in Louisiana
- Chemical fires from damaged industrial facilities in Lake Charles area
August 29, 2005
Hurricane Katrina
Catastrophic
Category 3 hurricane at Louisiana landfall that became one of the deadliest
and costliest natural disasters in U.S. history. Catastrophic storm surge and levee
failures in New Orleans led to massive flooding of 80% of the city. The disaster fundamentally
changed coastal Louisiana and influenced hurricane preparedness nationwide.
125 mph
Max Winds (LA)
Category 3
LA Landfall
$125B
Damages
1,800+
Fatalities
Major Impacts:
- Catastrophic storm surge of 25-28 feet along Mississippi coast
- Multiple levee and floodwall failures in New Orleans metro area
- 80% of New Orleans flooded, some areas under 15+ feet of water
- 1.2 million people evacuated from Louisiana
- Long-term population displacement and demographic changes
- Complete destruction of coastal communities in St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parishes
September 24, 2005
Hurricane Rita
Major
Category 3 hurricane that struck southwestern Louisiana just 26 days after
Katrina. Made landfall near the Louisiana-Texas border with significant storm surge
and wind damage. Rita was the fourth-most intense Atlantic hurricane on record at
peak intensity (180 mph) before weakening.
115 mph
Max Winds (LA)
Category 3
LA Landfall
$18.5B
Damages
7
Direct Deaths (LA)
Major Impacts:
- Storm surge of 10-15 feet in Cameron and Vermilion Parishes
- Near-complete destruction of Cameron Parish
- Compounded recovery challenges for areas affected by Katrina
- Massive evacuations (largest in Louisiana history - 2.5 million people)
- Significant oil and gas infrastructure damage
September 1, 2008
Hurricane Gustav
Major
Category 2 hurricane that made landfall near Cocodrie. First major test of
post-Katrina evacuation procedures and levee improvements. Caused significant wind
damage and power outages across much of Louisiana but validated improved emergency
management systems.
110 mph
Max Winds
Category 2
Intensity
$8.3B
Damages
1.9M
Evacuated
Major Impacts:
September 9, 1965
Hurricane Betsy
Catastrophic
Category 3 hurricane that caused catastrophic flooding in New Orleans when
levees were overtopped. Known as "Billion Dollar Betsy" for being the first hurricane
to cause more than $1 billion in damage. Led to the creation of the modern Hurricane
Protection System for New Orleans.
125 mph
Max Winds
Category 3
Intensity
$1.42B
1965 Damages
58
Fatalities (LA)
Major Impacts:
- Extensive flooding in New Orleans, particularly Lower Ninth Ward
- Storm surge of 8-10 feet in Lake Pontchartrain
- 164,000 homes damaged or destroyed in Louisiana
- Led to federal authorization of Hurricane Protection Project
Historic Floods
Major flooding events from river overflow and extreme rainfall
August 11-17, 2016
Great Flood of 2016
Catastrophic
Historic rainfall event caused devastating flooding across much of southern
Louisiana. Some areas received over 30 inches of rain in 48 hours. Deadliest natural
disaster in the U.S. since Hurricane Sandy. The flood was described as a 1-in-500-year
event for many areas.
31.39"
Max Rainfall
146,000+
Homes Damaged
$10.3B
Damages
13
Fatalities
Major Impacts:
- Catastrophic flooding in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and surrounding parishes
- Record river levels on Amite, Comite, and other rivers
- 30,000+ rescues performed by emergency responders
- 20 parishes declared federal disaster areas
- Long-term housing crisis and displacement
April-May 1927
Great Mississippi Flood of 1927
Catastrophic
The most destructive river flood in U.S. history. Mississippi River levee
system failed at multiple locations, flooding 27,000 square miles. Over 1 million
acres flooded in Louisiana alone. Changed federal flood control policy and led to
major levee improvements.
27,000
Square Miles
500,000+
Displaced
$1B
1927 Damages
250+
Fatalities
Major Impacts:
- Levee failures along 1,000 miles of Mississippi River
- New Orleans saved by deliberately breaching levees downstream
- Changed federal approach to flood control
- Led to 1928 Flood Control Act and modern levee systems
- Massive social and demographic impacts, particularly on African American communities
May 8-11, 1995
New Orleans Flash Floods
Major
Extreme rainfall event dropped up to 20 inches in 6 hours on New Orleans.
City's drainage system was overwhelmed, causing severe urban flooding. Demonstrated
vulnerability to extreme precipitation events independent of tropical cyclones.
20"
Max Rainfall
6 hours
Duration
40,000+
Structures Flooded
6
Fatalities
Major Impacts:
- Entire city of New Orleans under several feet of water
- Pumping stations overwhelmed by rainfall rate
- Major disruption to city services and transportation
- Led to improvements in drainage infrastructure
Severe Weather Outbreaks
Major tornado outbreaks and severe thunderstorm events
February 7, 2017
New Orleans Tornado Outbreak
Major
Historic tornado outbreak affected the New Orleans metro area with multiple
strong tornadoes. An EF3 tornado tracked through eastern New Orleans and into St.
Bernard Parish, causing extensive damage. One of the most significant tornado events
in Louisiana history.
EF3
Max Intensity
12+
Tornadoes
$475M
Damages
0
Fatalities
Major Impacts:
- 7,000+ structures damaged in Orleans and St. Bernard Parishes
- EF3 tornado produced 150 mph winds
- Rare tornado event in traditionally lower-risk winter month
- Significant damage to businesses and residential areas
April 25-28, 2011
Super Outbreak of 2011
Major
Part of the largest tornado outbreak in U.S. history. While most severe impacts
were in Alabama and Mississippi, Louisiana experienced multiple tornadoes including
strong EF2 and EF3 tornadoes causing significant damage.
EF3
Max Intensity (LA)
15+
Tornadoes (LA)
3
Fatalities (LA)
$50M+
LA Damages
Major Impacts:
- Multiple strong tornadoes across northern Louisiana parishes
- Part of historic 3-day, 360+ tornado outbreak
- Significant structural damage in affected communities
- Long-tracked tornadoes caused extensive path damage
Extreme Temperature Events
Record heat waves and unusual cold snaps
July-August 2023
Extreme Heat Wave of 2023
Major
Prolonged extreme heat event with heat indices exceeding 110-115°F for extended
periods. Part of a global pattern of extreme heat. Multiple consecutive days with
dangerous heat conditions prompted heat emergencies and strain on power grid.
115°F+
Peak Heat Index
30+ days
Above 100°F HI
Record
Duration
Multiple
Heat Deaths
Major Impacts:
- Heat advisories and warnings for weeks across Louisiana
- Increased heat-related illnesses and hospitalizations
- Strain on electricity grid from cooling demands
- Agricultural impacts on livestock and crops
- Part of hottest summer on record globally
February 14-17, 2021
Winter Storm Uri
Major
Historic winter storm brought arctic air and frozen precipitation across Louisiana.
Record-breaking cold temperatures and widespread ice accumulation. Unprecedented impacts
on unprepared infrastructure.
11°F
New Orleans Low
-2°F
Shreveport Low
Record
Cold Duration
Statewide
Impact
Major Impacts:
- Widespread water system failures from frozen pipes
- Rolling blackouts affecting hundreds of thousands
- Dangerous road conditions from ice accumulation
- Record-breaking cold for many Louisiana cities
- Agricultural losses from freeze damage
December 22-25, 1989
Christmas Freeze of 1989
Significant
Record-breaking arctic outbreak during Christmas week. Hard freeze extended
deep into South Louisiana, causing extensive damage to citrus crops and other agriculture.
Coldest temperatures of the century for many locations.
11°F
New Orleans
-1°F
Shreveport
Century
Record Cold
$100M+
Ag Losses
Major Impacts:
- Devastating impact on Louisiana citrus industry
- Extensive crop damage across southeastern Louisiana
- Coldest Christmas in Louisiana history for many locations
- Water system damage from frozen pipes
Notable Droughts
Extended dry periods with significant impacts
Fall 2023 - Winter 2024
2023-2024 Flash Drought
Major
Rapid-onset drought developed across Louisiana in late 2023. Combination of
below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures led to severe to exceptional drought
conditions. Impacted agriculture, water supplies, and contributed to increased wildfire
risk.
D4
Peak Category
100%
State Coverage
Flash
Onset Type
Ongoing
Status
Major Impacts:
- Exceptional (D4) drought in parts of northwestern Louisiana
- Low river levels affected navigation and water intakes
- Saltwater intrusion in Mississippi River
- Agricultural impacts on row crops and pastures
- Increased wildfire activity across the state
Spring-Fall 2011
2011 Southern Drought
Major
Severe drought affected much of Louisiana as part of broader southern U.S.
drought. Combination of La Niña conditions and persistent high pressure led to extended
dry period. Significant agricultural and water resource impacts.
D4
Peak Category
90%+
State in Drought
$1.5B
Ag Losses (South)
8+ months
Duration
Major Impacts:
- Widespread crop failures, particularly in northern parishes
- Extremely low river and stream flows
- Water use restrictions in multiple communities
- Livestock losses from heat and lack of forage
- Part of historic Texas-Oklahoma-Louisiana drought
Summer-Fall 2000
2000 Louisiana Drought
Significant
Extended drought period affected agriculture and water resources across Louisiana.
Part of broader southeastern U.S. drought. Particularly severe in northern and central
Louisiana.
D3
Peak Category
75%
State Affected
$250M+
Ag Losses (LA)
5 months
Duration
Major Impacts:
- Significant crop losses in northern Louisiana
- Low water levels in lakes and reservoirs
- Increased irrigation demands and costs
- Municipal water supply concerns in affected areas
Learning from the Past
These historical events demonstrate Louisiana's vulnerability to diverse climate and weather hazards. Understanding past impacts helps communities, emergency managers, and policymakers prepare for future events. Climate change may alter the frequency and intensity of some of these hazards, making preparedness and adaptation increasingly important.
Additional Historical Resources
Explore more about Louisiana's climate history
NOAA Historical Hurricane Tracks
Interactive tool to view tracks of all recorded hurricanes affecting Louisiana since 1851.
Explore ToolNCEI Storm Events Database
Comprehensive database of all severe weather events reported in Louisiana.
Access DatabaseU.S. Drought Monitor Archive
Historical drought conditions for Louisiana dating back to 2000.
View ArchiveUSGS Flood Information
Historical flood data, peak streamflows, and flood frequency analyses for Louisiana.
Access DataNational Hurricane Center Archives
Official tropical cyclone reports, data, and historical information.
View ArchivesClimate Extremes Index
NOAA's index tracking extreme climate events across the United States including Louisiana.
View Index