Louisiana is most at risk for hurricanes during the months of August, September, and October. But storms can happen any time during the Atlantic hurricane season — which runs from June 1 to November 30 each year.
Tropical Storm Risk (TSR) — one of the industry’s most-watched hurricane forecasting teams — is predicting a very active 2024 Atlantic hurricane season that's 30% above the 30-year norm. [1] Because of this, Louisiana residents should review their home insurance and consider purchasing flood insurance ahead of hurricane season.
What months does Louisiana have the most hurricanes?
Historically, the most devastating hurricanes to hit Louisiana occurred in the months of August, September, and October. Below are some recent hurricanes and when they hit Louisiana. [2]
August 27, 2020: Hurricane Laura
October 9, 2020: Hurricane Delta
October 28, 2020: Hurricane Zeta
August 29, 2021: Hurricane Ida .
It’s extra important that Louisiana homeowners have the right insurance coverage in place before the peak hurricane months of August to October, especially ahead of another active hurricane season.
Where do hurricanes hit the most in Louisiana?
The Bayou State continues to experience some of the most devastating hurricane events in recent history, leaving areas of Louisiana struggling to recover before the next hurricane season hits. In August of 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused catastrophic damage to New Orleans and flooded about 75% of the city. [3]
In addition to New Orleans, overall the southern areas of Louisiana closest to the Gulf Coast typically get hit by the most hurricanes. For example, the parishes of Jefferson, Plaquemines, Terrebonne and St. Charles were all directly hit by Hurricane Ida in late August/early September of 2021. [4]
How to prepare for hurricane season in Louisiana
Hurricanes are a constant threat in Louisiana — here’s some steps to take before, during, and after the storm.
Before the storm
Purchase homeowners and flood insurance
Update your home inventory
Create an emergency plan
Pack an emergency kit with supplies
Create a family communication plan
Know your emergency evacuation routes
Bring outdoor furniture inside
Subscribe to official weather updates to follow weather reports
Fuel up your vehicles
During the storm
Stay up-to-date on hourly weather reports and news
Evacuate your home if you are instructed to do so by government officials
If it’s unsafe to leave your home, stay indoors
Turn off propane tanks
Close storm shutters
Take shelter in a windowless room or closet
After the storm
Contact your local Red Cross if you need shelter
Continue checking local alerts
Don’t drive through flooded roads
Make emergency, temporary repairs to your home
Take photos of the damage
File a claim with your home insurance company
File a claim with your flood insurance company if there’s flood damage
Insurance considerations for the 2024 hurricane season in Louisiana
Before hurricane season, it’s important to review your homeowners insurance policy to make sure you have the right coverage in place. Here’s what Louisiana homeowners need to keep in mind.
Hurricane and named storm deductibles
In Louisiana, homeowners have to pay a special hurricane deductible when filing a claim for hurricane damage. Unlike standard home insurance deductibles — which are set at a flat dollar amount — hurricane deductibles are set at a percentage of your dwelling coverage limit. You can usually set your deductible from 2% to 5% of your coverage limit, however this can vary by company and state.
Here’s how it works.
Say your home is insured for $500,000 and your hurricane deductible is set at 5%. After filing a claim for hurricane damage, you’ll receive a payout of $475,000 ($500,000 dwelling limit minus $25,000 deductible).
Flood insurance
Homeowners insurance never covers flood damage. That means if a hurricane floods your home, you won’t be able to file a claim through your home insurance for the water damage. In order to be protected against flooding, you’ll need to purchase flood insurance. You can buy flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) — a FEMA-backed organization — or through a private flood insurance company.
Frequently asked questions
When does hurricane season start in Louisiana?
Hurricane season starts on June 1, but Louisiana sees the most hurricanes in August, September, and October.
When does hurricane season end in Louisiana?
The Atlantic hurricane season officially ends on November 30.
