New Orleans is the most hurricane-vulnerable major city in the United States. Most of the city sits below sea level — in some areas 8 to 10 feet below — protected only by an elaborate system of levees and floodwalls. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 caused catastrophic levee failures that flooded 80% of the city, killed over 1,800 people, and caused $170 billion in damage — the costliest natural disaster in US history. Hurricane Ida in 2021 tested the post-Katrina flood protection system to its limits as a Category 4.
// Preparedness Recommendations
- Evacuation routes inland should be identified in advance.
- Store at least 72 hours of food and water.
- Elevate critical belongings above flood level.
- Have backup power ready in case of grid failure.
// Recommended Supplies
Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.
- Emergency Food Supplies
- Water Filtration & Storage
- Backup Generator
- Solar Backup Power
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// Risk Intelligence
| Threat Score | 10 / 10 Critical |
| Primary Hazard | Hurricane / Storm Surge |
| FEMA Flood Zone | Zone VE (Critical Risk) |
| County FEMA Declarations | 75 |
| Last Major Event | Hurricane Ida (2021) |
// Emergency Information
| Emergency Phone | (504) 658-8700 |
| Evacuation Routes | I-10 West, I-10 East, US-90 West, US-61 North |
| Elevation | 6 ft above sea level |
// County Risk Profile
// Nearby Infrastructure Risks
Critical infrastructure facilities within or near this area that could affect civilian safety during emergencies, conflict, or infrastructure failures.
Infrastructure risk data is for emergency preparedness awareness. Facility locations are publicly known. Always follow official emergency guidance.