Critical Risk Louisiana  ·  Hurricane / Storm Surge

Jefferson Parish LA

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & DISASTER RISK PROFILE  ·  LAST UPDATED: Mar 2026

9/ 10
Threat Score
Population
432,493
Area
664
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Hurricane / Storm Surge
FEMA Disasters
70
federally declared

Jefferson Parish surrounds New Orleans on three sides and shares its extreme hurricane vulnerability. Much of the parish sits at or below sea level. Hurricane Ida made direct landfall in nearby Lafourche Parish in 2021 and caused catastrophic wind damage and storm surge flooding across Jefferson. The parish has experienced more federally declared disasters per square mile than almost any other county in the United States.

// 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.

// Risk Intelligence

Threat Score 9 / 10    Critical Risk
Primary Hazard Hurricane / Storm Surge
Secondary Hazard Flooding
FEMA Flood Zone Zone VE (Critical Risk)
Federally Declared Disasters 70
Last Major Event Hurricane Ida (2021)
Event Frequency Major event every 2–3 years

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (504) 349-5360
Emergency Shelters 38 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-10 West, I-10 East, US-90 West, LA-3127 (Westbank Expressway)

// County Profile

County Jefferson Parish LA
State Louisiana (LA)
Population 432,493
Area 664 sq miles
FEMA Region Zone VE (Critical Risk)

// Major Cities

Metairie LA Kenner LA

// Cities in This County

// Other Louisiana Counties

// Nearby Infrastructure Risks

Critical infrastructure facilities within or near this area that could affect civilian safety during emergencies, conflict, or infrastructure failures.

🌊
New Orleans Hurricane Protection Levee System LA
Major Dam  ·  New Orleans, LA  ·  US Army Corps of Engineers  ·  10-mi risk zone
9/10 High
🏭
Gulf Coast Grain Export Elevators LA TX
Food Processing  ·  Westwego, LA  ·  Cargill / Bunge / ADM / Louis Dreyfus  ·  5-mi risk zone
9/10 Critical
Waterford Nuclear Plant LA
Nuclear Power Plant  ·  Killona  ·  Entergy Nuclear  ·  10-mi risk zone
8/10 High
Port of New Orleans LA
Port / Marine Terminal  ·  New Orleans, LA  ·  Port of New Orleans  ·  10-mi risk zone
8/10 High
🌉
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway LA
Bridge / Critical Crossing  ·  Metairie, LA  ·  Causeway Commission  ·  24-mi risk zone
7/10 High
🌉
Huey P. Long Bridge New Orleans LA
Bridge / Critical Crossing  ·  Metairie, LA  ·  Louisiana Department of Transportation  ·  5-mi risk zone
7/10 High

Infrastructure risk data is for emergency preparedness awareness. Facility locations are publicly known. Always follow official emergency guidance.