When is hurricane season in Louisiana (2024)?

The Atlantic hurricane season starts on June 1 and ends on November 30, but the Bayou State is most at risk for hurricanes in August, September, and October.

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Kara McGinleySenior Editor & Licensed Home Insurance ExpertKara McGinley is a former senior editor and licensed home insurance expert at Policygenius, where she specialized in homeowners and renters insurance. As a journalist and as an insurance expert, her work and insights have been featured in Forbes Advisor, Kiplinger, Lifehacker, MSN, WRAL.com, and elsewhere.

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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.

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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]

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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).

If you don’t qualify for home insurance, consider the Louisiana FAIR Plan

An insurer may refuse to cover you for many reasons — including if your home is at an especially high risk for hurricane or storm damage. If that’s the case, contact Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation — which is Louisiana's Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan. FAIR Plans are designed to offer last-resort coverage options to homeowners that don’t qualify for home insurance in the standard marketplace.

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.

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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.

References

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Policygenius uses external sources, including government data, industry studies, and reputable news organizations to supplement proprietary marketplace data and internal expertise. Learn more about how we use and vet external sources as part of oureditorial standards.

  1. Tropical Storm Risk

    . "

    Extended Range Forecast for North Atlantic Hurricane Activity in 2024

    ." Accessed January 05, 2024.

  2. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

    . "

    Louisiana Hurricane History

    ." Accessed June 16, 2022.

  3. U.S. Geological Survey

    . "

    Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

    ." Accessed June 16, 2022.

  4. New Orleans Public Radio WWNO

    . "

    Louisiana’s Hardest Hit Areas Could Be Without Power Until Sept. 29

    ." Accessed June 16, 2022.

Corrections

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Author

Kara McGinley is a former senior editor and licensed home insurance expert at Policygenius, where she specialized in homeowners and renters insurance. As a journalist and as an insurance expert, her work and insights have been featured in Forbes Advisor, Kiplinger, Lifehacker, MSN, WRAL.com, and elsewhere.

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