Most Memorable Hurricanes to Make Landfall in Louisiana

LOUISIANA (KPEL News) - Louisiana is no stranger to hurricanes. From devastating floods to historic evacuations, these storms have left lasting marks on communities across the state. As hurricane season ramps up, here’s a look back at some of the most unforgettable hurricanes to strike the Bayou State.

Hurricane Katrina (2005)

• Category 3 at landfall in Plaquemines Parish
• Massive levee failures led to widespread flooding in New Orleans
• Over 1,800 deaths and $125 billion in damage
• Considered the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history

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Hurricane Laura (2020)

• Category 4, landfall near Cameron Parish
• Winds up to 150 mph, strongest to hit Louisiana since 1856
• Lake Charles suffered catastrophic wind damage
• Caused 77 deaths and over $19 billion in damage

Hurricane Ida (2021)

• Category 4, landfall in Port Fourchon
• Winds sustained at 150 mph, tied with Laura
• Major impact on Grand Isle and Houma, widespread power outages in SE Louisiana
• Echoes of Katrina as it struck on August 29, 16 years later

Hurricane Rita (2005)

• Followed Katrina by just a few weeks
• Category 3, landfall near Johnson Bayou
• Forced 3 million people to evacuate, many from Lake Charles
• Severe flooding in Cameron and Vermilion Parishes

Hurricane Gustav (2008)

• Category 2, made landfall near Cocodrie
• Knocked out power for 1.5 million people
• Major wind damage in Baton Rouge

Hurricane Betsy (1965)

• Known as “Billion Dollar Betsy”
• First U.S. storm to cause over $1 billion in damage
• Widespread flooding in New Orleans
• Played a role in the creation of the federal levee system

Hurricane Audrey (1957)

• Category 4, hit Cameron Parish
• Over 400 deaths, one of the deadliest storms in Louisiana history
• Struck with little warning—many victims were caught in their homes

Let This Be A Lesson To Prepare

From Audrey to Ida, each of these storms reshaped Louisiana in its own way. As another hurricane season looms, their stories serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of preparedness, resilience, and community strength.