Louisiana Flooding: How To Navigate the Waters
Examining the Different Types of Floods, Hurricanes & Severe Weather Events in the State of Louisiana
With its vibrant culture, and rich history Louisiana is a state like no other. However, Louisiana is no stranger to the devastating impacts of flooding. From seasonal storms to catastrophic hurricanes, Louisiana experiences a range of flooding events that have shaped its geography and community.
Below is an examination of the different types of floods Louisiana faces and have faced throughout the history of the state.
Types of Louisiana Flooding:
Louisiana is subject to several types of flooding, each with distinct causes and impacts. These include:
Riverine Flooding: The result of excessive rainfall causing rivers, canals and streams to overflow their banks. It primarily affects areas near bodies of water, particularly along the Mississippi River and its tributaries.
Coastal Flooding: Associated with storm surges and high tides in the Gulf of Mexico, coastal flooding impacts low-lying coastal areas and regions like the city of New Orleans. Louisiana's extensive coastline and flat terrain make it particularly vulnerable to this type of flooding.
Urban Flooding: Occurs when the drainage capacity of an urban area is overwhelmed by heavy rapid rainfall and flash flooding. Impervious surfaces in cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge exacerbate the issue. These cities also lack sufficient drainage which can compound severe flood threats and community emergencies.
Flash Flooding: This sudden and intense flood type is caused by heavy rainfall over a short period. Flash flooding occurs suddenly with little time to prepare once it starts, making it especially dangerous.
Notable Devastating Louisiana Storms:
Louisiana has weathered some of the nation's most catastrophic storms. Notable examples include:
Hurricane Katrina (2005): A Category 5 hurricane, Katrina caused widespread destruction and disastrous flooding in New Orleans due to levee breaches, resulting in over 1,200 fatalities and $125 Billion in damages.
Hurricane Rita (2005): Following closely after Hurricane Katrina, Rita caused significant damage in western Louisiana, particularly in Lake Charles.
Hurricane Gustav (2008): Gustav resulted in widespread flooding across southern Louisiana, particularly in Baton Rouge, causing $15 Billion in damages and repairs.
Hurricane Laura (2020): One of the strongest hurricanes to hit Louisiana, Laura caused widespread damage, particularly in the Lake Charles area, leading to 77 deaths and $19 Billion in damages.
Flooding Season in Louisiana:
Louisiana's flooding season coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season, running from June 1st to November 30th, with the peak period being between August and October. However, Louisiana is susceptible to flooding year-round due to heavy rains, flash flooding and river flooding, particularly in the spring.
While the Atlantic hurricane season accounts for a significant portion of the flooding, many areas throughout the state are vulnerable to flood threats throughout the year.
With heavy rain storms hitting the area at any time, a lot of communities lack the proper drainage to adequately handle the potential flooding.
Areas Most Prone to Flooding in Louisiana:
Louisiana's entire coastal region is susceptible to flooding, especially low-lying areas like New Orleans, Houma, and Lafayette. Inland regions near the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers, such as Baton Rouge, are also at high risk of severe flood events.
Flood Preparation in Louisiana:
Here are some essential steps to prepare for Louisiana's flooding:
Understand Your Flood Risk: Determine your home or business flood risk by checking FEMA's Flood Map Service Center or contacting your local emergency management agency. Monitor local news and weather updates, and sign up for emergency alerts from your local government to stay informed about potential flood threats.
Purchase Flood Insurance: Standard homeowners' insurance does not cover flood damage. Consider purchasing a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer to protect your assets.
Create an Emergency Plan: Develop an emergency plan whether it is for your home, business or overall community that includes evacuation routes, communication strategies, protective measures and more. Download our Emergency Flood Response Worksheet and stay prepared.
Prepare & Protect Your Home: Take steps to minimize potential flood damage, such as installing flood diversion walls, flood gate systems for entryway and garage protection, elevating electrical components, and using effective flood control solutions for the best protection possible.
Acquire Proper Flood Protection: The modernization of flood protection solutions and systems allows homes, businesses, communities and municipalities to efficiently combat dangerous flooding. Flood Barriers, Flood Walls, Flood Tubes and innovative Sandbag Alternatives are great solutions to procure and have on hand.
Garrison: The Best Flood Solutions For Louisiana
Garrison™️ Flood Control specializes in the manufacturing and installation of flood protection solutions for homes, businesses, public works and municipalities throughout Louisiana.
Our purpose is to provide reliable, effective, and affordable flood protection systems that can help mitigate the impact of floods and protect properties and assets.
With numerous success stories of customers throughout the United States, Garrison takes pride in providing the most effective and economical flood protection products and systems for clients.
Learn About Flood Planning in Louisiana For Hurricane Season
Go With Garrison!
Obtain expert guidance on which products will most effectively protect the things most important to you. Flood planning and preparation is of high importance as Louisiana floods become more frequent. Reach out to the experts at Garrison today and secure the most effective flood protection solutions available for your needs.
Garrison Flood Control provides robust flood protection solutions for homes, businesses, organizations and municipalities. With a wide variety of flood control solutions to choose from, Garrison provides the ability to plan, prepare and protect against numerous levels of flooding. Based in the USA, Garrison’s team of flood experts work with you side by side to help recommend the perfect solutions as well as maximize your protection efforts.
Garrison is here to help you find the best products that fit your protection needs. Feel free to contact us and we can start creating a dedicated flood plan for your property.
Garrison™ Flood Control is a New York-based manufacturer and distributor of a complete line of flood control products. Garrison products contain, divert, and re-route water away from valuable property, equipment, infrastructure, and facilities and help prevent flood damage due to rising water levels.
If you would like additional information about Garrison™️ Flood Control Systems, please call 929-299-2099 or email sales@garrisonflood.com.
