Metairie, Louisiana: natural disaster risk
How exposed Metairie is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Jefferson Parish.
Metairie is a community of 139,729 people in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Jefferson Parish relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are hurricane, inland flooding and cold wave, with about $371 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 506 storm reports in the county since 1950, including 66 tornadoes and 105 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 34 hurricanes and 37 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 11 of them major. About 64.9% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Jefferson Parish. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Metairie
Full Jefferson Parish report ›- Know your evacuation zone and route before June 1.
- Ask about roof age, shutters and the separate wind or hurricane deductible on your home policy.
- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | $251M | |
| Inland flooding | $76M | |
| Cold wave | $12M | |
| Coastal flooding | $11M | |
| Heat wave | $10M | |
| Hail | $3M | |
| Lightning | $3M | |
| Tornado | $2M | |
| Earthquake | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $760K | |
| Strong wind | $674K | |
| Winter weather | $242K |
Homes in Metairie
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Jefferson Parish
More cities in Jefferson Parish
Common questions about Metairie
Is Metairie safe from natural disasters?
Metairie is in Jefferson Parish, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are hurricane, inland flooding, cold wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Metairie?
By expected yearly losses in Jefferson Parish, the top hazards are hurricane (Very High), inland flooding (High), cold wave (High). Jefferson Parish has been part of 46 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Metairie get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 66 tornadoes in Jefferson Parish since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on April 8, 1993 near Grand Isle. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Metairie?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Jefferson Parish, about 64.9% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.