New Orleans, Louisiana: natural disaster risk
How exposed New Orleans is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Orleans Parish.
New Orleans is a city of 371,853 people in Orleans Parish, Louisiana. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Orleans 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 $304 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 480 storm reports in the county since 1951, including 25 tornadoes and 215 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 30 hurricanes and 34 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 10 of them major. About 51.8% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Orleans Parish. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in New Orleans
Full Orleans 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 | $223M | |
| Inland flooding | $47M | |
| Cold wave | $15M | |
| Heat wave | $8M | |
| Lightning | $3M | |
| Tornado | $2M | |
| Coastal flooding | $2M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Earthquake | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $404K | |
| Winter weather | $215K | |
| Drought | $186K |
Homes in New Orleans
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 Orleans Parish
Common questions about New Orleans
Is New Orleans safe from natural disasters?
New Orleans is in Orleans 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 New Orleans?
By expected yearly losses in Orleans Parish, the top hazards are hurricane (Very High), inland flooding (High), cold wave (High). Orleans Parish has been part of 35 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does New Orleans get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 25 tornadoes in Orleans Parish since 1950; the strongest was an EF3 tornado on February 7, 2017 near Lee. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in New Orleans?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Orleans Parish, about 51.8% 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.