Hazard Score
49 Catastrophes Recorded
Lake-Charles, Louisiana
20 Land Tracts in Calcasieu Parish , Lower Calcasieu Watershed
Lake Charles, Louisiana faces a relatively high risk of natural disasters, particularly hurricanes due to its location along the Gulf Coast. The city is prone to high levels of precipitation and humidity, which can exacerbate flooding during severe weather events. Additionally, the region is susceptible to lightning strikes and wildfires, further increasing the overall hazard risk.
The city's proximity to the Gulf of Mexico also exposes it to the potential impacts of tsunamis and storm surges during hurricanes. The Calcasieu River, which flows through Lake Charles, adds to the flood risk during heavy rainfall events. Furthermore, the presence of fault lines in the area increases the likelihood of earthquakes, albeit with a very low risk compared to other hazards.
Overall, Lake Charles is situated in a geographically complex area with a mix of natural features that can amplify the impact of natural disasters. The city's history of hurricane events, such as Hurricane Laura in 2020, underscores the need for robust disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts to protect the population and infrastructure from future hazards.
HAZARDS
17
Power Transmission Lines
0
Coastlines
0
Water Bodies
0
Fault Lines
EMERGENCY SERVICES
2
Hazard Shelters
6
Fire Stations
5
Hospitals
2
Police Stations
COMMUNITY PROFILE
Calcasieu, Louisiana faces a relatively high risk of natural disasters and climate-related hazards, with a risk score of 96.91. The area is prone to hurricanes, hail, strong winds, and flooding events, with notable historical occurrences such as Hurricane Laura in 2020. The region's coastal location along the Gulf of Mexico makes it vulnerable to storm surges and high winds during hurricane season. Additionally, the area's flat topography exacerbates the risk of flooding from heavy rainfall.
Geological features such as fault lines and mountain peaks do not significantly impact hazard risk in Calcasieu, Louisiana. However, the abundance of water bodies in the region, including the Calcasieu River and various lakes, increases the risk of flooding events. The area's susceptibility to lightning strikes is also a concern, with a high frequency of lightning events recorded. These factors contribute to the overall risk profile of the area, necessitating robust disaster preparedness and ...
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CLIMATE OVERVIEW
NATURAL CATASTROPHE TIMELINE
Flooding
Heavy Rain
2021-05-16Hailstorm
2020-05-26
Hailstorm
2020-05-26
Hailstorm
2020-05-26
Hailstorm
2020-03-04
Flooding
Tropical Storm Imelda
2019-09-19Flooding
Torrential Rain And Tropical Storm
2019-07-09Flooding
Tropical Storm Harvey
2017-08-25Hailstorm
2017-05-03
Hailstorm
2017-05-03
Flooding
Heavy Rain
2016-04-18Hailstorm
2010-05-30
Hailstorm
2009-04-12
Hailstorm
2009-04-12
Hailstorm
2009-03-26
Flooding
Tropical Storm Ike
2008-09-12Flooding
Hurricane Gustav
2008-09-01Flooding
Heavy Rain
2007-01-15Hailstorm
2006-05-05
Flooding
Tropical Cyclone
2005-09-23Hailstorm
2005-02-23
Hailstorm
2004-06-20
Hailstorm
2004-05-01
Flooding
Heavy Rain
2003-02-22Flooding
Tropical Cyclone
2001-06-06Hailstorm
2000-04-02
Hailstorm
2000-04-02
Hailstorm
2000-04-02
Hailstorm
1999-02-27
Flooding
Tropical Cyclone
1998-09-11Hailstorm
1998-04-27
Hailstorm
1996-01-26
Hailstorm
1996-01-01
Hailstorm
1995-07-13
Hailstorm
1995-04-10
Hailstorm
1994-07-01
Tornado
1993-06-19
Hailstorm
1993-04-08
Hailstorm
1993-04-07
Hailstorm
1992-04-25
Tornado
1991-06-05
Hailstorm
1991-04-19
Flooding
Heavy Rain
1989-05-15Tornado
1988-10-26
Tornado
1983-11-23
Hailstorm
1983-05-20
Tornado
1983-01-31
Hailstorm
1973-04-17
Tornado
1971-02-12