Opelousas, LA natural hazards
Most of the natural-hazard damage FEMA expects in Opelousas comes from inland flooding, and overall the risk is high for a U.S. community. Flood insurance has paid 70 claims here since 1978. 14 federal disasters brought FEMA money into town.
FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025 · OpenFEMA claims, aid & declarationsHow exposed is Opelousas?
FEMA expects yearly storm and flood damage to homes and buildings in Opelousas to be higher than in 66% of U.S. communities, mostly from inland flooding and tornadoes.
What Opelousas faces
Each hazard’s share of the damage FEMA expects here, and how that compares with the rest of the country.
Inland flooding
Tornadoes
Hurricanes
Cold waves
Lower here
Not a risk here
Does Opelousas flood?
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Opelousas, from FEMA’s records.
Biggest named events
- Mid-summer severe storms: 18 claims, $822K
- Hurricane Gustav: 4 claims, $44K
- Hurricane Rita: 3 claims, $19K
Homes that flooded again and again
■ FEMA “severe repetitive loss” (2) ■ flooded 2+ times
are insured
are insured
What’s been done with FEMA grants
14 federal disasters brought FEMA money here
Disasters the President declared that paid out in Opelousas itself: aid to households, or repair grants to the City of Opelousas.
Tropical Storm Arthur
Hurricane Ida
Severe Winter Storms
Hurricane Delta
Hurricane Laura
Hurricane Barry
Severe Storms and Flooding
Hurricane Isaac
Hurricane Gustav
Severe Storms and Flooding
Hurricane Rita
Hurricane Katrina
Severe Storms and Flooding
Hurricane Lili
How to read this page
FEMA’s expected losses across Opelousas total about $8.6M a year, counting buildings, people and crops.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025); OpenFEMA: NFIP redacted claims, multiple-loss properties, community status book and residential penetration rates, housing assistance (owners and renters), public assistance funded projects, hazard mitigation properties and disaster declarations. Census tracts: U.S. Census Bureau.