Jefferson Parish - What Happened

A mandatory evacuation order was issued by the Jefferson Parish President on Aug. 26, 2005, for Hurricane Katrina. Three days later, the storm crossed southeastern Louisiana, approximately 20 miles east of Jefferson Parish, with wind gusts reaching 100 to 125 mph.  Storm surges of up to 15 feet severely flooded areas in the southern part of the parish. Heavy rains and overtopping of the Lake Pontchartrain levees resulted in flooding in the northernmost sections of the parish, and sections of “Old Metairie” remained flooded for weeks.

On Sept. 27, 2005, Hurricane Rita hit the western part of the state, bringing sustained winds of 45 mph to Jefferson Parish.  Storm surges again flooded areas of southern Jefferson Parish, particularly around the town of Jean Lafitte.  Utilities were disrupted throughout the parish and most commerce was halted for several weeks. High winds damaged more than 26,700 residential roofs throughout the parish.