Will Your Louisiana City Be Underwater in 25 Years? See the Map

VERMILION PARISH, La. (KPEL News) - If you've ever wondered if your Louisiana hometown might end up underwater in the coming decades, you’re not alone.

New interactive maps reveal which Louisiana cities are most at risk of flooding due to rising sea levels and coastal erosion. As climate change continues to impact our environment, these maps allow residents to explore the future of Louisiana’s coastline and see whether their community might be underwater in 25 years.

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Why Louisiana’s Coastal Cities Are at Risk

Louisiana’s unique landscape and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico make it particularly vulnerable to sea level rise. With frequent hurricanes, high humidity, and soft, sinking soils, Louisiana faces a perfect storm of environmental challenges that are accelerating coastal erosion and flooding.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that sea levels in the Gulf Coast region have risen significantly over the past century, and Louisiana’s low-lying geography only heightens the impact. In fact, Louisiana is losing an estimated football field of land every hour due to a combination of rising sea levels and land subsidence.

Explore Interactive Maps to See Louisiana’s Future Coastline

The interactive flood map tool allows users to see exactly which areas of Louisiana are most at risk. The map, created by Climate Central, uses data on projected sea level rise to highlight potential future coastlines. Curious if your city will be affected? You can zoom in to see specific regions and neighborhoods that could be underwater in 25 years.

Explore the Interactive Flood Map Here

Which Louisiana Cities Are Most Vulnerable to Flooding?

While much of the state is vulnerable, certain cities are especially at risk. Here are a few of the areas facing the highest risk from rising sea levels:

• New Orleans: Known for its low elevation, New Orleans is already protected by levees. However, projected sea level rise could overwhelm these defenses.
• Houma: Located close to the coast, Houma faces significant risk from both rising sea levels and land loss.
• Morgan City: This city is heavily reliant on flood protection infrastructure, but future sea level projections threaten its long-term stability.

How Rising Sea Levels Will Impact Louisiana’s Communities

Rising sea levels aren’t just a concern for future generations—they’re already affecting Louisiana’s economy, culture, and way of life. Coastal erosion is displacing communities, threatening wildlife habitats, and impacting industries like fishing and tourism. Without intervention, these changes could have a profound effect on Louisiana’s coastal communities.

What Can Louisiana Do to Protect Its Coastal Cities?

Louisiana has invested in coastal restoration projects aimed at combating land loss and protecting vulnerable areas. However, these efforts will need to be expanded to keep up with the accelerating effects of climate change. For now, residents can use tools like the interactive flood map to stay informed and understand the risks.