New Orleans Mississippi Flooding Risk
Posted by Safe_Raspberry5956@reddit | preppers | View on Reddit | 42 comments
The recent flooding in Texas has me seriously rethinking how I approach flood warnings here in New Orleans.
I’ve always had a solid hurricane plan: evacuate early if possible, and if not, I’ve stocked up on everything recommended for riding it out without power in intense heat. But now I’m realizing I haven’t thought through how to respond to flooding outside of hurricane season.
I live in one of the “non-flooding” areas of the city—as much as that can exist here—and so far, flash flood warnings have just meant “don’t drive.” It’s never flooded on my street. I always assumed the major flood risk came from the lake, not the Mississippi. But with rivers flooding more frequently elsewhere, I’m questioning my understanding of the risks, especially near the river.
My kids have activities uptown near the Mississippi, and lately, I’ve had real anxiety about a worst-case scenario—what if the river overtopped and I couldn’t get to them? Would there be warning signs before something like that happened? How do you decide when a flood warning is serious enough to keep your kids home, even if schools and activities stay open?
Also, do you think it’s worth investing in a life raft or flotation device? If so, what kind?
Would love to hear from anyone local or with knowledge of my geography and prepping.
Also I realize the best prep would be to leave New Orleans. That’s on the table with my family but not a decision I make alone and can’t leave today.
Londonlaz@reddit
I'm not sure where're you lived and what's your scenario in detailed. But tbh, human can't predict the future. Prepare a power generator first, also plus foods and water first. As long as you don't feel good, leave at once.
nakedonmygoat@reddit
While the Mississippi is infamous for flooding, it's not one of those things that happens out of the blue. And unlike the Texas Hill Country, you have excellent wifi and satellite service there in NOLA to monitor Doppler and river gauges. I'm pretty sure it would take another levee break, like during Katrina, to create a sudden flooding event.
You've already gotten some good ideas about a sudden event, so I'll leave that matter be.
For something you can anticipate, have some giant ziplock bags on hand. Anything that isn't practical to take with you but which can't be replaced, such as family heirlooms, goes in the bags. A woman in the Lower Ninth saved her family Bible this way during Katrina. Next, load up the fam and some food, water, and other gear, and head to someplace high. Any tall building to which you have legal access is an acceptable shelter. It may have to just be a parking garage, in which case make sure you have a camp toilet with you.
Always be judicious about evacuating, assuming you even have time. If roads are clogged, you're safer in that parking garage than you are in gridlock. There will be plenty of time to leave later.
smsff2@reddit
I’ve owned several life rafts and lived through multiple floods. My recommendation: buy the cheapest $30 inflatable boat from Walmart and a $20 pair of plastic oars.
I’ve never used my boat in an actual flood. And every time, afterward, I regret it. I should’ve paddled around, taken photos, made the most of it. Chances are, you won’t use your boat in a flood either.
That’s because the boat isn’t really for the flood. It’s for you.
If you have a boat, you don’t need to push your car through water. You don’t panic. You feel in control. A boat is slow and steady. It represents safety and options.
A lot of people die in floods not just because they didn’t have a boat—but because they didn’t realize they are in control.
Ryan_e3p@reddit
Ehhhh.... I'm on the fence about recommending someone get a cheap inflatable. Flooded waters have a TON of crap floating in them, and even worse, unseen stuff that is just under the surface. A sharp stick, or going over a piece of jagged metal that puts a puncture in it, that boat could likely sink. The plastic hull could degrade from heat while in storage, mice or other critters tear away at seams, or other things happen that cause it to not work right off the bat. If you have pets and they're a little overdue for a nail trimming, they could easily puncture it as well.
It might work in a pinch, but avoiding "in a pinch" solutions is sort of the point of prepping.
FaceDeer@reddit
If you're in a flood zone and want to spend ~$30 for peace of mind, I would think that the best thing to spend that on would be a simple life vest and maybe a sealable pouch for your cell phone and wallet. Swimming in flood water sucks but drowning in flood water sucks more.
Ryan_e3p@reddit
Highly, highly disagree. Being in flood water doesn't just "suck", it can be absolutely hazardous to your health, since it'll likely contain raw sewage. You'd be exposed to tetanus, infections from any open wounds, stomach/digestion issues if you get it in your mouth or nose, eye infections, and other nasty stuff from animal carcasses and other gross crap. I'd rather be out of it entirely and be on a kayak or canoe rather than swimming around in it. And you'd have a life jacket anyway with any kind of water vessel.
Just buy a used canoe or kayak on Facebook while times are good. Best case scenario, it's only used for recreation. Worst case, it keeps you out of shit water.
FaceDeer@reddit
A kayak or canoe requires a lot of storage space, which adds significantly to the cost even if you were to get the boat itself for free.
This is a peace of mind purchase, not an ideal king-of-the-apocalypse scenario. I would rather have infections or stomach issues than literally drown.
Ryan_e3p@reddit
Since when does propping up a canoe or kayak against the back shed or against the wall of a garage "adds significantly to the cost" and make someone "king of the apocalypse"? If anything, it is an overall quality of life purchase, something that can be used recreationally. You're promoting buying something someone will only ever use in a situation so they can float in shit water rather than stay out of it entirely. If you're that concerned with your health and well-being, you should invest more into protecting yourself overall to avoid that in the first place.
FaceDeer@reddit
It's storage space. A lot of people don't have much of that to waste, there are better things for them to store there than a canoe.
If you're using a canoe for recreation then all of this is moot anyway because you already have a canoe. We're discussing buying something to stash specifically for a flood emergency.
If you can stay out of the water entirely then of course that's the better approach. But the problem with floods is that sometimes you can't, the water comes to you. When that happens I'd rather be floating on the surface of the water than underneath it. Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
Ryan_e3p@reddit
Perfect would be avoiding it entirely, or getting one of those whole-house flood barriers.
Hell, get a decent quality inflatable canoe if storage space is a limiting factor. Still better than advocating for swimming in shit water.
FaceDeer@reddit
Exactly, that's the perfect scenario. But it costs a whole heck of a lot more than $30.
I'm not talking about the perfect scenario. I'm talking about the scenario where everything's gone wrong and the water's rising fast, and for the cost of a nice meal at a restaurant you could have access to something handy in your closet that will save you from drowning.
I'm not advocating going for a swim in flood water. I said right in my very first comment in this subthread that it's a sucky thing to do. I have no idea why you seem to think I'm doing that. The thing I was responding to was a suggestion to spend $30 on a cheap inflatable raft, which IMO is a worse thing to spend $30 on because when that emergency situation arises it'll likely pop and sink almost immediately. Then you're "swimming in shit water" without a life vest.
Ryan_e3p@reddit
Appears wires have been crossed. You weren't responding to the person who said to spend $30 on a cheap raft. You were responding to me telling them that was a bad idea. And I have reiterated having a life vest numerous times with any water craft.
FaceDeer@reddit
Yeah, I was agreeing with you saying it was a bad idea, and presenting an alternative use for those $30 that would be better.
If a person wants to spend more than $30 on flood preparedness then there are other things on the list to buy, sure. If only because one person can only wear so many life vests before it becomes hard to move. I'm just saying "if your budget is $30 then it's better to get a life vest."
PeanyButter@reddit
Yeah I wouldn't go inflatable at all. Go cheap and it's truly a gamble especially at Walmart. Go expensive and you're spending way more than a cheap Jon boat.
TacTurtle@reddit
Inflatables pop. Cheap inflatables doubly so.
A sit-on kayak or canoe would be much safer and easier to paddle to a safe area. They would be better for practice and familiarization via use for recreational paddling and fishing.
Transportation via car is fairly easy using a rooftop carrier (either fixed or the strap / roof pad method)
PeanyButter@reddit
I personally wouldn't trust a $30 float from walmart. I've bought a much more expensive paddle board that ended up having a micro hole in it that I found from the 1st or 2nd float. I couldn't imagine finding that out during a flood... I get that it is better than nothing, but I definitely would spend just a bit more on something you can test and put it away. Jon Boats can be had for just a few hundred and would last forever, can hold the whole family, and wouldn't be popped by a stick.
They do need a trailer though at least to get it home and if OP moves, best off selling it. All things considered, if the risk is relatively high enough to consider getting a boat. A $250 jon boat with some paddles is cheaper and 100x more safer than a Walmart inflatable. Cheaper in the sense, you can sell it for what you got it for. Could save many more valuable possessions. The $30 inflatable is worth virtually nothing after you buy it, might sink when you need it.
roberttheiii@reddit
Flash floods are a totally different animal than floods rising up from a tidal basin. The area I live in was destroyed by one in the 80s. But by its nature, it is surrounded by hills. If you were on a hill, you were fine. If you were in the "valley" you were screwed. So be weather aware and don't be in your "valley" when there's a risk if possible.
Princessferfs@reddit
We live on a hill and have a pontoon boat. If waters rose high enough that we would need to evacuate by boat, it would probably be a biblical-level event. Those in the “valleys” of our area would be in a tough position.
FaceDeer@reddit
I would imagine that before you personally needed to evacuate you would already be in a position where that pontoon boat could be helping less-fortunate low-elevation neighbours escape. If you know any of them perhaps you could let them know so they could contact you in time of need.
Princessferfs@reddit
I’m sure we would be helping well before any water made it to our road.
Safe_Raspberry5956@reddit (OP)
Yeah I’m from a mountains area so I’m more used to that than the Gulf. Sadly I know a lot of people who moved to Asheville area because they thought it was a safer climate zone after dealing with asthma in the west from fires. They either were scared away by last year or now house several family who lost their homes.
oldtimehawkey@reddit
Do a research project of past floods for about forty years in the past (further if you can). Try to research for anything that was done to mitigate those floods. Research on the levies. Definitely read all you can about hurricane Katrina and the response and aftermath of that.
Then really think about your preps and what your plan is. Have you talked about it with your wife and kids? What happens if a flash flood happens when your kids are at school or you’re all on vacation?
Do you want lights and a generator running when people are turning into looters?
Honestly, I’d move if possible.
Otherwise, keep your preps in your topmost air conditioned floor with a saw or something ready right at the top of the attic entrance in case you have to cut yourself out of the attic.
FaceDeer@reddit
If you're pre-positioning a tool to get yourself out of the attic in a flood, remember that it'll be pitch dark and there won't be electricity, and you'll probably be panicking. So something like a wrecking bar might be best, it's muscle-powered and you're less likely to accidentally chop your toe off.
hsh1976@reddit
Solid assessment on your part. It's always great to think about covering all of the bases.
I have a serious stupid question that I'm thinking about now. Do major rivers like the Mississippi carry a flash flood risk? When I think of flash flooding, I always picture smaller rivers, creeks and dry Creek beds in hilly or mountain like terrain or dessert like environments that don't see a lot of rain fall.
FaceDeer@reddit
Yeah, my understanding is that in those regions the ground is not very permeable and erosion hasn't had time to produce the sort of meandering channels and flood plains that slow down water flow and dissipate its energy. So rainfall immediately goes shooting straight downhill.
Rivers like the Mississippi are quite the opposite, there's plenty of mechanisms to absorb sudden surges of water and spread them out over time. The floods come when there's too much sustained rainfall for it to manage. That also means they last a lot longer since the water just keeps on coming.
Boudreaux_Boz@reddit
This, you’re likely going to have as much warning for a flood in New Orleans as you would have warning for a hurricane. Flooding in the Mississippi will be well documented and predicted to when it will crest(Time and water level). Flash flooding is more for smaller waterways and even dried river beds.
Solo-Rider@reddit
Access the available online topographic maps. Listing flood zones. Even realtor sites provide access to the property listing's flood plain history. Once you familiarize yourself, with the area's flooding historical records. Providing for better, safer knowledgeable decisions. Long before you're involved within an emergency situation.
Original-Ad1864@reddit
With the types of floods we have here in S.La. A way to get into your attic and as a last resort cut a hole in your roof to get topside makes more sense in my opinion. A cordless reciprocating saw comes to mind and/or a camp saw such as a silky saw. The reciprocating saw is only good if the battery is charged and the silky saw is good backup. Small aluminum Jon boats can be had fairly cheaply.
recyclingloom@reddit
Serious question so no hate for this. Do you live in any of the areas that count towards the Saint Bernard, Orleans, Jefferson, or Plaquemines Parishes year round?
Safe_Raspberry5956@reddit (OP)
Yes
recyclingloom@reddit
If you’re in Orleans Parish then the water department will become an issue if the Old River Control Structure that feeds the Mississippi River into Atchafalaya River has problems draining off the Mississippi River with all the gates fully open to drain the Mississippi River off at max capacity due to how often the Orleans Parish water department has (at least) 1 of the pumps break down multiple times per year and Orleans Parish could have gotten their 100+ year old water department system fully replaced due to Hurricane Katrina.
KeithJamesB@reddit
The New Orleans area doesn’t really have any flash flood risks. It has more of rising water issue. There are some rivers on the north shore that flash flood but they are usually contained to the immediate river banks.
NohPhD@reddit
No flash flood risks unless the levee breaks and the levees were not well maintained in previous administrations. No idea how the BBB funds levee maintenance (Army Corp of Engineers) but don’t think it’s better.
KeithJamesB@reddit
There still wasn’t a flash flooding. The water on the New Orleans side of the 17th Street canal rose about 4 ft in one hour in the immediate area. That is still considered rising water.
As for the new levees, they still have an issue with percolating. Not severe but also not what you want to see.
OfficerBaconBits@reddit
Yes to buying flotation devices.
Types of personal flotation devices
A type 1 vest that should rotate an unconscious person onto their back and keep them above water without any user participation is essential in a difficult environment.
As far as inflatable rafts, I dont know how effective a cheaper one would be in flood waters. I would imagine the debris can damage it. Its better than nothing, but unsure how much use you'd get. The added risk of it degrading or being damaged in storage seems like a realistic hazard.
I dont know what your storage ability is like, but some used aluminum jon boats might be a better option. You could use them to go fishing or just putting around with the family for fun also.
Unless you have a white water raft like inflatable, I dont imagine you'll be using it until the waters have slowed anyways so the jon boat will be just as useful
barascr@reddit
One of the most important and main reasons I left NOLA was because of the hurricanes and flooding.
NoExternal2732@reddit
I read something on Reddit about Dutch people having a boat and an axe in their attics in case the dams break...it was colorful and I have no idea how to prove if it's real, but I thought "what a good idea just for your sanity" even if it is apocryphal!
IamBob0226@reddit
What do your city's flood plain maps show?
There_Are_No_Gods@reddit
Historical flood maps are a good starting point, but as climate change drastically alters extreme weather events, they are no longer sufficient. It can be useful to extrapolate from historical maps and compare the elevation maps with that, to see where a much higher water level may end up. Even that is more of a rough estimate, with things like levy breaking or dam overflow being harder to predict results, especially in locations where that's yet to occur.
jtj5002@reddit
Your biggest risk in New Orleans is how many pumps you have that's actually working at the moment.
EnergyLantern@reddit
Buy everyone in your family a life jacket, get a NOAA weather radio that gives alerts, and maybe get yourself a Garmin Satellite Messenger.
Move or go on vacation far away from the flood waters.
Dadd_io@reddit
What's your plan if there isn't anyone actually giving a flooding warning. Seems like the communications director in the flooded area of Texas had been laid off.