NEW ORLEANS — Now is a good time to review emergency preparedness plans as the peak of Hurricane Season approaches.

While no local impacts are expected at this time, the National Weather Service New Orleans is monitoring potential areas for tropical disturbances in the Atlantic Ocean and the Northern Gulf of Mexico early next week.

There is a 30% chance of tropical formation in the Gulf of Mexico in the next seven days.

Trusted meteorologist Bob Breck foresees the heat dome that is currently forcing triple digit temperatures will offer Louisiana protection from tropical impacts. Breck anticipates most of the tropical moisture will head toward the Texas coast next week.

Hurricane Season lasts from June 1 to November 30. NOAA identifies the peak of Hurricane Season as September 10, with most tropical activity taking place from mid-August to mid-October.

August 29 appears to be a particularly unlucky day for Southeast Louisiana, marking the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina (2005), Hurricane Isaac (2012), and Hurricane Ida (2021). Hurricane Laura (2020) struck Southwest Louisiana on August 27.

Meteorologists now anticipate an above-average 2023 season with 14 to 21 named storms and six to 11 hurricanes, of which two to five could become major hurricanes. Louisiana has a 44% chance of taking a hit from a tropical storm or hurricane this season and a 17% chance of being impacted by a category three or higher major hurricane.

This week, Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon offered the following tips for residents to prepare for peak Hurricane Season:

Get flood insurance. Flood damage resulting from heavy rain or storm surge is not a covered peril in standard homeowners policies, and there is typically a 30-day waiting period before a flood insurance policy takes effect. For information on a subsidized National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy, contact an agent or visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Review your insurance coverages. Named storm and hurricane deductibles typically run 2% to 5% of the insured property value with one-third of homeowner policies having a 5% named storm deductible. If a home has an insured value of $200,000 with a 5% hurricane deductible, the policyholder will pay $10,000 out of pocket before insurance coverage takes effect after a named storm. Details of these deductibles are listed on the declarations page of your policy.

Update your home inventory. You can use your phone to take pictures or video of the items in your home. Having a record of your possessions will make the claims process easier and quicker in the event of property damage or loss. Include identifying information such as brand name and serial number if available. The NAIC Home Inventory App makes it easy for you to create a record of your belongings. The app allows users to upload and export photos, find disaster preparation advice and review information about filing a claim. The NAIC Home Inventory App is available for download in the App Store and Google Play.

Make an evacuation plan. Have copies of your policies, as well as your agent and insurance company’s contact information, ready to go in case of an emergency evacuation. This will enable you to start the claims process as soon as possible if your home is damaged in the storm. 

St. John the Baptist Parish officials are also advocating for heightened awareness. To register for St. John weather alerts, text SJPWEATHER to 888-777