New Orleans Residents Urged to Prepare Early for Hurricane Season

Experts warn that high gas prices could hamper future evacuations

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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As the 2026 hurricane season approaches, officials in the New Orleans metropolitan area are urging residents to start preparing now for the possibility of a major Category 5 hurricane making a direct hit. Concerns have been raised about high gas prices potentially keeping many motorists from filling up when an evacuation is ordered, which could lead to cars running out of gas and blocking highways, preventing others from getting to safety.

Why it matters

New Orleans is particularly vulnerable to hurricanes due to its low-lying coastal location, and the chaotic evacuation during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 highlighted the need for better preparedness. With gas prices expected to remain high, there are worries that a future evacuation could be even more challenging, putting more lives at risk.

The details

Officials are urging New Orleans residents to start preparing their hurricane kits and evacuation plans now, well before the start of the 2026 hurricane season. There are concerns that high gas prices, which are expected to remain at or above $4 per gallon through the season, may keep many motorists from filling up their tanks when an evacuation is ordered. This could lead to cars running out of gas on the highways, blocking the flow of traffic and preventing others from getting out of harm's way.

  • The 2026 hurricane season is expected to begin in June.

The players

New Orleans Metropolitan Area

The New Orleans metropolitan area, located in southeastern Louisiana, is particularly vulnerable to hurricanes due to its low-lying coastal location.

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What they’re saying

“With memories still fresh of the chaotic evacuation from New Orleans as Hurricane Katrina neared in August 2005, officials want people to be ready to move if a major hurricane threatens.”

— Bill Haber, Associated Press Photographer (The Advocate)

The takeaway

The potential for high gas prices to hamper future hurricane evacuations in the New Orleans area highlights the need for residents to prepare early and have a solid plan in place well before a storm approaches. Officials are urging proactive steps to ensure the safety of the community in the event of a major hurricane.