Tropical cyclone variations in Louisiana, U.S.A., since the late eighteenth century

Abstract

Plentiful documentary and pre-twentieth century instrumental data from Louisiana, U.S.A., provide a record of continuous tropical cyclones, with daily resolution dating back to the late eighteenth century. The reconstruction provided new specific information for 83 storms prior to 1872. Parts of the early and midnineteenth century exhibit greater tropical cyclone and hurricane activity than at any time within the last few hundred years. A major hurricane that impacted southeast Louisiana in August 1812 is very likely the closest landfalling hurricane known to impact New Orleans. The longer temporal perspective provides insight on historical hurricane impacts and information on assessing future hurricane mitigation strategies concerning potential worst-case scenarios. Copyrignt 2008 by the American Geophysical Union.