Louisiana has long hot summers and short, mild winters. Much of its climate is affected by the warm Gulf of Mexico. Louisiana is often affected by strong weather. It averages about 60 days of thunderstorms, which is second to only Florida. The state is also hit by hurricanes and several tornadoes a year. In 2005 Hurricane Katrina struck southeastern Louisiana and flooded 80% of New Orleans, killing over a thousand. It is important for home owners to keep a well maintained emergency kit, radio and escape plan.
