While these levees do a very good job in protecting communities during minimal hurricanes, sophisticated computer modeling of storm surge effects indicate most levees in southeast Louisiana would be overtopped from the storm surge generated by a direct strike by a major hurricane. The result would be widespread flooding. A category one hurricane is the weakest and a category five hurricane the strongest. By using a disaster potential scale, it is easy to compare different hurricanes and communicate to the public, the hazards associated with an approaching hurricane. No real damage by wind is caused to buildings.
Some damage is done to poorly constructed signs.
Some damage primarily occurs to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, trees, and foliage. Low lying roads are inundated by storm surge. Minor pier damage occurs. Considerable wind damage is done tomobile homes and vegetation. Low lying roads are inundated by storm surge.