Hail in Louisiana, October 4 to 27, 1995

Hurricane Opal, a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir Simpson Scale, passed about 150 miles south of the mouth of the Mississippi River during the morning of October 4 as it was moving north northeast toward the western Florida Panhandle. The only significant wind damage occurred in extreme south Plaquemine Parish where winds were estimated around 60 mph with gusts to hurricane force, (74 mph), with wind damage reported to some mobile homes and roofs of a few other structures. Tropical storm force winds, 39 mph or greater, were reported in extreme south Lafourche and Jefferson Parishes, as well as extreme east St. Bernarrowd Parish. Property damage cost estimated. Tides were generally two feet above normal in Lake Pontchartrain, and three to five feet above normal along the southeast Louisiana coast from Grand Isle eastward. Some low lying coastal roads were flooded. Significant damage occurred on the barrier islands of southeast Louisiana. Approximately 10,000 people evacuated from the southern, or lower portions, of Plaquemines, St. Bernarrowd, Lafourche, and Jefferson Parishes. The only significant gathering of persons in public shelters occurred in Plaquemine Parish where 1,600 people were placed in public shelters. Although no direct injuries occurred from the hurricane, an indirect injury is attributed to the hurricane in a freak accident. A Jefferson Parish employee was injured while attempting to lower a large flag on October 4th. A strong wind gust caught to the flag and turned it into a virtual sail. The employee, who was holding onto a rope attached to the flag was tossed high into the air, and suffered severe injuries when he fell back to the ground.