How long does a hurricane usually last?

Question

I'm planning a trip to NOLA next week, and of course, there's a chance of a hurricane. If Gustav does make landfall this weekend, how long will it be before residents are back in New Orleans?

We are supposed to arrive on Wednesday. Will it be safe or even habitable by then? Living in the Midwest, I have no idea how long or how damaging a hurricane can be, except for the catastrophic.

Answer 1

what's most important is what damage is done.

could be a big rainstorm or could be terrible destruction of homes and power lines taking weeks to repair.

best just wait and see but be prepared to change your plans.

Answer 2

Depending on the storm, and when/if it hits you may not even be able to fly into the city. Some airlines will cancel flights if the weather is not suitable or airport conditions are not favorable after a storm. If the storm is still lurking or the city is not back up and running, skip the trip. That poor city is still ravaged from hurricane Katrina and that was three years ago.  I was in a town in Florida after a hurricane and didn't have clean water for 3 days and electricity for 14 days. Not somewhere you want to be. Check out NOLA.com for New Orleans news.

Answer 3

Hurricane can last for days especially when it out in the open for nothing to slow it down.

Growing up I always hear...

June too soon

July stand by

August a must

September remember

October all over

With that said, you can have Hurricane between June and October and have it last for days.

Answer 4

I think you should just watch the news. If it will be anything like Katrina, then it could possibly last 1-2 weeks. It depends on when it makes landfall, if it will get any stronger, and where it's going to hit. So keep watching the news to see what's going on, and cancel if there's lots of flooding and things like that.

Answer 5

If the storm is to touch down on Tuesday, then you will be looking at rain and squalls of rain for at least four days to a week.

I would definitely reschedule.  The airlines and hotels will probably cancel your reservation without any fees due to the storm.