Storm Stories

A podcast series about hurricane experiences on Grand Isle.
Family Memories

By Shannon Royal, video editor
An Inland Barrier

By Jonathan Eastwood , Features Editor Inland South Louisiana communities like New Orleans owe a lot to barrier islands like Grand Isle. “[If] Grand Isle goes, Bourbon Street’s gonna have eight feet of water,” Grand Isle Mayor David Camardelle says. “It’s coming.” “[If] Grand Isle goes, Bourbon Street’s gonna have eight feet of water. It’s […]
Grand Isle’s Changing Landscape

By Alexia Castellon , design editor Today 1983 1955 1932 1877 Today 1983 1955 1932 1877
The Lost Bayou: Grand Isle

By Jonathan Eastwood & Kristen Rodrigue, Features Editor & Managing Editor What was once one of Louisiana’s most popular island oases, Grand Isle now lies in shambles — homes destroyed, businesses in ruins and lives changed forever. “It was tragic – so shocking, I still have no words,” says long-time Grand Isle vacationer Gregory Autin. […]
Hurricane History

On the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana has no history without hurricanes. But how does 2021’s Hurricane Ida stack up against some of the region’s other storms?
News Coverage

National and local news all covered Hurricane Ida’s buildup, landfall and aftermath. Each told the story in a different way. Here’s a sampling of various coverage of the Bayou Region as the storm unfolded. All Local National The Advocate 4WWL CNN WDSU Nola.com The Advocate HTVHouma NBC Houma Today CBS ABC The Advocate
Loss of Businesses

By Dex Duet, Features editor Hurricane Ida’s destruction put the bayou at a standstill. It halted the overall sense of normalcy, especially for business owners who had to deal with damages to both homes and businesses. Brenda Dardar Robichaux, the owner of Chez Felicite, a local wedding venue and bed and breakfast, was grateful to […]
Restoring Power

By Aaron Schaubhut Podcast Editor Hurricane Ida is already considered one of the most damaging storms of all time, destroying structures and leaving millions without power. While residents looked to pick up the pieces, linemen came from all over the country to help restore the power needed to rebuild. And while many came from far […]
Loss of Homes

By Mikaela Chiasson-Knight, Managing Editor A home is more than a place of residence, they are places to find security, make memories and build lives. As Ida left the Bayou Region, it took stability from a countless number of families in South Louisiana. With so many buildings damaged and destroyed, residents are left scrambling to […]