Grew up in new Orleans have been through many and seen lots of destruction from them. Matter of fact, my mom called me yesterday to let me know everything was cool as the one that just passed Isidore, didnt do any damage. I saw pics of people boarding up their homes on a website and didnt even know there was one! Had to call.
As for historical, I was locked on "Grand Isle" a small island like piece of land about 4 miles long and 2 miles wide during a hurricane. We were there for 3 weeks, I was 11. I used to spend summers there. The island was under 4 feet of water. My uncle was in charge of the Fire Department rescue so we had some fun, but it was horrible to see everything lost. I am certain others have worst stories, but at that age everything seemed so much grander.
Also used to go down there as a kid for the "Tarpon Rodeo" to fish tournament for biggest Tarpons.
Now the shores are lined with huge rocks. I mean big rocks. Like bigger than cars, they keep the shores from getting beat to nothing. As it is the shoreline used to be a good 50 feet from the street parking area for the beach, not anymore, there is no beach.
Havent been there since I was 19, so its been awhile, wonder what it looks like now.
http://www.grand-isle.com/