Hurricane Audrey: The Deadly Storm of 1957

by Cathy C. Post

This is an historical account, the memoirs of several familiesothe Griffith, Clark, Bartie, Marshall, Cagle, and Broussard clans. Each of the families struggled for survival in different settings. Some took refuge in their attics, others in trees or on rafts that were once floors, walls, or rooftops. Exposed to the elements, they soon realized that the hurricane was but one enemy; the creaturesof the swamp were yet another. Hurricane Audrey left three generations emotionally scarred, and only now, decades later, are they able to talk about their terrifying ordeal. Years of research and meticulous attention to detail during interviews with survivors bring each familyis torment to light in surprising clarity. The result is a rare and dignified portrait of human survival.

320 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2007

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up in Lake Charles, Louisiana having moved there as a toddler in 1960. Growing up we always heard stories of Hurricane Audrey And the devastation and loss of life. The book reads like fiction, but it’s rooted in extensive research and the authors interviews of actual families that survived the hurricane.

[Literary Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cathy C. Post’s Hurricane Audrey offers a deeply moving account of the devastating natural disaster that forever altered the coastal Louisiana town of Cameron Parish. Through vivid storytelling, the book chronicles the days and hours surrounding the hurricane’s landfall, painting a harrowing picture of its impact on the lives of the residents. By focusing on specific families, Post reveals the tragic consequences of inadequate warnings from the Weather Bureau and the community’s unpreparedness for the storm’s unprecedented ferocity.

Cameron Parish, a southern coastal town accustomed to the annual threat of hurricanes, was blindsided by the sheer scale of destruction wrought by Hurricane Audrey. The night before the storm, residents followed the weather reports relayed via radio and television, making what they believed to be sufficient preparations. By morning, however, the unimaginable had become reality—floodwaters surged into homes, leaving many with no time to escape. The author expertly weaves together firsthand accounts of survival, loss, and resilience. She captures the raw emotions of those who endured the storm, recounting tales of heartache and bravery that bring the event to life.

The devastation left behind—a town stripped of loved ones, homes, and its sense of normalcy—is palpable in every page. Yet, amidst the overwhelming grief, Post also shines a light on the enduring spirit of Cameron’s residents as they began the arduous process of rebuilding. This non-fiction narrative immerses readers in the storm’s chaos and aftermath, evoking a visceral sense of what it was like to live through such a catastrophe. As towering waves reached 15 feet, and lives clung desperately to survival, Hurricane Audrey delivers a powerful exploration of human tenacity in the face of unimaginable odds.

Rich with emotion and unwavering in its portrayal of both tragedy and hope, Hurricane Audrey is a compelling testament to the resilience of a community forever marked by one of the deadliest hurricanes in history.

[Book Reviewer]

Hurricane Audrey captures the raw human experience of one of the deadliest natural disasters in Louisiana's history. The book weaves the stories of six families who lived through the catastrophic 1957 storm, providing a vivid account of their fight for survival and the emotional aftermath. Cathy C. Post’s narrative unfolds like a thriller, grounding the suspense in historical facts and personal anecdotes. This mix of history and drama makes the book both enlightening and moving.

The writing is what stood out to me the most. It’s clear and gripping, yet heartfelt. One moment, Post is diving into technical details about the Weather Bureau’s first radar-tracked hurricane. The next, she’s painting scenes so vivid that I could almost hear the crackling of the storm and feel the rising panic. The heart of this book is its people. Post doesn’t just tell you what happened, she introduces you to the families of Cameron Parish. Post’s knack for blending facts with personal stories, like those of the Broussard family or the determined sheriff O.B. Carter, adds depth and keeps the reader invested. The chapter describing the tidal wave’s arrival was devastating yet mesmerizing. Survivors like Elaine Broussard reflect on their miraculous survival and the loss of neighbors and loved ones. These stories reminded me how fragile life can be. The heartbreaking accounts of the children lost or separated during the storm stayed with me long after I closed the book. The sheer suddenness of Hurricane Audrey’s landfall, 12 hours ahead of predictions, is described in harrowing detail, leaving the reader as unprepared as the residents themselves.

I’d recommend Hurricane Audrey to history enthusiasts, fans of survival stories, and anyone curious about Louisiana's culture. It’s a testament to human resilience and a haunting reminder of nature’s power. The book brought me to tears more than once and left me in awe of the people who endured this catastrophe. Don’t miss it; this story deserves to be remembered.

[Shannon Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up along the Gulf Coast, seeing the devastation of Hurricanes Betsy, Camille, Katrina, and many un-named tropical storms. My Dad always told me that Hurricane Audrey was the most brutal storm of them all, but nobody talked about it; I could never find anything about Audrey until this book was published. I've read the book at least three times - the stories of survivors and the stories from family members of victims are like reliving my own experiences.
Their stories should be kept alive.

[Weatherly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like reading natural disaster nonfiction and history, and initially the book turned me off a bit because of the reliance on imagined/assumed dialogue rather than strict reporting. But to its credit, this book does draw on extensive personal interviews with survivors of the storm. As far as I can tell, and I've done more than a cursory search, this may be one of the better books you'll find on Audrey and the storm's immediate impact on Cameron Parish.

[Shannon Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My family experienced great losses from Hurricanes Betsy and Camille, but Hurricane Audrey is the one my dad always talked about. Until recently, there was little information on this storm. After reading the book by Ms. Post, I feel that this was a largely ignored storm of great consequence. I will read this book again!

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that I absolutely could not put down. A non-fiction work that was full of adventure and suspense. I have loaned my copy to a number of people who have all come back to me talking about how much they enjoyed this book.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic. It makes me want to drive down to the Cameron area and see what landmarks and other things are still there! This was an informative, touching, sad, and suspenseful book, and I look forward to reading it again in the future. One I will definitely recommend to others.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting viewpoint of a community that thought they were prepared.