Magnitude and frequency of hurricane experiences shape community preparedness in distinct ways

Prior hazard experiences can shape how communities prepare for future climate-related risks. Here, we examine this relationship by linking census block group-level wind and rainfall exposures from eleven storms affecting Louisiana during 2017–2021 with mobility-derived preparedness measures during Hurricane Ida (2021). We find that communities with prior exposure to higher-magnitude hurricane hazards, characterized by stronger winds and greater precipitation, exhibited higher preparedness levels. In particular, communities that had previously experienced hurricane-force winds (maximum wind speed ≥ 33 m s⁻¹) or extreme rainfall (≥150 mm in 24 h) showed substantially higher preparedness. By contrast, more frequent exposure to non-catastrophic winds (21–33 m s⁻¹) or rainfall (70–150 mm in 24 h) was associated with lower preparedness. These associations were stronger in communities facing higher forecast wind speeds and in coastal areas. Our findings reveal contrasting relationships of hazard magnitude and frequency with subsequent preparedness and highlight the importance of jointly considering both dimensions when designing targeted preparedness strategies. Communities impacted by prior catastrophic hurricanes exhibit better future-hazard preparedness whereas those exposed to frequent but non-catastrophic events show reduced preparedness, as suggested by a case study of Hurricane Ida (2021) integrating large-scale human mobility analysis with hazard modeling.