The International Hurricane Research Center has released a study showing the "10 Most Vulnerable US Mainland Areas to Hurricanes."

New Orleans tops the list with the protective levees of this below-sea level city being in little better shape than when Hurricane Katrina flooded 80 percent of the city last year, according to the researchers.

The rankings are as follows:
1. New Orleans, Louisiana
2. Lake Okeechobee, Florida
3. Florida Keys
4. Coastal Mississippi
5. Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
6. Galveston/Houston, Texas
7. Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
8. Eastern Long Island, New York
9. Wilmington, North Carolina
10. Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida

Twelve criteria were used to evaluate the vulnerability of U.S. mainland areas to hurricanes. Cyclonic energy (hurricane frequency and storm intensity) and levee/dike failure were primary determinants of vulnerability. Physical factors included storm surge and freshwater flooding potential as well as coastal erosion trends and island breaching history. Socioeconomic indicators involved populations at risk, evacuation distance and routes, what's at risk, and local/state capabilities to respond to major hurricane impacts.

To view the full report please click here.