ZETA MAKES LANDFALL LEAVING THOUSANDS WITHOUT POWER ACROSS ALABAMA, GEORGIA, AND LOUISIANA
Tropical Storm Zeta is now located approximately 100 miles northeast of Asheville, North Carolina, and continues to move in a northeasterly direction at 48 miles per hour (mph). When it made landfall in southern Louisiana, Zeta was a powerful Category 2 storm; and, though it has since been downgraded to a post-tropical system, Zeta is still creating strong inland winds causing the potential for storm damage and power outages as it moves eastward towards the Atlantic Ocean. Heavy rainfall is expected in parts of the central Appalachians, Mid-Atlantic, and lower to middle Ohio Valley throughout the day. Additionally, the Carolinas and southern Virginia are at risk for tornadoes.
Tropical Storm Zeta Wind History: NHC
Over the course of this historic Atlantic Hurricane Season, Louisiana residents have been in the potential path of seven tropical systems. Currently several southern states, from Louisiana to North Carolina, are experiencing significant power outages as a result of the storm. In Georgia, more than 650,000 businesses and residents remain without power as a result of the storm. Additionally, the storm is reportedly responsible for three fatalities in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Georgia.
🌀 #Zeta 10/28/2020 5 PM Update (2/2): Sustained winds of 25-40 mph with peak wind gusts of up to 45-70 mph are anticipated starting late tonight and through tomorrow. Trees and powerlines will be brought down. Flash flooding will be a concern where heavier rain occurs. #gawx pic.twitter.com/XHGkWebmII
— NWS Atlanta (@NWSAtlanta) October 28, 2020
Rainfall forecast for Zeta: NWS Atlanta Twitter
EMERGENCY DECLARATIONS AND FEDERAL RESPONSE
In anticipation of damage from severe winds and flooding, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) deployed Incident Management Assistance Teams to Alabama and Mississippi on October 28. President Trump approved Emergency Declarations for Louisiana and Mississippi. This allows for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, for 25 parishes in Louisiana and 12 counties in Mississippi. Major Disaster Declarations were previously approved for hurricanes Laura, Sally, and Delta.
FEMA Guidance on What to do After a Storm: Source
FEMA provides post-storm guidance for individuals impacted by hurricanes. Individuals should heed the warnings of local authorities and remain safe as they recover from the storm. FEMA encourages individuals to stay out of damaged buildings, including homes, until the local authorities confirm safe return. Make sure to capture photographs of damaged property as soon as it is safe to return to damage homes and buildings. The Hagerty Blog Team will continue providing information and updates.
RELATED STORIES
- Remember, Ready.gov provides information on how to prepare for a storm and how to keep you and your family safe.
- Understanding the meaning of hurricane maps – a NY Times Opinion Piece: Those Hurricane Maps Don’t Mean What You Think They Mean
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