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Tropical Storm Eta Moves Across Florida, Bringing Heavy Rainfall and Tropical Storm Force Winds

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2020 AS OF 3:00 PM EST

Tropical Storm Eta is approximately 10 miles southwest of Jacksonville, Florida, moving north-northwest at 15 miles per hour (mph) with maximum sustained wind speeds of 45 mph. Eta is expected to increase speed in a northeastward direction toward the Atlantic ocean over the next several days. The center of Eta is expected to reach the western Atlantic ocean by early Thursday afternoon.

Christopher-Lorenzo C: Unsplash

Florida and southeastern Georgia have already experienced heavy rain and gusty winds brought about by Eta. The storm made landfall near Cedar Key, Florida at 4 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Thursday, with the NHC recording maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. Eta is projected to accelerate over the western Atlantic and track parallel to, but offshore of, the Carolinas this evening and tomorrow morning, before moving east of the Mid-Atlantic coast by tomorrow night. Eta is expected to move faster in a northeastward direction toward the western Atlantic ocean over the next several days. Eta is expected to bring one to three inches of rain over parts of the Florida Peninsula throughout the day today, with isolated storm total accumulations of 20 to 25 inches in south Florida.

PowerOutage.US recorded 28,192 power outages in Florida after Eta made landfall on the southwest coast of the state on Thursday, November 12; with Miami-Dade County experiencing 1,324 outages. ABC-affiliated WFTS-TV in Tampa, Florida reported one fatality from Manatee County, Florida as a result of the storm.

The NHC issued a tropical storm warning for Flagler/Volusia County along the Florida line, northward to St. Andrews Sound in Georgia. There is a risk of localized flash and urban flooding over the Florida Peninsula on Thursday, while tropical storm conditions are anticipated over the east coast of Florida through the afternoon.

Michael Meigs: Unsplash

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides guidance for individuals preparing for, experiencing, or affected by hurricanes and tropical storms. FEMA has reminded residents impacted by Tropical Storm Eta to stay vigilant and adhere to warnings and alerts notifying situational changes in the storm’s activity. Download the FEMA app and receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS) for up to five locations nationwide. Sign up for community alerts in your area and be aware of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA), which requires no-sign up. Individuals should heed the warnings of local authorities and prepare for hurricane and severe weather conditions. 

Disaster Supplies Checklist, National Weather Service/NOAA

In addition to the resources made available by FEMA, NOAA’s National Hurricane Preparedness site provides guides for determining your risk, developing an evacuation plan, creating a go-bag and essential supply kit, and hurricane preparation during COVID-19. 

Public Advisories

Here’s the breakdown of public advisories from NOAA’s NHC:

TROPICAL STORM WARNING: 

  • Flagler/Volusia County on the Florida Line, northward to St. Andrews Sound, Georgia

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HURRICANE SEASON 2020

TROPICAL STORM ETA MOVES SOUTHWEST OVER GULF OF MEXICO WITH CHANCE OF CIRCLING BACK TO UNITED STATES

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020 AS OF 4:00 PM EST

Currently, Tropical Storm Eta is approximately 210 miles north-northeast of the western tip of Cuba, moving southwest at 14 miles per hour (mph). Eta made landfall in the Florida Keys yesterday, resulting in a number of power outages. Upon impact, more than 46,000 power outages were reported across Florida, with Miami-Dade and Broward County experiencing 14,896 and 9,512 outages, respectively. As of this afternoon, nearly 30,000 customers remain without power.

The storm is now moving in a southwesterwardly direction with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. Heavy rainfall is anticipated for parts of Cuba, the Bahamas, and southern and central Florida. The Florida Keys, south and central Florida, and northwestern Bahamas are expected to continue facing gusty wind conditions throughout the day today — the NHC forecasting potential for tornadic activity over areas of south Florida and the Florida Keys. Additionally, the storm could produce an additional one to three inches of rain for the Bahamas, while parts of Cuba could experience an additional three to five inches of rain through Saturday.

Eta, decreasing in forward speed, has made an expected southwestward turn, moving back into the Gulf of Mexico for the next 24 to 36 hours. Over the next several days, a large mid-latitude trough across the Rocky Mountains is expected to migrate eastward and slowly erode, enabling Eta to switch direction and move northward to north-northeastward.

TS Eta Satellite Imagery: NOAA National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS)

The NHC has projected that the storm will continue up the west Florida coast, traveling between 40 and 73 mph through Friday, November 13. Areas of central and southern Florida peninsula (including the Florida Keys) could face two to four extra inches of rain as well, with isolated maximum rainfall expected to be near 18 inches in South Florida.

TS Eta Advisory: Twitter

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the NHC provide guidance and awareness to those preparing for, experiencing, or who are affected by hurricanes and tropical storms. Eta could bring strong winds and rain surge to Florida’s southern coast, which is expected to create flash flooding.

Ready.gov: Twitter

Ready.gov reminds individuals to start making a plan now and to get the most up-to-date information from local weather sources if you are in an area that could be affected by Eta.

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HURRICANE SEASON 2020

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.

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.

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HURRICANE SEASON 2020

Hurricane Zeta to bring storm surge to parts of northern Gulf Coast, while wildfires continue to grow out West

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2020 AS OF 4:00 PM EDT

Hurricane Zeta continues to strengthen, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Hurricane Center (NHC), with life-threatening storm surge and powerful winds predicted along parts of the northern Gulf Coast starting today. Currently, the Category 1 storm is located approximately 155 miles south-southwest of New Orleans, Louisiana, moving north at 17 miles per hour (mph) with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph.  The NHC forecast the eye of Zeta will grow as it moves closer to the Gulf Coast. Zeta is anticipated to make landfall in southeastern Louisiana today with the highest storm surge inundation expected between the Mouth of the Pearl River and Dauphin Island, Alabama.

NOAA NHC prediction for Zeta storm path: Source

The NHC predicts damaging winds reaching inland across parts of southeast Mississippi and southern and central Alabama this evening. Heavy rainfall is expected for parts of the central United States (US) Gulf Coast into the Tennessee Valley, Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic States, and southern to central Appalachians through Thursday, with rainfall totals of two to four inches (with isolated predictions of six inches) expected across the listed areas. The anticipated rainfall could result in flash, urban, small stream, and minor river flooding. Tornadoes are predicted over southeastern parts of Louisiana and Mississippi, southern Alabama, and the western Florida Panhandle this afternoon. Tropical Storm Warnings were put in effect for the Mississippi/Alabama border to the Walton/Bay County Line in Florida.

Meanwhile, out west, 13 separate states are battling 52 large, active fires. California’s largest fire group, the August Complex, has burned nearly 900,000 acres of northern California to date since igniting on August 16, but is showing signs of slowing down with 93 percent containment. In southern California, high winds and warm weather have created severe fire danger; Shane Sherwood, a division chief for the Orange County Fire Authority, told The New York Times approximately 90,800 residents in Irvine were put under mandatory evacuation orders due to the Silverado Fire and the Blue Ridge Fire. While the Silverado Fire has only been active for one day, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) cautioned the fire has spread across 13,354 acres in Orange County and is only 25 percent contained.

Additionally, Colorado and Oregon continue to battle their own large fires. The Cameron Peak fire in Colorado has ballooned to cover 208,663 acres and is threatening Fort Collins and the surrounding region. Meanwhile, the Lions Head Fire, which started over Labor Day weekend, continues to burn through southeast Oregon, engulfing over 200,000 acres. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a continuing Red Flag warning on October 27 indicating that strong winds, low relative humidity, and warmer temperatures are possible and that residents in high-risk fire zones should be prepared to evacuate if necessary across Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Idaho, and Utah.  

National Interagency Fire Center Interactive Wildfire Map: Source

With the continuation of a highly active wildfire season, emergency personnel are encouraging residents to stay alert about smoke advisories and air quality changes. Current smoke advisories, including information on How Smoke from Fires can Affect Your Health, can be found through the Air Now portal. In addition, useful resources for wildfire preparedness can be found at ready.gov and include packing essentials for constructing a “go-bag”, strategies for communication between family and friends, and personal safety alongside COVID-19 concerns.

The Ready Campaign: Source

FEMA provides guidance to individuals preparing for, experiencing, or affected by hurricanes. Hurricane Zeta brings the potential for life-threatening storm surge to many coastal communities. Individuals should heed the warnings of local authorities and prepare for hurricane and severe weather conditions. 

Additionally, NOAA provides information on Storm Surge Warnings and Storm Surge Watch. If you are under a warning or watch, make sure to seek higher ground. Storm surge can pose a life-threatening danger from rising water filled with debris.

Wildfire Safety Infographics: Weather.gov

FEMA encourages individuals to prepare and plan for wildfires as these events can develop rapidly. Therefore, it is never too soon to prepare for a wildfire event. Individuals should follow the guidance of local authorities and remain safe as most of the fires remain largely uncontained across the US. The Hagerty Blog Team will continue providing information and updates on current events and disasters impacting the nation, visit Disaster Discourse for the latest information.

RELATED STORIES

  • Remember, Ready.gov provides information on how to prepare for Wildfire and how to keep you and your family safe.
  • The Los Angeles Times regularly updated tracking of California Wildfires: California Wildfires Map.
  • The National Fire Protection Association provides wildfire preparedness tips: link
  • Marin County provides a wildfire evacuation checklist: link
  • FEMA provides an information video about how to be prepared for Wildfires: link
  • Understanding the meaning of hurricane maps – a NY Times Opinion Piece: Those Hurricane Maps Don’t Mean What You Think They Meancu

Hurricane Delta Impacted the Gulf Coast on Friday Evening, Now a Post-tropical Cyclone Bringing Heavy Rain to the East Coast

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2020 AS OF 1:00PM EST

Delta, now a post-tropical cyclone, is heading east, bringing heavy rain to the Mid-Atlantic throughout the early part of this week.

Delta’s Path: Source

On Friday evening, Hurricane Delta brought life-threatening storm surge to the southwestern Louisiana coast. This year alone, Louisiana has had four named storms impact the state. Moreover, Delta was the state’s second landfalling hurricane in the past six weeks. As a result, many families displaced from Hurricane Laura were still living in shelters as Delta made landfall. As of Saturday morning, there were nearly 9,500 Louisiana residents in shelters from Hurricanes Laura and Delta combined. Presently, thousands remain without power across Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi. As of Sunday evening, two fatalities  in Louisiana were reportedly linked to the storm. Additionally, in Georgia, intense rain and flash flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Delta may have caused a train derailment that sparked a fire and caused evacuations within a half mile of the location of the spill. 

Twitter: USACE HQ

Mayor Nic Hunter of Lake Charles, Louisiana stated, “Add Laura and Delta together and it’s just absolutely unprecedented and catastrophic. We are very concerned that with everything going in the country right now that this incident may not be on the radar nationally like it should be.” On Sunday, representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) were out surveying the damage across the state.

Rainfall from Delta: Source

As Delta dissipates over the next several days, individuals should continue to stay vigilant and heed warnings about heavy rain, flash flooding, and rapid temperature changes. Additionally, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warns residents of southwest Louisiana to beware of heavy fog, low clouds, and poor visibility while driving.  

The National Weather Services (NWS) offers advice and guidance for those about to experience, currently being impacted by, or previously affected by tropical storms and hurricanes. Individuals at-risk are encouraged to secure their home, remain up-to-date with information and follow guidance issued by local officials.

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HURRICANE SEASON 2020

Category 3 Hurricane Delta Has State and Local Governments Preparing For Fast-Approaching Landfall

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2020 AS OF 9:00 AM EDT

Hurricane Delta is located approximately 200 miles south of Cameron, Louisiana, moving toward the southwestern part of the state at 12 miles per hour (mph), according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Hurricane Center (NOAA NHC). Delta was upgraded to a major Category 3 hurricane overnight, with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph and hurricane-force winds that extend outward up to 40 miles from the center. The NHC said Delta is expected to slightly weaken as it nears the northern Gulf coast on today; but, no matter the category, it will still be an extremely dangerous storm. 

The NHC has issued hurricane warnings from High Island, Texas to Morgan City, Louisiana. Storm surge warnings have also been issued from High Island, Texas to the mouth of the Pearl River in Louisiana, while tropical storm warnings are in effect from Sargent, Texas to west of High Island, Texas, and from east of Morgan City, Louisiana to the mouth of the Pearl River. The NHC forecast life-threatening storm surge near the northern Gulf Coast (where the hurricane is expected to make landfall this evening), and the greatest inundation of seven to 11 feet is anticipated between Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge and Morgan City, Louisiana. Heavy rainfall is expected to produce notable flash flooding from southwest to central Louisiana from Friday to Saturday. Tornadoes are also a potential hazard over southern parts of Louisiana and Mississippi until Friday evening. Delta could produce five to 10 inches of rain from Friday through Saturday from southwest to central Louisiana. Rainfall of three to six inches is expected from extreme east Texas into northern Louisiana, southern Arkansas, and western Mississippi.

Hurricane Delta Trajectory: NOAA NHC

Residents currently residing in Hurricane Delta’s path are asked to pay particular attention to messaging from local authorities and remain vigilant. Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) noted pre-positioning resources ahead of Delta. “As Hurricane Delta moves through the Gulf, the State of Texas is supporting communities along the Gulf Coast and providing the resources they need to respond to this storm,” said Governor Abbott in a press release on October 7. On October 6, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards declared Louisiana in a state of emergency. Mississippi also declared a state of emergency earlier this week ahead of the President approving a pre-disaster declaration for the State. After making landfall, Delta is expected to quickly weaken while moving north northwest. Making landfall along the Gulf Coast, Delta is expected to travel north as far as Tennessee and Kentucky.

NOAA: Hurricane Delta

NOAA Guidance on Storm Surge: Source

Hurricane Delta brings potential for life-threatening storm surge to many coastal communities. NOAA provides information on storm surge warnings and storm surge watches to help individuals be better prepared for potential hazardous situations. Additionally, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides guidance to individuals preparing for, experiencing, or affected by hurricanes.

PUBLIC ADVISORIES

Here’s the breakdown of public advisories from NOAA NHC:

HURRICANE WARNING: 

TROPICAL STORM WARNING: 

RELATED STORIES

  • Remember, during a storm, it is important to follow the directions of your state and local officials. Ready.gov provides information on how to prepare for a storm and how to keep you and your family safe throughout.
  • Understanding the meaning of hurricane maps – a NY Times Opinion Piece: Those Hurricane Maps Don’t Mean What You Think They Mean

Keep track of Hagerty’s coverage here:

HURRICANE SEASON 2020

Hurricane Delta Approaches Landfall as Wildfires Continue to Burn Across Western States

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020 AS OF 3:30 PM EDT

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Hurricane Center (NOAA NHC), Hurricane Delta is a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained wind speeds of 105 miles per hour (MPH). As of mid-day Thursday, October 8, Delta is moving north westward  across the Gulf of Mexico. Delta is currently located approximately 400 miles south of Cameron, Louisiana moving toward the Gulf Coast. Hurricane-force winds extend outward approximately  35 miles from the eye of the storm and its tropical-storm-force winds extend outward to 125 miles. The storm is expected to make landfall over the Texas and Louisiana coast on Friday, October 9 and is the 25th named storm of the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Due to an overactive hurricane season, meteorologists are naming storms according to the Greek alphabet. This is only the second time in named-hurricane history that this has happened. The previous occurrence was in 2005 and six Greek alphabet names were used. 

According to the NHC, life-threatening storm surge is possible  where the storm makes landfall and surrounding areas. Storm surge warnings are in effect from High Island Texas to Ocean Springs Mississippi.

NOAA: Hurricane Delta

On October 7, the President approved Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards’ request for a federal emergency declaration in advance of Hurricane Delta, “which is forecast to make landfall along Louisiana’s coastline.” According to the Associated Press, Gov. Edwards reached out to residents ahead of Delta’s expected arrival via text messages and a robocall saying they should “prepare now — have your emergency plans in place.”. 

Communities now preparing for the storm are coastal areas still recovering from Hurricanes Sally and Laura, which have impacted the US Gulf Coast earlier this season. 

Twitter: NOAA NHC

Meanwhile, the unprecedented fire season in California has reached a new milestone — the August complex fire in northern California spread to over one million acres, upgrading the blaze from a megafire to a gigafire, the first in the country since 2004’s Taylor Complex in Alaska.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) reported the fire is approximately 60 percent contained. As of Wednesday, Cal Fire noted firefighters were working on containment for 22 major wildfires and one extended attack wildfire across the state. To date, more than 4.04 million acres have burned as a result of 8,320 incidents. There have been 31 fatalities as a result of the fires, with 9,247 structures damaged or destroyed. 

Air quality alerts have been issued across the northwest United States (US). The NOAA National Weather Services (NWS) issued air quality alerts for wildfire smoke in Wyoming, including the counties of Albany, Laramie, Platte, Goshen, and Converse, as well as most of Carbon county, as a result of heavy smoke from the Mullen and Cameron Peak wildfires. Air quality alerts are also in place for most of central California, and the NOAA NWS cautioned the alerts were a result of wildfires in the Sierra Nevada and other adjacent areas.

Unsplash: Kitera Denta

Policymakers and fire-event experts have started to abandon traditional containment strategies to focus instead on prescribed burning, which relies on intentionally starting less intense fires that can be controlled in overgrown areas. To change strategies from traditional methods to prescribed burning, officials have turned to indigenous people groups and their respective organizations, such as the nonprofit Lomakatsi Restoration Project, for fundamental ecological principles used to contain wildfires. This includes the increase in prescribed burning. In a statement, Barnie Gyant, Deputy Regional Forester for the Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region, said “…our commitment at the Forest Service is to work with tribal partners to achieve healthy and resilient landscapes.”.

The Ready Campaign: Source

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides guidance to individuals preparing for, experiencing, or affected by hurricanes. Hurricane Delta brings the potential for life-threatening storm surge to many coastal communities. Individuals should heed the warnings of local authorities and prepare for hurricane and severe weather conditions. 

Additionally, NOAA provides information on Storm Surge Warnings and Storm Surge Watch. If you are under a warning or watch, make sure to seek higher ground. Storm surge can pose a life-threatening danger from rising water filled with debris. 

PUBLIC ADVISORIES

To get a breakdown by State and County of public advisories from NOAA’s NWS in decreasing order of severity, click here.

RELATED STORIES

  • Remember, Ready.gov provides information on how to prepare for Wildfire and how to keep you and your family safe.
  • The Los Angeles Times regularly updated tracking of California Wildfires: California Wildfires Map.
  • The National Fire Protection Association provides wildfire preparedness tips: link
  • Marin County provides a wildfire evacuation checklist: link
  • FEMA provides an information video about how to be prepared for Wildfires: link
  • Understanding the meaning of hurricane maps – a NY Times Opinion Piece: Those Hurricane Maps Don’t Mean What You Think They Mean

Five Active Disturbances Develop Over Atlantic, While Smoke from US Wildfires Moves Across Country Reaching Europe

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 AS OF 9:00 AM EDT

Hurricane Sally made landfall at 5:45 AM on Wednesday September 16 as a Category 2 hurricane near Gulf Shores, Alabama, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Hurricane Center (NHC). At the time, Hurricane Sally sustained wind speeds of 105 miles per hour (mph). At this time, reports indicate that Sally is directly responsible for one fatality. Since making landfall, Sally has decreased speed and is currently a Tropical Depression moving northeast across southern Alabama at 12 mph, with wind speeds of 30 mph. Sally is expected to continue moving east-northeastward along the East Coast bringing historical levels of rainfall and major river flooding before the system moves back out to sea.

NOAA: U.S. Rainfall Forecast – Tropical Depression Sally

While Tropical Depression Sally continues to wreak havoc across the Gulf Coast, other disturbances continue to develop in the Atlantic Ocean. There are currently five active systems in the Atlantic — one hurricane, one tropical storm, and three disturbances with the potential to become storms in the next five days.

The NHC reports that Hurricane Teddy is strengthening over the open Atlantic and projected to become a major hurricane by Friday. It is approximately 625 miles east-northeast from the Lesser Antilles, moving northwest at 12 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph. According to the NHC, Vicky is currently situated in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, moving toward the west-northwest near 7 mph. With current wind speeds of 40 mph and increasing, Vicky is expected to strengthen to a Tropical Depression later today, and continue to move west-southwest into Friday. As numerous disturbances continue to move towards land, residents of the United States (US) can expect increased thunderstorm activity and/or heavy rainfall in the next week. 

NOAA: GOES Image Viewer

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) reports that, to-date, wildfires across the state have burned 3.15 million acres of land. At present, the largest active incident in California is the August Complex (including the Doe Fire), which has consumed 796,651 acres and is 30 percent contained. CAL FIRE issued a Fire Weather Watch across the eastern Sierra in California; from Modoc County to Inyo County, bringing critical fire weather conditions to the area. 

The State of Oregon Fires and Hotspots Dashboard reports 26 active fires in the state, with  940,950 acres burned to-date. The largest incident in Oregon is the Beachie Creek wildfire, which has burned 190,137 acres and is 20 percent contained. It has resulted in four fatalities and three injuries, in addition to destroying 470 residences and 818 other structures.

Twitter: CAL OES

Smoke from the dozens of wildfires spreading across California and the western US has dispersed across the country and into Mexico, Canada, and Europe, according to AP News. The European Union’s Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service observed smoke from the fires spreading almost 5,000 miles to Britain and other areas of northern Europe. The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts also observed that the fires in Oregon, Washington, and California have released approximately 33.4 million tons of carbon. AirNow.gov issued smoke advisories for 12 states and British Columbia, Canada; cautioning unhealthy to hazardous air quality. 

The Ready Campaign: Source

NOAA provides information on Storm Surge Warnings and Storm Surge Watch. If you are under a warning or watch, make sure to seek higher ground. Storm surge can pose a life-threatening danger from rising water filled with debris. 

Additionally, FEMA provides guidance to individuals preparing for, experiencing, or affected by hurricanes. Tropical Depression Sally brings the potential for life-threatening storm surge to many coastal communities. Individuals should heed the warnings of local authorities and prepare for hurricane and severe weather conditions. 

PUBLIC ADVISORIES

To get a breakdown by State and County of public advisories from NOAA’s NWS in decreasing order of severity, click here.

RELATED STORIES

  • Remember, Ready.gov provides information on how to prepare for Wildfire and how to keep you and your family safe.
  • The Los Angeles Times regularly updated tracking of California Wildfires: California Wildfires Map.
  • The National Fire Protection Association provides wildfire preparedness tips: link
  • Marin County provides a wildfire evacuation checklist: link
  • FEMA provides an information video about how to be prepared for Wildfires: link
  • Understanding the meaning of hurricane maps – a NY Times Opinion Piece: Those Hurricane Maps Don’t Mean What You Think They Mean

Hurricane Sally to Bring Historic Flooding to Gulf Coast, While Wildfire Damage Spreads Across 12 States

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 AS OF 1:30 PM EDT

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported Hurricane Sally is 55 miles south of the mouth of the Mississippi River, moving northwestward at 2 miles per hour (mph). Sally is currently a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph. According to the NHC, Sally is expected to produce “historic” flooding with “extreme life-threatening flash flooding” along the northern Gulf Coast throughout Wednesday. Hurricane Sally is expected to bring intense rainfall, and the hurricane is forecast to create 10 to 20 inches of rain (with isolated amounts of 30 inches) inland of the central Gulf Coast. The storm surge from Sally could reach heights as great as 6 to 9 feet in parts of Mississippi and the southwest Alabama coast. 

Hurricane Sally Rainfall Projections: NOAA NHC

The NHC cautioned the greatest potential for surge overflow is expected to occur along the Alabama coast, including Mobile Bay. A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the area between Bay St. Louis, Mississippi and Navarre, Florida. From Tuesday to Wednesday, there is a risk of isolated tornadoes across parts of the Florida Panhandle and southern Alabama. The hurricane is projected to move further inland on Wednesday, moving southwest and bringing 4 to 8 inches of rainfall across parts of southeastern Mississippi, southern and central Alabama, northern Georgia, and the western Carolinas.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves wrote on Twitter that the hurricane is “the real deal,” and urged residents to evacuate from low-lying areas. Federal emergencies have been declared in Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi.

Hurricane Sally Peak Storm Surge Forecast: NOAA NHC

UnSplash: Joanne Francis 

Meanwhile, according to the National Interagency Fire Center, wildfires have claimed over 4,600,600 acres in the last 14 days, wreaking havoc for communities across 12 western states. As of September 15, 2020, the death toll has reached 27 people across Washington, Oregon, and California, according to ABC News. Residents nearest to 39 active, large wildfires along the West Coast and in Colorado remain ready to evacuate. An estimated 40,000 residents in Oregon were evacuated and 500,000 were under evacuation orders by the State of Oregon’s Press Release on September 11th. Most states in the western half of the United States (US) have at least one active wildfire burning across the state, and some states, like California, have over 20 active fires burning. 

Seattle, WA, Portland, OR, and Los Angeles, CA, are the three largest cities in each West Coast state, and have unhealthy to hazardous air quality according to AirNow.gov. Portland’s air quality is so hazardous that residents are being urged to stay inside and cease outdoor activity or exercise. Oregon and California are also each experiencing between 10,000 – 50,000 power outages. 

NOAA Guidance Flood Safety: Source

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides guidance to individuals preparing for, experiencing, or affected by hurricanes. Hurricane Sally brings potential for life-threatening storm surge to many coastal communities. Individuals should heed the warnings of local authorities and prepare for hurricane and severe weather conditions. 

PUBLIC ADVISORIES

To get a breakdown by State and County of public advisories from NOAA’s NWS in decreasing order of severity, click here.

RELATED STORIES

  • Remember, Ready.gov provides information on how to prepare for Wildfire and how to keep you and your family safe.
  • The Los Angeles Times regularly updated tracking of California Wildfires: California Wildfires Map.
  • The National Fire Protection Association provides wildfire preparedness tips: link
  • Marin County provides a wildfire evacuation checklist: link
  • FEMA provides an information video about how to be prepared for Wildfires: link
  • Understanding the meaning of hurricane maps – a NY Times Opinion Piece: Those Hurricane Maps Don’t Mean What You Think They Mean

Hurricane Laura Recovery Efforts Begin While California Wildfires Continue to Burn Across the State

Recovery efforts are still ongoing for those affected by Hurricane Laura, two weeks after the storm made its way across southwest Louisiana. The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services recorded 12,913 individuals being sheltered in the state across 42 hotels in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport, Louisiana, according to ABC’s KTRK-TV in Houston, Texas. In Texas, the Texas Division of Emergency Management is sheltering 5,200 Louisiana residents in Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio. 

NBC’s and CW’s KPLC in Lake Charles, Louisiana, issued recovery updates for Calcasieu Parish, noting the Parish remains under a mandatory evacuation order. Sewer District No. 11 of Wards 3 and 8 in Mallard Junction asked customers to minimize water consumption due to the power outages caused by the hurricane. The District is currently functioning with a low-pressure sewer system and the use of excessive water could cause a sewer overflow.

ABC’s KTRK-TV in Houston, Texas reports via the local energy company Entergy that over 85,000 customers were still without power in Louisiana. The company provides power to parts of Louisiana and Texas, and to date it has restored power to 179,000 customers. It is estimated that it will take another six to eight weeks to restore power in Cameron Parish, Louisiana.

While many begin recovery from the devastating impacts of Laura, residents of California continue to battle wildfires. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) stated the wildfires in California have burned 2.28 million acres to date, with 3,849 structures damaged or destroyed. There have been eight confirmed fatalities, and the SCU Lightning Complex is still the largest active incident; burning 396,624 acres with a 97 percent containment rate. The Creek Fire actively burned throughout the night in Fresno County, with zero percent contained. In Madera County, the Red Flag Weather Warning was extended through Wednesday for 8 pm PDT, with high temperatures, low humidity, and high winds expected to persist in the area. CAL FIRE posted evacuation orders for Madera County, with evacuation warnings for Fresno County and Madera County.

UnSplash: Issy Bailey

The Bear Fire (part of the North Complex fire) spread quickly as a result of Red Flag conditions and moved toward communities east of Oroville, California – forcing more evacuations. The New York Times spoke with National Weather Service meteorologist Craig Shoemaker, who said the immense volume of smoke from the fire rose over the night to 40,000 feet. He added changing wind patterns would force the smoke eastward, possibly clearing the air near the coast. However, he cautioned that as the smoke reverses, the old smoke may be pushed back ashore. 

Disasters Don’t Wait: Twitter

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages individuals to prepare and plan for disasters. It’s never too soon to prepare for an event. Individuals should follow the guidance of local authorities and remain safe. NBC’s KPRC provides information about active drop-off donation sites in Texas and Louisiana. Requested supplies include diapers, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items, nonperishable food, bottled water, and pet food and supplies.

The Hagerty Blog Team will continue providing information and updates on current events and disasters impacting the nation, visit Disaster Discourse for the latest information.

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  • Remember, Ready.gov provides information on how to prepare for Wildfire and how to keep you and your family safe.
  • The Los Angeles Times regularly updated tracking of California Wildfires: California Wildfires Map.
  • The National Fire Protection Association provides wildfire preparedness tips: link
  • Marin County provides a wildfire evacuation checklist: link
  • FEMA provides an information video about how to be prepared for Wildfires: link
  • Understanding the meaning of hurricane maps – a NY Times Opinion Piece: Those Hurricane Maps Don’t Mean What You Think They Mean