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2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season and Wildfire Recap

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2021 AS OF 3:30 PM CST

As our climate continues to change globally, natural disasters continue to increase in both frequency and magnitude. This past year, the United States (US) saw particularly destructive hurricanes and wildfires across the country. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported 21 named storms for the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season, while the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reports 54,350 wildfires this year, to date, that have burned over 6.8 million acres. Hagerty reported on the numerous climate-driven disasters over the course of the past year, including 29 Situation Status blog posts (Sit Stat), relaying real-time, critical information as soon as it was released to the general public.

2021 HURRICANES

The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season officially ended on November 30, 2021, after producing 21 named storms, according to NOAA. The storms included seven hurricanes – four of which were major hurricanes – and five rapidly intensifying storms that increased maximum sustained winds of at least 30 knots (kt) within a 24-hour window. 2021 is officially the third most active year since NOAA began tracking hurricanes in 1851, and the sixth consecutive above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. It was also the first time two consecutive hurricane seasons used the entire list of 21 storm names. 

2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season: NOAA

Eight storms hit the United States (US) coastline, including Category 1 Hurricane Elsa. The Weather Channel reported that the effects of Hurricane Elsa were felt from the Caribbean to Florida to New England. On July 1, Hurricane Elsa became the first hurricane of 2021, where it created flooding, rain, powerful winds, and isolated tornadoes, with impacts that stretched along the East Coast, including Tropical Storm Warnings issued for over 1,000 miles of the US coastline on July 8, 2021.

NOAA noted the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season was also one of the most expensive in US history. Hurricane Ida, the most expensive disaster of the year, is  responsible for over $60 billion in damages and ranks among the top five most expensive hurricanes in the US  since 1980. Hurricane Ida is tied as the fifth strongest hurricane to strike  the US—it first made landfall as a major hurricane in Louisiana on August 29, the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Hurricane Ida  devastated the power grids of Mississippi and Louisiana and caused flash and urban flooding across the coast of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) noted that, as of September 9, 2021, Hurricane Ida had caused 91 deaths across nine states. The Weather Channel  stated that Ida  also impacted the Eastern Seaboard, causing historic flooding and tornadoes in New England. While Ida was downgraded to a tropical depression as it traveled, it still produced up to 11 inches of rain in the northeast part of the country early in September, leading the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue a Flash Flood Emergency in parts of New York and New Jersey for the first time in US history.

2021 Weather and Climate Disasters: NOAA

Matthew Rosencrans, lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, said climate change was responsible for part of the historic season’s intensity, noting that “Climate factors, which include La Niña, above-normal sea surface temperatures earlier in the season, and above-average West African Monsoon rainfall were the primary contributors for this above-average hurricane season.” The impact of climate change on disasters is also evident in the 2021 wildfire season.

WILDFIRES in 2021

North American wildfires, unlike hurricanes, have no “season” as they occur year-round due to drought and increased temperatures across the country. According to the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), over half of the continental are considered “in drought,” impacting roughly 90 million individuals. Extreme and Exceptional Drought (D3 and D4), as categorized by NOAA, include crop loss and extreme fire risk; NIDIS’s Wildfire Management portal includes information on the overlap of current droughts and active wildfire events, the cascading impacts of heat and dry weather on wildfire preparedness, and resources communities can use to ensure they are prepared for extreme drought and wildfire events.

NIDIS: Current Drought Conditions and Active Wildfires Across the United States

According to the NIFC, wildfires have burned over 6,802,729 acres across 54,350 incidents to date in 2021. Optimistically, NIFC reports that this is slightly below the 10-year average, which is 7,228,178 acres and 54,485 incidents, but notes that 10 uncontained large fires continue to burn across Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and West Virginia. The NIFC recommends that residents of fire-prone areas review the wildland fire outlook by Predictive Services at the National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) to anticipate conditions for December through March of 2022. 

Throughout this year, the US has seen profound wildfire impacts and events. In April, the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) reported that the US was experiencing exceptional drought conditions across the Great Basin and West Coast. By May, California alone was fighting the Owens, Palisades, and Southern Fire, which burned over 8,000 acres in just 20 days. In June, the NIFC reported that the US entered National Wildland Fire Preparedness Level 4 (out of 5), deploying emergency response operations across the western US. As wildfire smoke traveled across the country, we saw the harmful air quality index (AQI) in cities as far east as Boston, Massachusetts and New York City, New York. In October, the western US grappled with the impacts of continued wildfire events,  like power outages and blackouts across the state of California. As the year comes to an end, the NICC and NIFC will continue to keep communities up-to-date on wildfire events into 2022. 

Know Your Alerts and Warnings: Ready.gov

Preparedness is Key

While the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season has concluded and the peak months of wildfires are behind us, it is still important to be prepared for weather-related disasters. Now is the time to update or create an emergency plan for your home and business, using the resources the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) makes available online. One of the most effective ways to stay prepared is to learn the myriad ways to access emergency alerts and warnings, including downloading the FEMA Mobile App to receive real-time alerts, bookmarking the active alerts search website provided by NOAA NWS, and understanding how local authorities issue emergency notifications in your community.

California’s Fawn Fire Prompts State of Emergency, While Hurricane Sam is on Track to Bring Swells, Storm Surge to Us East Coast

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 AS OF 2:30 PM EDT

The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reports that 60 large fires are burning across 10 states. Collectively, these fires account for 3 million acres of land burned. More broadly, 2021 has seen a total of 46,190 wildfires across the country, with almost 5.9 million acres burned. Currently, the NIFC’s National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group (NMAC), the agency responsible for assessing fire risk across the United States (US), has put the country at National Preparedness Level 3.

Marcus Kauffman: UnSplash

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), the Dixie Fire is still the largest active fire in the state – having already burned 963,309 acres in the counties of Butte, Plumas, Shasta, Tehama, and Lassen since it began on July 13. The Fawn Fire is another active blaze in California, having burned 8,578 acres in Shasta County. The fire, which started on September 22, is 90-percent contained as of Thursday morning. According to CNN, the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office issued a criminal complaint against hiker Alexandra Souverneva in regards to the Fawn Fire, with authorities stating that while trying to boil drinking water, she may have committed arson. California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a state of emergency on Monday for Shasta County as a result of the Fawn Fire, which has resulted in the evacuation of thousands of residents and destruction of 185 structures. 

The lasting impact of wildfires, particularly ‘burn scars’ that result from fires destroying forest systems that hold soil in place, has brought about an increase in clouded water that is undrinkable for residents across the western US. According to Kaiser Health News, heavy rainfall following the wildfire season can create waterborne dangers, as chemical byproducts and heavy metals from burned structures mix with groundwater. Public health researcher Gina Solomon at the Public Health Institute in Oakland, California cautioned that smoke and ash from burned structures could also add toxic chemicals to the water supply, creating long-term problems for communities across the western US.

GeoColor: NOAA

In the east, Hurricane Sam – a major, Category 4 Hurricane – is approximately 365 miles north-northeast of the Northern Leeward Islands. The storm is moving north at 13 miles per hour (mph), with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph. While Sam is not predicted to make landfall in the US, it is expected to create swells and storm surge impacting Puerto Rico and the eastern US over the next several days. With nearly two months remaining in the Atlantic hurricane season, there is only one name left on the named storms list for the 2021 hurricane season. If it is used, it will only be the third time in recorded history that a second list of hurricanes and tropical storms names will be introduced.

Planning an evacuation route in case of wildfire: Ready.gov

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages individuals to prepare and plan for wildfires. As these events can develop rapidly, it is never too soon to prepare for a potential fire incident. Individuals should follow the guidance of state and local authorities. 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.
  • FEMA America’s PrepareAthon: How to Prepare for a Wildfire
  • 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

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WILDFIRES 2021

Tropical Storm Nicholas Makes Landfall; Leaving Thousands without Power and Flooding Coastal Areas

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 202 AS OF 11:30 AM EDT

Tropical Storm Nicholas is approximately 15 miles south-southwest of Houston, moving slowly toward the Houston Metropolitan Area in Texas, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) National Hurricane Center (NHC). Nicholas made landfall as a hurricane shortly after midnight roughly 10 miles west southwest of Sargent Beach,Texas, with wind speeds of 75 mph, but has since been downgraded to a Tropical Storm. Nicholas is moving slowly north-northeast at 8 miles per hour (mph), with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. Tropical storm force winds reach outward up to 125 miles from the center of the storm, and life-threatening flash floods are forecast across the Deep South, ranging from the upper Texas coastal area to southern Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama for the next two days. 

GeoColor: NOAA

River flooding is also anticipated over parts of the upper Texas Gulf Coast and southern Louisiana to Mississippi, while Nicholas may also produce rainfall of 5 to 10 inches from the upper Texas coastal area towards central to southern Louisiana, far southern Mississippi, and far southern Alabama. There is additionally a risk of one to two tornadoes across the upper Texas Coast to southern Louisiana. The storm is anticipated to weaken further on Tuesday as it moves deeper inland, and Nicholas is projected to become a tropical depression by Wednesday morning. 

Radar Update from the NWS covering the Houston/Lake Charles Region: Twitter

As of 9 am CDT, the Houston Chronicle reported that 420,000 Texas residents were without power following Nicholas’ landfall. CenterPoint Energy, the managing agency for Harris County and surrounding areas, encourages residents to report outages to assist in the damage assessment and power restoration efforts already underway. Additionally, the power company recommends that Texas residents stay 10 feet away from downed power lines to prevent accidental electrocution or other harmful effects. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner encouraged Houston residents to continue watching weather reports and to follow social media channels for the Houston Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to keep updated on flooding and power outage impacts as Tropical Storm Nicholas passes through the City. He announced on Tuesday morning that he was meeting with OEM to discuss the overnight impact of the storm and to coordinate debris removal to bring Houston back to normal operations.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):Ready Flooded Roads

As Nicholas continues to move along the coast and inland, states and communities should begin preparing for tropical storm-like weather and flooding. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages individuals to take the necessary precautions and prepare for flash flooding. Flash floods can develop with little to no warning, quickly changing the surrounding area. FEMA suggests individuals seek higher ground, avoid walking or driving in flood waters, and heed the warnings of local authorities. Additionally, the National Weather Service (NWS) offers advice and guidance for those about to experience, currently 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 from their local NWS office and local government/emergency management office, and follow guidance issued by local officials. 

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HURRICANE SEASON 2021

Tropical Storm Nicholas Approaches Landfall in Texas, with Heavy Rain and Flooding Expected

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Hurricane Center (NHC), Tropical Storm Nicholas is approximately 45 miles northeast of the mouth of the Rio Grande and approximately 140 miles south of Port O’Connor, Texas, moving north at 12 miles per hour (mph), with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. 

Nicholas is expected to make landfall along portions of the middle Texas coast as soon as Monday afternoon, including possible hurricane conditions extending from Port Aransas to San Luis Pass through the evening. Intense winds are projected to create dangerous storm surge conditions from San Luis Pass to Sabine Pass, including Galveston Bay; all areas that are currently under a Storm Surge Warning. Significant rainfall accumulation is expected across portions of the Texas and Louisiana coasts through the middle of the week, and the rain may cause flash and urban flooding, as well as moderate river flooding. Meteorologists are carefully monitoring Nicholas’s intensity over the course of the day on Monday, however, the conditions are expected to begin subsiding as the storm moves inland on Tuesday, according to National Hurricane Center senior specialist Eric Blake, as reported by Yahoo News.

GeoColor: NOAA

With Tropical Storm Nicholas projected to make landfall in Texas, Governor Greg Abott declared a state of emergency on September 11, deploying resources throughout the Gulf Coast to assist residents preparing for possible flooding, search and rescue operations, and medical needs. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm as well, anticipating significant potential for heavy rains and flash flooding throughout the state. On Sunday, Governor Abott and Governor Bel Edwards shared resources from the National Weather Service (NWS) to keep residents updated, including notices to avoid floodwaters, heed local warnings, and monitor emergency evacuation orders as they change. 

Tropical Storm Nicholas Projection across the Gulf Coast: Texas Division of Emergency Management

According to Bel Edwards, Louisiana residents, especially those impacted by Hurricane Ida two weeks prior, should continue to follow emergency orders and be aware of the possible destruction created by this storm as the state continues to recover from that disaster. As of Monday morning, over 116,000 Louisianans remain without power following Hurricane Ida’s destructive winds and rain, according to PowerOutage.us. 

FEMA Flood Safety: Source

As Tropical Storm Nicholas moves across the southern and middle coast of Texas, there is an increased chance of flash flooding, storm surge, and gusty winds. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages individuals to take the necessary precautions and prepare for flash flooding. Flash floods can develop with little to no warning, quickly changing the surrounding area. FEMA suggested individuals seek higher ground, avoid walking or driving in flood waters, and heed the warnings of local authorities. 

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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HURRICANE SEASON 2021

Tropical Depression Mindy Brings Heavy Rainfall and Possible Tornadoes and Flooding to the Southeast US

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 AS OF 9:00 AM EDT

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Hurricane Center (NHC), Tropical Depression Mindy is approximately 80 miles south-southeast of Valdosta, Georgia, moving northeast at 20 miles per hour (mph). The center of the depression is forecast to move over southeastern Georgia this morning and reach the western Atlantic by late Thursday morning or early afternoon. Mindy is anticipated to create heavy rainfall across parts of southern Georgia and coastal South Carolina this morning that could result in isolated-to-scattered flash, urban, and small stream flooding, while tropical storm force wind gusts are also a risk across southeastern parts of Georgia. Total rainfall could reach 2 to 4 inches, with isolated maximum totals of 6 inches, over southern Georgia and coastal South Carolina, while tornadoes could be a potential hazard over parts of northern Florida and southern Georgia on Thursday morning.

Tropical Depression Mindy – GeoColor: NOAA

Mindy made landfall across the Florida Panhandle on Wednesday evening as a tropical storm in the same area that Tropical Storm Fred hit less than a month ago, according to AccuWeather, yet has been downgraded to a tropical depression as of Thursday morning. Over the span of the morning, Mindy caused over 12,000 power outages across the Florida Panhandle. According to PowerOutage.US, the bulk of the outages took place in Hamilton County, Leon County, Columbia County, Wakulla County, and Jefferson County. 

 Twitter: Philip Kotzbach

NOAA issued an outlook on the 2021 hurricane season in early August, predicting 15 to 21 named storms for the year and seven to 10 hurricanes by the end of the season, with Mindy identified by The New York Times as the 13th named storm of 2021. The new numbers are an increase from the same outlook in May, with the NOAA cautioning that this year’s hurricane season is expected to be above average, following the trend of last year’s record of 30 named storms.

Twitter: NWS Tallahassee 

FEMA: Ready Flooded Roads

As Tropical Depression Mindy brings rain and heavy winds to the southeast United States (US), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages individuals experiencing major flooding to take necessary and potentially life-saving safety steps during a flood. The most important step is to seek shelter away from the water, which may necessitate getting to the highest ground possible, or evacuating the area if directed to do so. Individuals should pay close attention to national emergency alerts or local alerting systems for the most up-to-date instructions. NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) offers additional critical safety measures, including avoiding all areas where water covers electrical outlets or cords (especially basements) and immediately evacuating if seeing or hearing signs of electrical activity. If directed to evacuate, lock your home and disconnect utilities if time permits, while you should turn around immediately if driving during a flood event. Additionally, as Mindy continues to move across many US regions, states and communities should begin preparing for tropical depression-like weather and potential tornadoes. 

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HURRICANE SEASON 2021

Aftermath of Hurricane Ida Responsible for Over a Dozen Deaths Along the East Coast, While Fires Continue to Threaten Area Around Lake Tahoe in California

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2021 AS OF 1:30 PM EDT

The remnants of Hurricane Ida has caused historic flash floods and tornadoes across the Northeast United States (US), with the effects felt particularly in Maryland, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, according to Reuters. ABC affiliate WABC-TV in New York reported at least 16 fatalities across the Northeast, eight in New York City (NYC) and eight individuals in New Jersey. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flash flood emergency in NYC for the first time ever on Wednesday evening, cautioning residents to seek higher ground as flooding submerged subway lines, grounded flights, and swept away cars. The NWS also reported Central Park in New York observed 3.15 inches of rain in one hour, from 8:51 pm Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) to 9:51 pm on Wednesday evening – making it the wettest hour in NYC record-keeping dating back to 1870. 

Twitter: NWS

Transit in NYC and New Jersey is currently disrupted or delayed, with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) noting over a dozen NYC subway lines are at least partially suspended as of Thursday morning. The New York Times reported all New Jersey Transit rail service lines are suspended (sans the Atlantic City line), while commuter buses will operate with delays. The Long Island Rail Road has resumed service as of Thursday, except for the Port Washington line, while the Metro-North Railroad encouraged people not to travel. At least 370 flights were canceled on Thursday morning at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, and dozens of flights were canceled or delayed at Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport in New York. Poweroutage.US revealed most of the power outages across the Northeast are in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York; with 94,431 outages in Pennsylvania, 59,897 outages in New Jersey, and 32, 284 outages in New York as of Thursday morning.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency in their respective states on Wednesday, encouraging residents to stay inside as crews work to restore services to roadways and commuter lines. In a Thursday morning press conference, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio appeared alongside Hochul and called Ida “a horrifying storm…unlike anything we have seen before,” adding “this is the biggest wake-up call we could possibly get…What we have to recognize is the suddenness, the brutality of storms now. It is different,” with Hochul noting the draining systems need to be enhanced and infrastructure investments are crucial to the state.

Jonathan Ford: Unsplash

On the West Coast, wildfires continue to rage on, especially across the State of California where the US Forest Service (USFS) has closed all public access to every National Forests within the State of California citing the extraordinary risk of wildfires and forecasts that show the threat will only remain high or even get worse. Earlier this week, the USFS announced that these closures would remain in effect until at least September 17. 

The Caldor Fire continues to threaten communities in California surrounding Lake Tahoe; as of Thursday morning, the fire is only 25 percent contained and has burned over 210,000 acres. Both California Governor Gavin Newsom and Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak declared a state of emergency to direct resources to evacuated individuals and ensure federal relief funds could be accessed. Monday’s evacuation of 53,000 people (over 22,000 of whom were South Lake Tahoe residents) has been downgraded from Mandatory Evacuation Orders to an Evacuation Warning for those in El Dorado County by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE), as fire crews noted calmer winds and moderate humidity coming back to the area. To date, the fire has destroyed 811 structures, but fire personnel are hopeful they can reach total containment by September 13. Residents are encouraged to stay updated on evacuation orders as the situation evolves and should avoid returning to the area if they have small children, immunocompromised family members, or animals to account for, according to CALFIRE. 

As fires continue to burn the area surrounding Lake Tahoe and other regions of Northern California, IQ Aire reported the air quality index (AQI) remains dangerously high for South Lake Tahoe at an average 573 AQI. As of 8 am Pacific Daily Time (PDT), the Player Court neighborhood reported an astounding 814 AQI due to particulate matter caused by the Caldor Fire. Historically, the AQI has only gone to 500, with that number reflecting the most hazardous conditions for all residents, not just those with preexisting conditions. According to Air Now, individuals in hazardous AQI zones due to ozone and particle pollution should avoid all activities outdoors if possible and should follow tips to keep particle levels low indoors. 

In response to worsening smoke conditions and increased particulates throughout Northern California, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued an air quality advisory on wildfire smoke for Thursday and Friday, with predictions of hazy skies across the Bay Area. The agency recommends that Bay Area residents – spanning San Francisco, Oakland, Fremont, and San Jose – stay inside with windows and doors closed until smoke levels become safe again. 

Air Quality on Thursday, September 2: Air Now Interactive Map 

As the threat of new or worsened wildfires remains and heat waves persist, it is important to follow state and local warnings. Individuals in fire-prone areas should consider signing up for community alerts. FEMA recommends building an emergency supply kit or “GoKit” using this Ready.gov suggested Emergency Supply List ahead of a potential fire. Additionally, with regard to COVID-19, consider including hand sanitizer and face masks in your GoKit. 

California Air Resources Board (CARB): Twitter

Ready.gov: Twitter

As remnants of Ida bring torrential rain and heavy winds to the Northeast US, often with little to no warning, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages individuals experiencing major flooding to take necessary and potentially life-saving safety steps during a flood. The most important step is to seek shelter away from the water, which may necessitate getting to the highest ground possible, or evacuating the area if directed to do so. Individuals should pay close attention to national emergency alerts or local alerting systems for the most up-to-date instructions. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) NWS offers additional critical safety measures, including avoiding all areas where water covers electrical outlets or cords (especially basements) and immediately evacuating if seeing or hearing signs of electrical activity. If directed to evacuate, lock your home and disconnect utilities if time permits, while you should turn around immediately if driving during a flood event.

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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WILDFIRES 2021

Over One Million People Still Without Power as Tropical Depression Ida Impacts the Eastern United States

TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021 AS OF 10:00 AM EST

Tropical Depression Ida is currently over northern Mississippi about 145 miles north-northeast of Jackson, Mississippi and about 185 miles southwest of Nashville, Tennessee and is moving northeast at around 12 miles per hour (mph) according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Hurricane Center (NHC). The classification for Ida was changed from a tropical storm to a tropical depression around 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday. Maximum sustained wind speeds continue to be around 30 mph with higher gusts, but the NHC does not predict much change in strength over the next 48 hours. 

Tropical Depression Ida – GeoColor: NOAA

Flood and flash flood watches continue throughout the Gulf Coast Region and extend across the Tennessee and Ohio Valleys, central and southern Appalachians, and into the Mid-Atlantic and southern New England. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), rainfall from 1 to 6 inches will affect these areas over the next few days, with the most (3 to 6 inches) potentially affecting the middle Tennessee Valley, Ohio Valley, central and southern Appalachians. People in these areas should continue to monitor the situation, listen to local authorities, and look for additional advisories from the NWS. Considerable flash flooding is also possible for these areas as well as the Mid-Atlantic and southern New England. Rivers are predicted to remain elevated into next week with possible isolated major riverine flooding forecasted for the Lower Mississippi Valley, western Alabama, Allegheny Mountains, and Mid-Atlantic. Additionally, eastern Alabama, western Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle are under threat for possible isolated tornadoes until Wednesday when the threat shifts to portions of the Mid-Atlantic. 

Twitter:NWS National Prediction Center

According to PowerOutage.US, Louisiana parishes of Terrebonne, Lafourche, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, and St. Tammany are some of the regions reporting nearly 100 percent power loss. In total, this amounts to roughly 1 million households without power in Louisiana with another 60,000 without power in Mississippi. Governor Bel Edwards announced in a press conference on Monday that 25,000 utility workers from Louisiana and neighboring states of Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi were on site to restore power. Additionally, over 5,000 national guard members have been deployed in impacted parishes to provide assistance with rescues in hardest hit areas such as Orleans Parish and surrounding cities. As the state responds, Governor Bel Edwards recommends that “Louisianans in impacted areas should avoid roadways as downed power lines, trees, and debris still present threats,” and that evacuated residents should check with local authorities and 511 lines before returning to their homes. 

In addition to power outages caused by the wind and rain, the New Orleans Airport has cancelled all incoming and outgoing flights for Tuesday, August 31, and roughly 200 cancellations on Wednesday, September 1. Louisiana State Police and Mississippi Highway Patrol continue to update residents on road closures and safety needs for roadways that experienced heavy flooding. According to Governor Bel Edwards, travel-related casualties are some of the most common but preventable losses following a major storm, so residents should continue to check for updates on roadways related to flooding and debris. 

Among known hurricane-related fatalities, most are related to traveling during or following the storm; the Louisiana Department of Health confirmed that a man drowned after attempting to bring his vehicle through floodwaters in New Orleans. Additionally, Mississippi Highway Patrol reported a road collapse early Tuesday morning on Highway 26 that resulted in two fatalities and 10 injuries. The highway is closed until further notice and local officials are urging residents to generally remain off roads to avoid potential injury.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):Ready Flooded Roads

As Ida continues to move across many US regions, states and communities should begin preparing for tropical storm-like weather and potential tornadoes. Additionally, FEMA encourages individuals to take the necessary precautions and prepare for flash flooding. Flash floods can develop with little to no warning, quickly changing the surrounding area. FEMA suggests individuals seek higher ground, avoid walking or driving in flood waters, and heed the warnings of local authorities. The Hagerty Blog Team will continue providing information and updates.

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HURRICANE SEASON 2021

Tropical Storm Ida Hits Louisiana as One of the Strongest Storms in Over a Century, Reversing Course of Mississippi River and Causing Mass Floods

MONDAY, AUGUST 30, 2021 AS OF 10:00 AM EST

Tropical Storm Ida is currently over southwestern Mississippi; 50 miles north-northwest of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and moving north at 8 miles per hour (mph), according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Hurricane Center (NHC). The classification for Ida has changed from a hurricane to a tropical storm, with hurricane warnings replaced with a tropical storm warning from Grand Isle, Louisiana, to the Mouth of the Pearl River. Maximum sustained winds have decreased almost 60 mph to Ida’s current winds of 60 mph with higher gusts. Tropical storm force winds are reaching outwards of up to 150 miles. Ida’s current northern trajectory is expected to continue today, with a faster northeastward motion forecast to start Monday evening and continue into Tuesday. Ida is expected to downgrade to a tropical depression by Monday evening.

Tropical Storm Ida – GeoColor: NOAA

The NHC cautioned the combination of storm surge and high tide will cause typically dry areas close to the coast to flood, with water potentially reaching heights of 4 to 7 feet from Pointe a la Hache, Louisiana, to Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Overtopping local levees outside of the Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System is a potential risk. Wind damage is likely close to the core of the storm as it heads further inland over southwestern Mississippi over the next several hours, while tropical storm conditions are expected to move inland over parts of Louisiana and Mississippi throughout Monday morning. Ida is expected to create additional rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches, with a risk of localized higher amounts across parts of southeast Louisiana into far southern Mississippi. Accumulations of total storm rainfall of 10 to 18 inches, with remote maximum amounts of 24 inches, is anticipated. A number of tornadoes are a potential risk throughout Monday evening, mainly across southeast Mississippi, southwest Alabama, and the western Florida Panhandle, while surf swells will continue to impact the northern Gulf coast throughout Monday.

Twitter: Steve Caparotta

Ida made landfall near Port Fourchon, Louisiana as a Category 4 hurricane on Sunday afternoon, the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Striking as a Category 4 hurricane with 150 mph winds, making it potentially one of the strongest hurricanes to hit Louisiana in over a century. Seven more mph would have brought Hurricane Ida up to a Category 5 hurricane. All of New Orleans remains without power leaving over one million people in the dark. 

In a news conference, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards told reporters it was “painful to think about another powerful storm like Hurricane Ida making landfall on that anniversary,” but stressed that “we’re not the same state we were 16 years ago.” The City of New Orleans underwent $14.5 billion worth of levee improvements, with Edwards telling CNN’s Jake Tapper the storm reduction systems will face their most severe test since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. 121,000 people in southwestern Mississippi also lost power due to effects from Hurricane Ida as its center moves through Mississippi. 

According to the power company, Entergy, which provides power to over three million customers throughout the south, eight downed transmission lines connected to a transmission tower that collapsed, which provides power to most of the city, is the primary reason for the power outages. Damage assessments will begin on Monday to gage how quickly power will be able to be restored. As of 5:25 a.m. CDT Monday, 911 operating systems were also down in Lafourche Parish. Flooding and life threatening storm surges are still a concern, as stay at home orders and parish wide curfews remain in effect.

Twitter: Jeff Lindner

The storm surge and strong winds from Ida were so strong on Sunday that the hurricane caused the Mississippi River to temporarily reverse course. The United States (US) Geological Survey reported the river level rose approximately seven feet on Sunday, slowing the river flow to about 2 feet per second to around half of a foot per second in the opposite direction as Ida pushed inland.

Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office officials reported that Ida caused at least one casualty in Prairieville, Louisiana on Sunday evening. ABC News reported the heavy rain and storm surge on Sunday evening caused one levee to fail. Infrastructure damage includes the collapse of the former Karnofsky Shop, a historic site in New Orleans where a Jewish immigrant family employed Louis Armstrong and loaned him the money for his first cornet, according to CBS affiliate 4-WWLTV. The full extent of damage is not yet known, with deputies in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, returning on patrol to attempt to “determine the accessibility of our roadways.”

Twitter:NWS New Orleans 

The National Weather Service (NWS) offers advice and guidance for those about to experience, currently 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 from their local NWS office and local government/emergency management office, and follow guidance issued by local officials. As Ida continues to move across many US regions, states and communities should begin preparing for tropical storm-like weather and potential tornadoes. Additionally, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides guidance to individuals preparing for, experiencing, or affected by hurricanes. Additionally, FEMA encourages individuals to take the necessary precautions and prepare for flash flooding. Flash floods can develop with little to no warning, quickly changing the surrounding area. FEMA suggests individuals seek higher ground, avoid walking or driving in flood waters, and heed the warnings of local authorities. The Hagerty Blog Team will continue providing information and updates.

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Category 4 Hurricane Ida Projected to Make Landfall Late Sunday Morning

SUNDAY, AUGUST 29, 2021 AS OF 11:00 AM EDT

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Ida, a Category (CAT) 4 hurricane, is moving northwest toward the coast of Southeastern Louisiana at 13 miles per hour (mph), with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph, as of 10:00 a.m. EDT. Currently, Ida is located roughly 40 miles south-southeast of Grand Isle, Louisiana and about 90 miles south-southeast of New Orleans, Louisiana. The NHC warns of life-threatening storm surge flooding likely to reach or exceed 9 feet within the area from Burns Point, Louisiana, to Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Within the next few hours damaging winds are expected along the southeast coast of Louisiana, including metropolitan New Orleans. Dangerous wind gusts and heavy rainfall are projected to spread across the central Gulf Coast from southeastern Louisiana, coastal Mississippi, to far southwestern Alabama today through Monday, causing tree damage, power outages, and significant flooding in impacted areas.

Hurricane Ida – GeoColor: NOAA

NOAA NHC has issued hurricane warnings and storm surge warnings to coastal Louisiana in anticipation of heavy winds and rain. Ahead of Hurricane Ida’s arrival, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency to mobilize emergency personnel and prepare for possible life-threatening conditions. The declaration, made on August 26, empowers the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) to take any action necessary to appropriately respond to the hurricane. In addition to the declaration, President Biden approved two Federal emergency declarations for Louisiana and Mississippi. 

Twitter: National Weather Service (NWS) New Orleans

While the governor has not issued mandatory evacuation orders, several coastal parishes in Louisiana have called for parish-wide evacuations; Terrebonne Parish called for mandatory evacuations early on Saturday, August 28, and Lafourche Parish issued mandatory evacuation orders as of later that evening. Mayors and Parish Presidents in the region have advised residents to bring vehicles, boats, and campers to higher ground if possible, and to stay abreast of any and all evacuation orders to come. 

Neighboring counties in Mississippi have also issued flood warnings throughout the state as Hurricane Ida is anticipated to make landfall. In response, the NWS and Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) have advised that motorists avoid flooded areas, especially when driving. 

NOAA Guidance Flood Safety: Source

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides guidance to individuals preparing for, experiencing, or affected by hurricanes. Hurricane Ida 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. It’s important to remember that flash floods can develop with little to no warning. It is imperative that individuals seek higher ground, and to avoid walking or driving in flood waters. The Hagerty Blog Team will continue providing information and updates.

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Tropical Depression Henri Causes Mass Flooding and Power Outages After Making Landfall Over the Weekend While Tennessee Experiences Extreme Flooding from Above Average Rainfall

MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 2021 AS OF 9:00 AM EDT

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Hurricane Center (NHC), Tropical Depression Henri is approximately 60 miles north-northwest of New York City (NYC), moving east at 1 miler hour (mph). After Henri made landfall in southwestern Rhode Island on Sunday afternoon, it moved slowly northwest across the area before weakening from a tropical storm to tropical depression.While the depression is currently almost stationary, Henri is forecast to start moving eastward by later Monday morning and into the afternoon, with maximum sustained winds near 30 mph. The slow-moving depression is expected to produce flooding and heavy rains across portions of southern New England and northern Mid-Atlantic states (including Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island) through Monday.

Tropical Storm Henri – GeoColor: NOAA

Henri is expected to cause additional rainfall of 1 to 3 inches (with locally higher amounts possible) over southeastern New York, New Jersey, and eastern Pennsylvania throughout the day. Henri’s rainfall is expected to result in limited to considerable flash, urban, and small stream flooding, as well as minor to isolated moderate river flooding. According to the New York Times, widespread flooding occurred across New Jersey and New York, causing emergency medical workers to rescue over 80 people stranded in cars in flooded streets.

Henri left over 140,000 customers from New Jersey to Maine without power at its peak on Sunday afternoon, with approximately 75 percent of the homes in Washington County, Rhode Island, without power when Henri made landfall at 12:15 pm EDT. Although most power is restored, there are still 44,538 outages in Rhode Island. In a Sunday afternoon White House briefing, President Joe Biden approved emergency declarations for Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York, with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in position in the region to help with recovery efforts. “We’re doing everything we can now to help those states prepare, respond and recover,” Biden said.

Twitter: The Weather Channel 

In addition to flooding throughout New England and the northern Mid-Atlantic caused by Tropical Depression Henri, residents of Tennessee in Nashville and the surrounding areas are advised to stay alert for flash flooding caused by record rainfall. According to the Humphreys County Sheriff’s Office, 22 people are confirmed dead with roughly 20 individuals still missing after 17 inches of rain fell in the County over the course of 24 hours. Humphreys County, roughly 50 miles southwest of Nashville, is under Flood Warning from NOAA and the National Weather Service (NWS) until late morning on Monday, August 23. As of 1:00 AM CDT, Duck River in Humphreys County was almost two feet higher than normal, which can create impassable roadway conditions for residents east of Highway 13. 

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) advises that individuals in impacted areas refrain from driving, avoid flooded roads or walkways, and continue to monitor local news for updates as the situation unfolds. As of Sunday evening, 10,000 residents remained without power while search and rescue teams performed over 20 evacuations within the impacted area. The State is currently under a Level 3 – State of Emergency, which automatically deploys needed emergency service coordinators to respond to the emergency per the Tennessee Emergency Management Plan (TEMP). Governor Bill Lee spoke on the emergency response capabilities in Humphreys County in a press conference on Sunday afternoon, highlighting the evolving nature of the disaster and the hope that excess stormwater will dissipate by Monday afternoon. 

Twitter: FEMA Region 2

FEMA provides guidance for individuals impacted by the inclement weather brought about by tropical storms and depressions. It’s important to remember that flash floods can develop with little to no warning. It is imperative that individuals seek higher ground and avoid walking or driving in flood waters. Individuals should heed the warnings of local authorities and remain safe as Tropical Depression Henri approaches. The Hagerty Blog Team will continue providing information and updates.

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