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
