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.
09:05 am: Hurricane #Ida is still off the LA coast. If you are not in shelter, shelter in place immediately. Go to an interior room or a small room with no windows. Stay put durning this time. #lawx #mswx pic.twitter.com/k2QQlErNin
— NWS New Orleans (@NWSNewOrleans) August 29, 2021
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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- 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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