Hurricane Ida hits Earth as Cat. 4 in Louisiana

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INFORMATION UPDATE (SUNDAY, 11:55 AM, AUGUST 29):

… THE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CATEGORY 4 HURRICANE IDA MAKES A STRUGGLE NEAR LOUISIAN FOURCHON PORT … NOAA Doppler radar images indicate Ida’s eye hit land along the southeast coast of Louisiana , near Port Fourchon, around 1155 AM CDT (1655 UTC). Data from an Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft and Doppler radar data indicate that Ida’s sustained maximum ground winds were estimated at 240 km / h. The most recent minimum center pressure estimated from reconnaissance aircraft data is 930 mb (27.46 inches). During the last hour, sustained winds of 69 km / h (43 mph) and a gust of 107 km / h (67 mph) were reported at Lakefront Airport in New Orleans. A tide gauge from the NOAA National Ocean Service in Shell Beach, Louisiana, recently reported a water level of 6.4 feet above the highest average water, which is an approximation of the flooding in this area. A tide gauge from the NOAA National Ocean Service at Bay Waveland Yacht Club, Mississippi, recently reported a water level of 5.5 feet above the highest average water, which is an approximation of the flood in this area.

RELATED RESOURCES:

RED STICK, La. (WAFB) – Ida remains a major Category 4 hurricane as it approaches the southeast coast of Louisiana today.

At 10 a.m., the National Hurricane Center said the Category 4 hurricane has sustained maximum winds of 150 mph, which is the force expected to reach land around noon near Port Fourchon. Official forecasts show Ida will hit the Florida coast this afternoon, with a Category 5 intensity, a Category 5 doing more than 157 mph.

Timing

The weather will gradually go down on Sunday as Ida approaches and moves inland. Tropical storm winds are expected to reach the coast on Sunday morning and gradually spread inland throughout the day. The worst of the impacts of the Baton Rouge subway will likely occur from Sunday night to Monday morning. Ida’s eye (center) will pass close to or directly over Baton Rouge around midnight. The strongest wind and rain will likely occur just before the eye moves above.

Wind impacts

Tropical storm winds are almost certain for almost all of southeastern Louisiana and southwestern Mississippi. It is likely that there will be sustained hurricane-based winds along the coast and that they may extend inland to Corridor I-10 / I-12. The National Hurricane Center places the probabilities of sustained hurricane force winds in Baton Rouge at> 50%. Wind gusts of over 100 mph should be expected in our coastal parishes and can cause catastrophic damage, especially near the core of the storm. Wind gusts near 100 mph on the Baton Rouge Metro cannot be ruled out. It is likely that widespread and prolonged power outages in much of our area.

Impacts of rain

The NOAA Weather Forecast Center (WPC) continues to show widespread 5 “-15” rainfall affecting our area, with possible higher amounts locally. WPC has also placed areas from the Baton Rouge subway through New Orleans to the coast under a 4/4 (high risk) flood from Sunday to Monday morning. These high-risk days are historically more dangerous when it comes to flooding.

River floods

All points in our viewing area along the rivers in the area (Comite, Amite, Tickfaw, Tangipahoa) are expected to reach the flood phase at some point on Monday or Tuesday. Most of these river sites are expected to experience moderate flooding that could cause flooding of residential and commercial properties. If you live anywhere along these rivers, be sure to pay close attention to forecast updates.

Maror

The National Hurricane Center predicts catastrophic storm peak values ​​of 12-16 feet from Port Fourchon to the mouth of the Mississippi River. From the mouth of the Mississippi River to St. Louis, MS, is expected to be between 8 and 12 feet. The forecast also requires 8-12 feet from Morgan City to Port Fourchon. Prospects also show 5-8 feet on Lake Pontchartrain, and 4-6 feet on Lake Maurepas.

Severe climate

The Storm Prediction Center has a 2/5 (mild) level of severe weather risk posted in most of our area from Sunday to Monday morning. This is primarily based on covering the risk of tornadoes often experienced by tropical systems falling to the ground. Be aware that tornadoes can often occur in rain bands well away from the center.

Summary / Key points

Hurricane Ida is shaping up to be potentially the most significant impact of the hurricane in southern Louisiana. This is not to say that storms should be compared, but understanding that the magnitude of impacts could very well outweigh what many of us experienced with Gustav in 2008.

Be prepared to get out of the storm wherever you are this afternoon. Even earlier if you live on the coast. Evacuation is generally recommended largely for those threatened by rising water, but it is ultimately a personal decision and is reduced to your level of comfort to deal with possible impacts. Those in mobile homes or other less resilient structures should consider moving elsewhere until the storm passes.

Stay tuned to WAFB and the first storm alert team for ongoing updates for the duration of this weather event.

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