Hurricane Ida is expected to make landfall as a Category 4 hurricane, according to a NOAA report released Friday. The storm, which is expected to arrive on Sunday, extends to the southern coast of the United States, causing winds in excess of 110 mph and “catastrophic” storm surges.
“Once Ida passes beyond western Cuba and moves southeast into the Gulf of Mexico, it will move through a very favorable oceanic and atmospheric environment consisting of waters with a high ocean heat content, low vertical wind shear and a low- to mid-level humid atmosphere, “the NOAA report said. “These conditions are likely to result in a period of rapid strengthening over the next 24 to 36 hours. In fact, with the highest initial wind speed, the intensity guide has significantly increased this cycle and most of the guide now brings Ida to Category 4 “Intensity.
The hurricane will hit the Louisiana coast on the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, and government officials have already declared a state of emergency in the state.
In addition to the new Category 4 designation, officials updated hurricane surveillance for southern Louisiana and southern Mississippi. It goes into effect Saturday evening. Friday, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell he called for residents outside the protection of the city’s dyke system to begin mandatory evacuations.
The government of the parish of St. Charles, a collection of 13 communities along the Mississippi River, also issued mandatory evacuation orders for all of its residents on Friday.
“Unfortunately, the entire Louisiana coast is currently in the cone planned for Tropical Storm Ida, which is strengthening and could reach land in Louisiana as a major hurricane, as Gulf conditions are conducive to a rapid intensification, “Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said.
Residents are advised to solidify their hurricane action plans, as winds will endanger life on Saturday evening. A “catastrophic” storm surge would make the trip inadvisable, as high water could hide fallen power lines, trees and hazardous waste.
“On Saturday night, everyone should be at the place where they intend to get out of the storm,” Edwards said.