Hurricane Isaias Approaches: Warnings Issued for Southeast Louisiana, South Mississippi

NEW ORLEANS, LA — Residents across Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi are urged to finalize hurricane preparations as Isaias is expected to approach the Northern Gulf Coast as a dangerous hurricane on Friday. The National Weather Service in New Orleans issued a Tropical Cyclone Local Statement today, October 8, at 10:13 PM CDT, indicating that Isaias, currently a 105 mph hurricane, will continue to strengthen.

A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning are in effect for Southern Jackson County, MS. A Hurricane Watch and Tropical Storm Warning are in place for Northern Jackson County, MS. Storm Surge Warnings and Tropical Storm Warnings are also active for Eastern Orleans, Lower Plaquemines, Lower St. Bernard, Southeast St. Tammany, Southern Hancock, and Southern Harrison. Tropical Storm Warnings extend to Northern Hancock and Northern Harrison. The most likely time for impacts is Friday afternoon into Saturday morning.

Potential impacts include life-threatening storm surge of 3 to 5 feet for coastal areas from the Mississippi River to the Pearl River, excluding Lake Pontchartrain, and up to 6 feet east of Ocean Springs, MS. Hazardous wind with possible limited impacts is expected from Ocean Springs eastward in coastal Mississippi, potentially causing power outages and road debris. Dangerous rainfall flooding is possible across coastal Mississippi, particularly east of Ocean Springs.

Residents must heed advice from local officials regarding evacuations. Ensure emergency plans are complete, and be in a safe location before strong winds or flooding begin. Keep cell phones charged and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings. The next update from the National Weather Service is expected around 5 AM CDT or sooner if conditions warrant.