Heavy rainfall and gusty winds are forecast along the Gulf Coast today from Louisiana eastward to the Florida Panhandle, as Hurricane Ida moves toward the coast. Rain accumulations of 1 to 4 inches or more are possible by this evening from New Orleans east through Mobile to Tallahassee.
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the northern Gulf coast from Pascagoula, MS east to Indian Pass, FL. A Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch is in effect for the northern Gulf coast from Grand Isle, LA eastward to west of Pascagoula, MS, including New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain.
At 4:00 am EST, November 9, 2009, the center of Hurricane Ida was located about 375 miles south of Pensacola, Florida. Ida is moving toward the north-northwest near 16 mph. This general heading, with an increase in forward speed, is expected over the next 48 hours. A turn toward the north and an increase in forward speed are expected during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 90 mph with higher gusts. Ida is currently a Category One hurricane, and additional weakening is forecast during the next 24 hours. It is still expected to be a hurricane when it approaches the Gulf Coast tonight or early Tuesday. Total storm accumulations of 3 to 6 inches with isolated maximum storm totals of 8 inches will be possible through Tuesday from the eastern Gulf Coast northward into the eastern portions of the Tennessee Valley and the Southern Appalachians.
The Northeast Florida Chapter continues to monitor the situation and stands ready to assist other chapters.
The Northwest Florida Chapter identified 3 risk shelters, placed others on standby, made plans for Mass Care and contacted county Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to determine level of additional response.
The Central Panhandle Chapter placed 2 shelters on standby and will deploy shelter teams if needed.
The Southeast Louisiana Chapter contacted local emergency management, placed teams on standby and activated Chapter EOC.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chapter identified a shelter and will partner with other agencies to assist with feeding.
The Southeast Mississippi Chapter identified a shelter in anticipation of evacuees.
The Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter identified 2 shelters, placed another on standby and staffed the State EOC.
