Gulf Coast, time to prepare for Hurricane Delta

Category 2 Hurricane Delta is nearing the Gulf Coast. We're sending this newsletter through the duration of the storm to provide helpful information about Delta during what we know is a stressful time. 

You're receiving this emergency information newsletter because you signed up for it, or because you subscribe to the Daily Briefing newsletter from one of our Paste BN Network sites in Louisiana or Mississippi. This newsletter is intended to keep you up to speed on the latest hurricane coverage.

We're providing this hurricane content for free as a public service to readers. We appreciate you trusting our journalists to keep you safe and informed. Please let us know what you think about this newsletter by filling out this short survey. It will help us provide you with the best information possible.

Now, let's get right to the latest updates, so you can be as prepared as possible for potential impacts in your community. 

Big-picture updates 

Latest forecast: Delta is expected to become a major hurricane again by late Thursday but could weaken as it approaches the northern Gulf Coast on Friday, according to the 1 p.m. CT forecast from the National Hurricane Center.

• Location: 370 miles south of Cameron, Louisiana
• Movement: Northwest at 13 mph
• Maximum sustained winds: 105 mph
• Watches and warnings: Watches and warnings are in effect from Texas to Louisiana and Mississippi. 

When will Delta make landfall?: Hurricane Delta will likely make landfall on the Louisiana coast by Friday afternoon or Friday evening, according to the National Hurricane Center.

WeatherTiger: Meteorologist Ryan Truchelut of WeatherTiger will break down the threats and offer regular updates and analysis from the path of the storm at theadvertiser.com.

Tracking Delta: Want to see the latest on the storm's projected path? Follow along using this live tracker.

In Louisiana

Louisiana is bracing for heavy winds, storm surge and strong rain. The storm is forecast to make landfall east of Cameron Parish, where Hurricane Laura came ashore as a Category 4 storm. 

The state has found itself within a dreaded storm cone for a record sixth time this year. Gov. John Bel Edwards said southwest Louisiana “is in no shape to withstand a storm" and again called the hurricane season "relentless" for the state.

See all of the latest live updates in the state here. Here's what else is happening throughout Louisiana.

• State of emergency: Gov. John Bel Edwards has declared a state of emergency in anticipation of Delta and has asked President Donald Trump to issue a federal declaration of emergency prior to the storm's landfall.
• Evacuation orders and curfews: These Louisiana parishes have issued evacuation orders and curfews.
• Watch live webcams: Live cams are showing current conditions in a handful of Louisiana locations right now.
• What's closed? Here's a full list of closures in the Lafayette/Acadiana area. 
• Cantore watch: He's back! Meteorologist Jim Cantore was spotted in this Louisiana city today.
• Officials prepare: Lafayette officials are urging residents to get out of harm's way to take pressure off of emergency resources after the storm.
• Oil production shut down: About 80% of the Gulf of Mexico’s oil production was shut down Wednesday ahead of the storm.
• LSU game moves to Mizzou: And we can't forget football news: Saturday's LSU vs. Missouri game will be held at 11 a.m. in Missouri rather than 8 p.m. in Tiger Stadium due to Delta's threat.

In Mississippi

Although Mississippi isn't taking a direct hit from Hurricane Delta, parts of the state could feel the storm's impact. See all today's live updates from the state here.

• Watches and advisories: Parts of Mississippi are under storm surge and tropical storm watches and warnings. Here's the latest. 
• What areas will be impacted? "The southwest portions of the state have the greatest potential for tropical-storm-force winds," said National Weather Service meteorologist Latrice Maxie. 
• When will severe weather begin? Hurricane Delta is expected to move into west-central Mississippi late Friday or early Saturday. Tornadoes are possible late Thursday through Friday over the southern parts of Mississippi.
• Shelter information: Storm shelters in several counties across the state are on standby in preparation for Delta's impact.

Be prepared

There's still time to grab some essentials: Here's a full list of hurricane preparation tips and items to have on hand before, during and after the storm makes landfall.

Pet owners: There can be a lot to consider when preparing for a hurricane, especially with animals. Here are a few tips. 

Residents prepare: From boarding up windows to grabbing sandbags, residents aren't taking any chances as Hurricane Delta nears. See photos from today's preparations.

That's all of our updates for now. Anything else you'd like to see in this newsletter? Let us know. In the meantime, stay safe, folks. We'll check back in with you tomorrow.

— Megan Kearney, mkearney@gannett.com