Gulf Coast braces (again) as Hurricane Delta nears landfall
Category 2 Hurricane Delta is closing in on the Gulf Coast as the storm nears landfall within the next several hours. 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.
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: Category 2 Hurricane Delta is already bringing high winds and storm surge to Louisiana. The center of Delta should make landfall along the coast of southwestern Louisiana during the next few hours. Some weakening is possible before landfall, with rapid weakening to a tropical storm expected after landfall, according to the 4 p.m. CT update from the National Hurricane Center.
- Location: 35 miles south of Cameron, Louisiana
- Movement: North northeast at 14 mph
- Maximum sustained winds: 105 mph
- Watches and warnings: Here are the latest watches and warnings in effect from Texas to Louisiana and Mississippi.
Where is Delta headed? Want to see the latest on the storm's projected path? Follow along using this live tracker.
Power outages: Loss of power is imminent as Delta moves through Louisiana and Mississippi. See the map of reported outages here.
WeatherTiger: Meteorologist Ryan Truchelut of WeatherTiger will break down the threats and offer regular updates and analysis throughout the duration of the storm at theadvertiser.com.
In Louisiana
Live updates: Follow along here for up-to-date coverage on what's happening throughout Louisiana, and watch Gov. John Bel Edwards's latest press conference here.
What to expect in Louisiana: Delta is forecast to bring dangerous storm surge, wind and rainfall hazards along the coast of Louisiana throughout the evening, according to the National Hurricane Center. Most of Acadiana will avoid the worst of the storm, but Vermilion and Acadia parishes could see major impacts.
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.
Shelter information: The mega-shelter in Alexandria, Louisiana, has reached capacity at about 800 people. The state will open a shelter in Bastrop, Louisiana. If the Bastrop shelter reaches capacity, then Jewella in Shreveport will open.
Disaster aid and assistance: With many residents still reeling from Hurricane Laura as they prepare for Delta, FEMA has released assistance information to help residents receive the help they're eligible for.
Postponements: The Bossier City Makers Fair and the Shreveport Farmers' Market scheduled for Saturday have been postponed due to the storm.
Port Fourchon: Port Fourchon will close again due to the threat of rising tides along La. 1, but hopes to open again Saturday.
In Mississippi
Live updates: Follow along here for up-to-date coverage on what's happening throughout Mississippi.
State of emergency: Gov. Tate Reeves issued a state of emergency for Mississippi Wednesday. MEMA has been encouraging Mississippians to have an evacuation plan ready and to prepare for possible power outages or flooding.
What to expect in Mississippi: The National Weather Service in Jackson said areas of flash flooding will become likely and some roads could be flooded or closed later Friday into Saturday as 4 to 8 inches of rain is expected across southwestern, western and central Mississippi.
City of Vicksburg implements curfew: The curfew will be in effect from midnight to 7 a.m. Saturday, Mayor George Flaggs said.
Need shelter? Storm shelters in several counties across the state are open or on standby in preparation for Delta's impact.
That's all of our updates for now. Be safe tonight, everyone.
We'll check back in with you tomorrow.
— Megan Kearney, mkearney@gannett.com
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