United States: Deadly Hurricane Nate makes landfall as Category 1 Storm /update 1

Event

Tropical Storm Nate made landfall at the mouth of the Mississippi River in south-east Louisiana as a category one storm at around 19:00 (local time) on Saturday, October 7, with winds of 137 kmph (85 mph). The hurricane is expected to bring deadly flooding, and a storm surge warning is currently in effect from the mouth of the Mississippi River east to the Okaloosa-Walton county line (Florida). According to the US National Hurricane Centre (NHC) advisory released at 22:00 (local time) on Saturday, maximum flooding of seven to 11 feet above ground level is expected along the Mississippi coast.

As Nate continues to track north-east, hurricane conditions are spreading onshore across Mississippi and Alabama; tropical storm watches and warnings are in effect for parts of south-eastern Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and western Georgia through Sunday and into Monday, October 9. A curfew was imposed in New Orleans from 19:00 (local time) on Saturday; Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) remains open, but disruptions to operations and flight cancellations are expected.

Heavy rain is to be anticipated in the above areas, along with storm surges and violent winds. Subsequent flooding, landslides, travel disruptions, power outages, and telecommunication problems are likely.

Context

The deadly storm has already dropped massive amounts of rain - up to 75 cm (30 in) in some areas - over parts of Central America, leading to deadly floods and landslides. Significant damage and dozens of deaths and disappearances have been reported.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, with a peak of storms typically observed in late August and September. This year’s season has been particularly catastrophic, with several powerful storms - hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria - striking the Caribbean and Gulf regions.

Advice

Individuals in the above areas are advised to closely monitor local weather forecasts and updates via the US National Hurricane Centre. Adhere to any advice issued by regional authorities. In the event of flooding, keep in mind that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.