04 Sep 2018 | 04:39 AM UTC
US: Hurricane warnings issued for parts of Gulf Coast September 3 /update 2
National Hurricane Center issues hurricane warnings for the coast of Mississippi and Alabama on September 3; Tropical Storm Gordon expected to make landfall on September 4
Event
On the afternoon (local time) of Monday, September 3, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued hurricane warnings for the Mississippi and Alabama coast as Tropical Storm Gordon continues to move towards the area. Tropical storm warnings remain in effect for southern Florida as well as the northern Gulf Coast. The system is located approximately 25 km (15 mi) southwest of Marco Island (Florida) moving west-northwest at 27 km/h (17 mph) with maximum sustained winds of 80 km/h (50 mph). According to weather officials, Tropical Storm Gordon could become a Category 1 hurricane before making landfall on the evening of Tuesday, September 4.
Rainfall of approximately 15 cm (6 in) and storm surges of up to 1.5 m (5 ft) are expected along the coast of Mississippi, Alabama, and Lousiana from Wednesday through Thursday. Consequent transportation disruptions are expected over the coming days due to the storm.
Context
Tropical cyclones and hurricanes in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico are common from June through November.
Advice
Individuals present in the affected areas are advised to keep abreast of local weather forecasts, anticipate localized flooding and associated transportation disruptions, plan alternate routes, and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.
