04 Sep 2018 | 04:39 AM UTC
US: Tropical Storm Gordon to hit New Orleans, Gulf Coast September 4 /update 3
Authorities warn of life-threatening conditions for the Gulf Coast as Tropical Storm Gordon arrives on September 4; storm surges of 0.6-1.2 m (2-4 ft) and rainfall of 10-20 cm (4-8 in) expected, flash flooding likely
Event
The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued advisories at 22:00 (local time), Monday, September 3, warning of life-threatening conditions for the Gulf Coast as Tropical Storm Gordon is set to arrive on the afternoon of Tuesday, September 4. Hurricane and tropical storm warnings were issued to portions of the Gulf Coast from Louisiana to the Florida border. Storm surge warnings are in effect for Dauphin Island (Alabama) and hurricane warnings are in effect for the coast from the Louisiana-Mississippi border to the Alabama-Florida border. Strong winds, high storm surges of 0.6-1.2 m (2-4 ft), and heavy rainfall for 10-20 cm (4-8 in) with isolated rain up to 30 cm (12 in) are expected from Louisiana to Alabama and as far north as Arkansas and central Mississippi. Dauphin Island may experience storm surges of up to 1.5 m (5 ft). Flash flooding is likely across the coast and hurricane-force winds are possible by Tuesday evening.
Tropical Storm Gordon is forecast to strengthen to a hurricane by the time it makes landfall on Tuesday, September 4. As of 22:00 on Monday, Gordon was located 530 km (330 mi) from the mouth of the Mississippi River and producing sustained winds of 95 km/h (60 mph). Tropical storm-force winds are expected to arrive on the Gulf Coast beginning early Tuesday afternoon.
Context
Gordon formed as a tropical disturbance and consolidated into a coherent storm on morning of September 3. It is the seventh storm to form in the Atlantic basin this hurricane season. 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.
