At 1000 AM CDT, the center of Hurricane Delta was moving
northwestward near 15 mph through open waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
A general northwestward motion with a reduction in forward speed is
expected through early this morning. Delta should continue along
this track today, before speeding up and turning more to the
north-northeast on Friday. The forecast for Delta has not changed
much since last night and is still predicted to make landfall along
the coast of southwestern Louisiana early Friday evening.
As expected, Delta is now gradually strengthening and the maximum
sustained winds are near 105 mph with higher gusts. Strengthening is
forecast to continue while the hurricane moves over the west-central
Gulf of Mexico today and tonight, and Delta is expected to become a
major hurricane again. Some weakening is forecast as Delta moves
over cooler waters and approaches the northern Gulf coast on Friday.
Delta should weaken further as it moves inland, and should weaken to
a tropical storm as it moves across central Louisiana and the
ArkLaMiss Friday night and early Saturday morning.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
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* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across West Central and Northeast Louisiana.
Potential impacts include:
- Flooding may prompt water rescues.
- Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter
currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially
in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, bayous, and
ditches overflow.
- Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations.
Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid
inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage
areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as
storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions
become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures.
Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across Deep East Texas, Northwest Louisiana, and South
Central Arkansas.
Elsewhere across the ArkLaTex, little to no impact is anticipated.
* WIND:
Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across West Central and Northeast Louisiana. Potential impacts in
this area include:
- Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage
to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds.
- Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater
numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several
fences and roadway signs blown over.
- Some roads impassable from downed trees and large branches.
- Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent
in areas with above ground lines.
Also, prepare for sporadic wind damage with tree limbs down across
Deep East Texas, Northwest Louisiana, and South Central Arkansas.
Elsewhere across the ArkLaTex, little to no impact is anticipated.
* TORNADOES:
Little to no tornado impacts are anticipated at this time across
ArkLaTex.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------
* EVACUATIONS:
WATCH/WARNING PHASE - Listen to local official for recommended
preparedness actions, including possible evacuation. If ordered to
evacuate, do so immediately.
WATCH/WARNING PHASE - For those not under evacuation orders, assess
the risk from wind, falling trees, and flooding at your location. If
you decide to move, relocate to a safer location nearby. If you do
not relocate, help keep roadways open for those under evacuation
orders.
* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and
property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a
safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.
When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the
exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain and
damaging wind gusts extend well away from the center of the storm.
If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, or on a boat, plan to move to safe shelter.
Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles
can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide
poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly
ventilated area.
It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an
emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter.
Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone
area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded
roadway. Remember, turn around don't drown!
If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, or on a boat, consider moving to a safer
shelter before the onset of strong winds or flooding.
Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets
for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes
to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather
warnings.
* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org
- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org
NEXT UPDATE
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The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Shreveport LA around 4 PM CDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.
