Latest on Gordon, Finish Preparedness Activities this Morning

The center of Gordon will move across the eastern Gulf today and is expected to reach the central Gulf Coast by late this afternoon or evening, moving inland over the Mississippi Valley tonight or early Wednesday. The maximum sustained winds are near 65 mph with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is expected today and Gordon will likely be a hurricane when it makes landfall along the central Gulf Coast. Rapid weakening is expected once Gordon moves inland.

Local impacts 

Local impacts expected continue to be heavy rain, high winds, and storm surge in areas outside the levee system. Heavy rain is likely with widespread rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches over the next 3 days, with the heaviest rainfall coming this afternoon through Wednesday. There is the potential for significantly higher local amounts if rain bands move over an area for extended periods. A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect.

Tropical storm-force winds could reach the area as early as this afternoon, with the potential for winds of 40 to 70 mph. Scattered power and communication outages as well as downed trees and roadway signs are possible. A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for the area. 

A Storm Surge Watch remains in effect for coastal areas, with the possibility of 2 to 4 feet of surge. The City of New Orleans has issued a voluntary evacuation order for areas outside the levee system, including Venetian Isles, Irish Bayou, and Lake Catherine. A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for Lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas, with 1 to 2 feet of inundation possible.

Finish your preparedness activities

Gordon is moving quickly and we could see impacts of wind and rain as early as this afternoon. Residents are encouraged to rush preparedness activities to completion this morning. Prepare your property for heavy rain and wind: clear gutters, downspouts, and in front of catch basins; secure outdoor furniture, decorations, and trash cans. You can move your vehicles to neutral grounds at 2pm. Just please do not block intersections or streetcar tracks. Make sure you’ve got bottled water, non-perishable food, medications, and a flashlight.

When severe weather arrives, shelter in place at your home. Stay off the roads during heavy rain and high winds! Never drive through flooded areas and call 911 to report major flooding or other life-threatening emergencies. Our 311 call center will be open this morning and will remain open throughout the duration of the event for information and non-emergency services.

Find updated information about the storm at ready.nola.gov and on social media @nolaready. Sign up for emergency alerts by texting your zip code to 888777 or online at ready.nola.gov.