Highlights from today’s conference:
 
NWS/NOAA – (See attached)
 
Changes from previous update:
  • Confidence continues to increase that the main impacts from Gordon will be greatest across the Mississippi coastal counties
  • The tropical storm warning has been cancelled for areas generally along and south of a line from Grand Isle to Baton Rouge

Timing:

  • Impacts are expected to begin this afternoon and continue through at least Wednesday morning. 
  • Onset of tropical storm force winds could begin as early as mid afternoon at the coast, progressing inland through the late afternoon. 
  • However, the most likely time of onset is during the early evening hours at the coast, progressing inland through the late evening and overnight.
An area-wide summary of impacts:
Wind:
  • Potential for winds of 70-80 mph mainly across the Mississippi Coast
  • Potential for winds of 40 to 70 mph across other areas along/east of the I-55 corridor
  • Potential for winds of 25-40 mph elsewhere

Storm Surge:

  • 3-5 ft inundation possible along the open coast from Shell beach eastward to the MS/AL border
  • 2-4 ft inundation possible along the open coast from the Mississippi River eastward to Shell Beach
  • 1-2 ft inundation along the shores of Lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas, and along the open coast west of the Mississippi River

Heavy Rain:

  • Rainfall totals of 4-8 inches mainly along the Mississippi Coast
  • Rainfall totals of 1 to 4 inches elsewhere
  • Potential for significantly higher local amounts where rain bands move over the same area for a prolonged period
USACE
  • IHNC closed at 0500 today.  ‘Anticipate’ reopening by tomorrow noon.
  • The Harvey-LaPalco Flood Sector gate (not the lock; lock is open) closed.
  • Algiers lock is open.
  • All structures staffed.  All are reachable on VHF Channel 14.
  • No SWP surveys today.  Should be back tomorrow.
  • Dredges continue to work but will seek safe harbor as needed.

USCG
  • Yankee set as of 1630 yesterday.   (Click here)
    • Port Remains Open to all Commercial Traffic – No closures planned ‘at this time’.
  • Vessels must communicate their intentions to Depart or Remain in Port.
  • Vessels that stay must submit the REMAINING IN PORT report.  (Click here)  (Approximately only 50% vessels have responded.)
  • Facilities should report status. (Click here)
  • Patrols will be out today.
PORTS
  • No Reports/updates.
 
PILOTS
BAR – Ops suspended at this time.
Boats and Pilots sheltering in place at Venice.  
Will continue to monitor.  
Anticipate reconstituting tomorrow morning.  Sooner if possible. Will coordinate with CRPPA/NOBRA/industry.
 
CRPPA –  Monitoring.  Harbor shifts continuing.  Standing by to service sailings/arrivals when conditions improve.
 
NOBRA – Monitoring.  Harbor shifts continuing.  Have 15 ready to sail when river reopens.
 
Federal – Monitoring.  Ops normal at this time.  Harbor shifts continuing.  Next arrivals/sailings not scheduled until tomorrow.
 
TOWING INDUSTRY
GICA – No issues for NOLA AOR.
AWO – Monitoring.
GNOBFA – Monitoring.
 
Attachments: