04
Sep
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:
