Hurricane Zeta Update - October 28, 2020 4AM

Click HERE for an update concerning Hurricane Zeta.

Changes from previous update:

The forecast strength of the system has increased. The forecast now calls for a category 2 strength storm at landfall.
Wind impacts have increased across coastal LA, metro New Orleans, and coastal MS.
Storm surge values have increased.

Overview:

The current forecast calls for Zeta to make landfall as a Category 2 hurricane in Southeast Louisiana by late this afternoon.
This system will bring a multi-hazard threat to the area.

Confidence:

If the current forecast holds, significant impacts are expected across portions of SE LA and S MS.
High confidence exists in the magnitude of the impacts.

Impacts:

Storm Surge:

6 to 9 feet of inundation is possible from the Mouth of the Pearl River to the MS/AL line. 5 to 7 ft of inundation will be possible along immediate coastal areas from Port Fourchon to the mouth of the Pearl River. 3 to 5 feet of inundation for the immediate coastal areas west of Port Fourchon and along the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. 1 to 3 feet of inundation for the shores of Lake Maurepas.
Storm surge impacts will be greatest this afternoon into this evening.
Expect several low-lying, coastal roads to become impassable due to flooding.
Some areas may become cut off or inaccessible.

Rainfall/Flooding:

Rainfall of 2 to 4 inches is currently forecast. Locally higher amounts will be possible. The highest rain totals will be along and east of the center.
Expect ponding of water in low lying areas and some potential for localized flash flooding.
Rainfall impacts are expected today through tonight.

Wind and tornado:

Sustained hurricane force winds are expected across a large swath of SE LA and coastal MS.
These winds could result in downed and uprooted trees, power outages, and damage to weaker and poorly constructed structures.
A few tornadoes will be possible in the storm’s rain bands mainly to the east of the center. Tornadoes in these situations are typically short-lived, but they move very quickly. The highest tornado threat will generally be across areas southeast of a line from Houma to Covington to Poplarville.

The attached briefing highlights the threats associated with this system.

Additional Information and Resources:

NWS New Orleans Website: www.weather.gov/neworleans

National Hurricane Center Website: https:///www.nhc.noaa.gov

Next Update and Contact Information:

The next update will be sent by 11 AM CDT.