The National Hurricane Center stated that Ida rapidly intensified Friday from a tropical hurricane to a hurricane with top winds at 80 mph (128 kmh) as it crossed western Cuba. It was expected to become a powerful Category 3 hurricane by Sunday and make landfall along the U.S. Gulf Coast.
For most of Louisiana’s coast, from Intracoastal City to Pearl River, a hurricane warning was issued. A tropical storm warning was extended along the Mississippi-Alabama border.
Residents of Louisiana’s coast feared that Ida would bring torrential rain and wind on the exact date Hurricane Katrina struck a large portion of the Gulf Coast 16 years ago. Capt. Capt.
Eichorn stated, “With a direct strike, there ain’t any telling what’s going left — if anything.” He said, “Anyone who isn’t worried has something wrong.”
LaToya Cantrell, New Orleans Mayor, ordered everyone to evacuate if they are not within the levee system which protects them from flooding. Although she did not give an estimate of the number of people living there, she advised residents with special needs and medical conditions to evacuate as soon as possible.
Officials have warned that they will close the floodgates on two highways in New Orleans Saturday afternoon, increasing the urgency for anyone who plans to flee.
Cantrell stated, “Now is the right time.”
Officials decided not to evacuate New Orleans hospitals. According to Dr. Jennifer Avengo (the city’s health director), there is not enough room for patients in other hospitals, as many of the coronavirus-infected patients are already being treated at Florida and Texas hospitals.
According to the White House, President Joe Biden would talk with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell about hurricane preparations on Friday during a conference call with the governors from Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi. Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary, stated that FEMA will send almost 150 medical personnel to the Gulf Coast and nearly 50 ambulances to help strained hospitals.
Friday afternoon, Ida made its landfall on Cuba’s southern Isle of Youth. Cuba’s government issued a hurricane warning to its westernmost provinces. Forecasters predicted that as much as 20 inches (50 cm) of rain could fall in some areas, potentially triggering deadly flash floods or mudslides.
A greater threat will be present over the Gulf. Forecasts are aligned to predict that Ida will become a major hurricane very quickly, reaching 120 mph (193 kmph) by Sunday night.
If this forecast is correct, Ida will hit 16 years after Katrina’s landing as a Category-3 storm with winds of 125 mph (201 kmph) near Plaquemines Parish. It is located just downstream of New Orleans on the Mississippi.
Katrina is responsible for approximately 1,800 deaths along the Louisiana coast, just north of the Mississippi-Alabama border. The storm surge that swept the beaches wiped out houses and destroyed many homes. New Orleans was devastated by flooding after the federal levees failed. The city was submerged in water for 80% and many homes were flooded to the roofs. Some victims drowned from their attics. As tens of thousands of people were left without power or running water, the Superdome and New Orleans Convention Center became scenes in sweltering misery.
Many still have the memories of Katrina. They scrambled to get supplies, gas, and ice for Friday’s Ida, and lined up for sandbags, groceries, and gas.
Traffic was jammed at New Orleans Costco’s entrances. Hundreds of cars were backed up at gas stations and shoppers pulled out carts filled with bottled water.
Wondell Smith, a retired police officer, stated that he and his family planned to stay but would also be moving farther inland in the event of bad weather. He filled his SUV with water, bread, and sandwich meat.
Smith stated, “I know what that looks” referring to the possible devastation. Smith said, “This is my first homecoming in 34 years of military service.” “And I want you to be prepared.”
After consultation with the National Weather Service and city officials, kickoff for Saturday’s preseason match between the Arizona Cardinals (Saints) at the Superdome has been moved up seven hours in order to avoid bad weather. It will now be played at noon Central Time.
Brian McNoldy, University of Miami hurricane researcher, said that “Ida certainly has potential to be very dangerous.” “It will move quickly so the trip across the Gulf from Cuba through Louisiana will take only 1.5 days.”
New Orleans was placed on hurricane alert. Louisiana declared an emergency. Categor 3 hurricanes can cause severe damage.
Governor John Bel Edwards stated that “Unfortunately, all Louisiana’s coastline are currently in the forecast cone for the storm.” John Bel Edwards.
The governor stated that everyone should be at the spot where they plan to ride out the storm by Saturday evening.
From Cameron, Louisiana to the Mississippi-Alabama border, a hurricane watch was in place — including Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas, as well as metropolitan New Orleans.
Collin Arnold, New Orleans’ director of homeland security, stated that storm surge predictions of 7-11 feet (2.1-3.4 meters) in the region prompted the mandatory evacuation.
Arnold stated that “Being east is not ideal.” “We expect significant impacts, such as tropical storm force or stronger winds that could bring down trees and cause prolonged power outages. Street flooding could result from heavy rains exceeding 10 inches, which is more than a day.
