UPDATE: Tropical Storm Sally expected to intensify into hurricane
By ALAN SMASON
Infrared imagery shows the extent of Tropical Storm Sally as the system intensifies. (Photo via NOAA)
Tropical Storm Sally continued to intensify as it advanced slowly eastward and slightly away from the Southeast Louisiana shoreline. However, the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the Alabama coastline seem now to be more at risk as the center has moved slightly and the storm continues to slow in its forward progress, strengthening to near hurricane strength. The major threat from the system comes from downpours that could inundate Alabama and the Florida panhandle with more than 8-10 inches of rain, perhaps more in some areas. The storm also brings with the threat of a huge storm surge of 7-11 feet.
While heavy winds are expected near the New Orleans area, most of the projections suggest tropical storm force winds gusting up to 40 m.p.h. might be expected to stay within the area until Wednesday, ramping up the possibility of downed trees and power lines.
At 10:00 a.m. CDT, the center of Tropical Storm Sally was located at longitude 28.4° N and latitude 86.9°W, or about 110 miles south, southwest of the mouth of the Mississippi River. The lowest pressure measured with the system is 991MB.
Area forecasters are calling for the storm to continue to track toward the west, northwest at 6 m.p.h., down to half of its reported speed from yesterday. Heavy downpours are expected this afternoon and could continue over the course of the next 36 hours.
With the latest update, area forecasters suggest the New Orleans metropolitan area is not expected to see the heaviest of the system’s showers and thunderstorms, which are situated to the east of the storm’s center. The eye of the storm is expected to make landfall on Tuesday close to Biloxi, Mississippi.
The system is expected to gain hurricane status as it slows and intensifies, losing its steering current before taking a track towards the north as it slams into the coastline. The highest winds associated with Tropical Storm Sally are gusts and sustained winds of 65 m.p.h., putting it just short of official hurricane status at 74 m.p.h. Forecasters believe it it should achieve that designation later in the day.
Most area schools have been closed today and tomorrow. Some colleges remain open for virtual classes and in-person classes until late this afternoon.
All ferry service has been suspended in the area and Regional Transit Authority officials announced the closure of all transit service beginning at noon today. Jefferson Parish Transit is closing down its service at 7:00 p.m.
Mandatory evacuations of areas not protected by levees in St. Bernard, Plaquemines and Jefferson Parishes have been announced as well as in New Orleans East by city officials.
