The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service National Hurricane Center warns of the potential for tropical storm development today that is expected to bring tropical storm conditions to areas from Intracoastal City, Louisiana, to the Okaloosa/Walton county line in Florida. The warning area includes the city of New Orleans.
Forecast impacts from the storm include:
- Heavy rainfall between 4 to 8 inches, although some areas in the central Gulf Coast may see more than 12 inches.
- Considerable flash, urban and small stream flooding impacts as well as new and renewed minor to isolated moderate river flooding are likely along the central Gulf Coast.
- Flooding could affect areas northeastward into the southern Appalachians this weekend.
- Tropical storm force winds will be possible today, making outside preparations difficult or dangerous.
- Isolated tornadoes will be possible Friday across coastal Louisiana, possibly spreading overnight into Saturday across southern portions of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama to the western Florida Panhandle.
Key Messages
- Now is the time to prepare for severe weather. Visit Ready.gov to learn how you can keep yourself, your family and your pets safe.
- If you are in the forecast areas, monitor local radio, television stations or official social media accounts for updated emergency information, and follow the instructions of state, local, tribal and territorial officials.
- FEMA has Incident Management Assistance Teams on standby to deploy if needed to assist with any federal response coordination efforts.
- Download the free FEMA app (available in English and Spanish) to receive emergency alerts and real-time safety notifications, emergency preparedness tips and disaster resources. The app is available for Apple and Android devices.
Prepare for flooding and be prepared to evacuate if ordered to do so
- Your National Flood Insurance Program policy will cover and reimburse certain actions you take to minimize damage to your home and belongings before a flood.
- If you are in potentially affected areas, you should be familiar with evacuation routes, have a family emergency communications plan, keep a battery-powered radio handy and have plans for your family members and pets. If you are a person with disabilities, you may need to take additional steps to plan for both your needs and your service animal. Visit Ready.gov/floods to learn how to stay safe before, during and after a flood.
- If you are in the forecast area, follow the instructions of state and local officials.
- Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
- Driving through a flooded area can be extremely hazardous. Almost half of all flash flood deaths happen in vehicles. When in your car, look out for flooding in low lying areas at bridges and at highway dips. As little as 6 inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
- If you are instructed to evacuate and the roads are closed or there is water over a road, do not drive through the water.
Prepare for a tornado and plan for where you will go if a tornado watch is issued for your community
- Storm cellars, safe rooms or basements provide the best protection.
- If underground shelter or a safe room is not available, put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Go to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and stay away from windows and doors.
- Most injuries associated with high winds are from flying debris, so remember to protect your head.
- Plan to go quickly to a building with a strong foundation, if possible. Motor vehicles, trailers and mobile homes are not good locations to ride out a tornado.
- If shelter is not available, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact Office of External Affairs:
- Congressional Affairs at (202) 646-4500 or at FEMA-Congressional-Affairs@fema.dhs.gov
- Intergovernmental Affairs at (202) 646-3444 or at FEMA-IGA@fema.dhs.gov
- Tribal Affairs at (202) 646-3444 or at FEMA-Tribal@fema.dhs.gov
- Private Sector Engagement at (202) 646-3444 or at nbeoc@max.gov
Follow Us
Follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on Twitter, FEMA or FEMA Espanolon Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel.
Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on Twitter @FEMA_Deanne.
FEMA Mission
Helping people before, during, and after disasters.
