DOCSLIB.ORG

ASSUMPTION PARISH HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN I

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
ASSUMPTION PARISH HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN I ASSUMPTION PARISH HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN i ASSUMPTION PARISH HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN ii ***This Page Left Intentionally Blank*** ASSUMPTION PARISH HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN iii ASSUMPTION PARISH HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE Prepared for: Assumption Parish Prepared by: Stephenson Disaster Management Institute Ms. Alexa Andrews Ms. Lauren Stevens Mr. Joseph B. Harris Mr. Brant Mitchell Dr. Carol J. Friedland, P.E., Ph.D., C.F.M. Mr. Eric V. Rohli Louisiana State University - Business Education Complex Baton Rouge, LA 70803 March 2016 ASSUMPTION PARISH HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN iv ***This Page Left Intentionally Blank*** ASSUMPTION PARISH HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This 2015 Assumption Parish Hazard Mitigation Plan Update was coordinated by the Assumption Parish Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Steering Committee, in collaboration with the participating jurisdictions as well as community stakeholders and the general public. The participating jurisdictions are made up of the following communities: Unincorporated Assumption Parish Village of Napoleonville Special thanks is directed to all of those who assisted in contributing feedback and expertise on this document, especially the Assumption Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. These combined efforts have made this project possible. The Assumption Parish Steering Committee consists of the following individuals, who are credited in the creation of this document: Anne Marsh AP OHSEP BJ Francis AP Waterworks Bethany Legendre OPH Region 3 Bobby Naquin AP Police Jury Brian Gros Labadieville Fire Dept. Bruce Prejean AP Sheriff’s Office Chris Boudreaux Lafourche Parish Christy Larose Heritage Manor Nursing Home Eric Deroche St. James Parish Gerald Richard Napoleonville Fire Dept. Ginger Rushing AP Waterworks Heidi Mattingly Dow Chemical Joey Comeaux AP School Board John Boudreaux AP OHSEP Karen Price DEQ Kayla Guerrero Region 3 DHH Kayte Landry AP OHSEP Keven Bergeron Boardwalk Pipeline Kim Beetz Met. Hospital Assoc. – LHA Kim Torres AP Police Jury Liz Templet AP Community Hospital Mercedes Bernard AP Police Jury Meshaun Blame Village of Napoleonville Nakeitha Mills APPJ – Road & Bridge Pam Roussel GOHSEP Ray Traigle AP Sheriff’s Office Richard Blanchard LA State Police Ron Animashaun Village of Napoleonville Teddy Crochet Acadian Ambulance Tracy Hebert Bayou Journal Newspaper Wayne Arboneaux AP Community Hospital The 2015 Assumption Parish Hazard Mitigation Plan Update was written by the Stephenson Disaster Management Institute, Louisiana State University. Further comments should be directed to the Assumption Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness: Post Office Box 520, Napoleonville, LA, 70390. ASSUMPTION PARISH HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN vi Contents 1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 1-1 Location, Demography, and Economy........................................................................................................ 1-2 Location .................................................................................................................................................. 1-2 Economy ................................................................................................................................................. 1-3 Hazard Mitigation ....................................................................................................................................... 1-4 General Strategy ......................................................................................................................................... 1-6 2015 Plan Update ....................................................................................................................................... 1-7 2. Hazard Identification and Parish-Wide Risk Assessment ....................................................................... 2-1 Prevalent Hazards to the Community ........................................................................................................ 2-1 Previous Occurrences ................................................................................................................................. 2-2 Probability of Future Hazard Events ........................................................................................................... 2-3 Inventory of Assets for the Entire Parish .................................................................................................... 2-4 Essential Facilities of the Parish.................................................................................................................. 2-5 Future Development Trends .................................................................................................................... 2-11 Future Hazard Impacts ............................................................................................................................. 2-12 Land Use ................................................................................................................................................... 2-12 Hazard Identification ................................................................................................................................ 2-14 Flooding ................................................................................................................................................ 2-14 Sinkholes ............................................................................................................................................... 2-29 Thunderstorms ..................................................................................................................................... 2-34 Tornadoes ............................................................................................................................................. 2-47 Tropical Cyclones .................................................................................................................................. 2-53 Winter Storms ...................................................................................................................................... 2-66 3. Capability Assessment ............................................................................................................................ 3-1 Policies, Plans, and Programs ..................................................................................................................... 3-1 Building Codes, Permitting, Land Use Planning and Ordinances ........................................................... 3-2 Administration, Technical, and Financial.................................................................................................... 3-3 Education and Outreach ............................................................................................................................. 3-4 Flood Insurance and Community Rating System ........................................................................................ 3-5 NFIP Worksheets ........................................................................................................................................ 3-8 4. Mitigation Strategy ................................................................................................................................. 4-1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 4-1 Goals ........................................................................................................................................................... 4-1 2015 Mitigation Actions and Update on Previous Plan Actions ................................................................. 4-2 ASSUMPTION PARISH HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN vii Assumption 2011 Hazard Mitigation Action Update .............................................................................. 4-3 Unincorporated Assumption New Mitigation Actions ........................................................................... 4-5 Village of Napoleonville - New Mitigation Actions ................................................................................. 4-8 Action Prioritization .................................................................................................................................. 4-10 Appendix A: Planning Process ............................................................................................................................ 1 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................................... 1 The Assumption Parish Hazard Mitigation Plan Update ................................................................................ 1 Planning .......................................................................................................................................................... 3 Coordination ................................................................................................................................................... 3 Neighboring Community, Local and Regional Planning Process Involvement ............................................... 3 Program Integration ......................................................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Natchitoches Parish 10Th Judicial
    Field Agencies Listed by Location Be aware that this is a listing of agencies that have been utilized at some past point. There is no guarantee that this agency will be available during the semester for which you are applying. After the due date for field applications, the Field Director will make contacts with requested agencies to determine availability. ^3.0 social work GPA required. Natchitoches Parish 10th Judicial District Court, Drug Court Program (adults and teens) Campti Community Development Center Cane River Children’s Services Dialysis Medical Care East Natchitoches Families in Need of Service (FINS) Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana (Independent Living Skills program) Hospice of Natchitoches Louisiana Extended Care Hospital^ Metropolitan Circles (Mental Health Rehab agency) Natchitoches Central High School, Cabrini Hospital School Based Health Center^ Natchitoches Office of Behavioral Health^ Natchitoches Parish DCFS* Natchitoches Parish Police Jury Headstart Natchitoches Parish School Board Natchitoches Police Jury Office of Community Service (emergency services) Natchitoches Regional Medical Center^ Natchitoches Regional Medical Center-Insights (psychiatric inpatient) Natchitoches Regional Medical Center-Reflections (psychiatric outpatient) Office of Juvenile Justice (probation and parole) Office of Probation and Parole (Adults) Rehab Services of Natchitoches (not available at this time) Senior Companion Program, Natchitoches Parish Police Jury Office of Community Services Youth and Families Empowerment Services (YFES)
    [Show full text]
  • City of Opelousas, Louisiana
    Jlt^3 CITY OF OPELOUSAS, LOUISIANA Financial Report Year Ended August 31, 2012 Under provisions of state law, this report is a public document. Acopy of the report has been submitted to the entity and other appropriate public officials. The report is available for public inspection at the Baton Rouge office of the LegislativeAuditor and, where appropriate, at the office of the parish clerk of court. Release Date MAY 08 ?ni-^ TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Independent Auditors' Report 1-2 BASIC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS GOVERNMENT-WIDE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (GWFS) Statement of net assets 5 Statement of activities 6 FUND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (FFS) Balance sheet - governmental funds 8 Reconciliation of the governmental funds balance sheet to the statement of net assets 9 Statement of revenues, expenditures, and changes in fund balances- governmental funds 10 Reconciliation of the statement of revenues, expenditures, and changes in fund balances of governmental funds to the statement of activities 11 Statement of net assets - proprietary funds 12 Statement of revenues, expenses, and changes in fund net assets - proprietary funds 13 Statement of cash flows - proprietary funds 14-15 Notes to basic fmancial statements 16-47 REQUIRED SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Budgetary comparison schedules: General Fund 49 Sales Tax Special Revenue Fund 50 OTHER SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION Balance sheet - General and Sales Tax funds (with prior year comparable amounts) 53 Major Governmental Funds (with prior year comparable amounts) - General Fund
    [Show full text]
  • 60 YEARS Celebrating of Service
    Celebrating60 YEARS of1954-2014 Service 2014 ANNUAL REPORT United Way of Central Louisiana GET INVOLVED The United Way of Central Louisiana and volunteers work year round to make a positive and lasting impact in our community. Here are some ways you can get involved! GIVE A gift to United Way of Central Louisiana remains the most effective and efficient way to help the entire community. When you make a donation, your money stays in our community to help with needs as varied as the people who have them. This means that your generosity helps make our nine parish region a better place for all of us. ADVOCATE You can make a change happen with your voice. Get informed. Tell your friends. Write a letter to the editor. United Way needs people who are passionate about making an impact in our community. VOLUNTEER When you volunteer, you help people in our community. That's your neighbors, friends, family and coworkers who depend on your help through United Way. Go online and follow the link to our volunteer center. See what volunteer skills are needed and where. Choose the volunteer opportunity that lets you make the difference you care most about. TABLE OF CONTENTS Message from Dave Britt .............................................................. 2 2014 Board of Directors ............................................................... 3 2014 Community Impact Volunteers ............................................. 4 Partner Agencies & Program Investment Funding........................... 5 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)...............................................
    [Show full text]
  • Aerial Rapid Assessment of Hurricane Damages to Northern Gulf Coastal Habitats
    8786 ReportScience Title and the Storms: the USGS Response to the Hurricanes of 2005 Chapter Five: Landscape5 Changes The hurricanes of 2005 greatly changed the landscape of the Gulf Coast. The following articles document the initial damage assessment from coastal Alabama to Texas; the change of 217 mi2 of coastal Louisiana to water after Katrina and Rita; estuarine damage to barrier islands of the central Gulf Coast, especially Dauphin Island, Ala., and the Chandeleur Islands, La.; erosion of beaches of western Louisiana after Rita; and the damages and loss of floodplain forest of the Pearl River Basin. Aerial Rapid Assessment of Hurricane Damages to Northern Gulf Coastal Habitats By Thomas C. Michot, Christopher J. Wells, and Paul C. Chadwick Hurricane Katrina made landfall in southeast Louisiana on August 29, 2005, and Hurricane Rita made landfall in southwest Louisiana on September 24, 2005. Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) flew aerial surveys to assess damages to natural resources and to lands owned and managed by the U.S. Department of the Interior and other agencies. Flights were made on eight dates from August Introduction 27 through October 4, including one pre-Katrina, three post-Katrina, The USGS National Wetlands and four post-Rita surveys. The Research Center (NWRC) has a geographic area surveyed history of conducting aerial rapid- extended from Galveston, response surveys to assess Tex., to Gulf Shores, hurricane damages along the Ala., and from the Gulf coastal areas of the Gulf of of Mexico shoreline Mexico and Caribbean inland 5–75 mi Sea. Posthurricane (8–121 km).
    [Show full text]
  • Hurricane & Tropical Storm
    5.8 HURRICANE & TROPICAL STORM SECTION 5.8 HURRICANE AND TROPICAL STORM 5.8.1 HAZARD DESCRIPTION A tropical cyclone is a rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over tropical or sub-tropical waters and has a closed low-level circulation. Tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes are all considered tropical cyclones. These storms rotate counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere around the center and are accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds (NOAA, 2013). Almost all tropical storms and hurricanes in the Atlantic basin (which includes the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea) form between June 1 and November 30 (hurricane season). August and September are peak months for hurricane development. The average wind speeds for tropical storms and hurricanes are listed below: . A tropical depression has a maximum sustained wind speeds of 38 miles per hour (mph) or less . A tropical storm has maximum sustained wind speeds of 39 to 73 mph . A hurricane has maximum sustained wind speeds of 74 mph or higher. In the western North Pacific, hurricanes are called typhoons; similar storms in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific Ocean are called cyclones. A major hurricane has maximum sustained wind speeds of 111 mph or higher (NOAA, 2013). Over a two-year period, the United States coastline is struck by an average of three hurricanes, one of which is classified as a major hurricane. Hurricanes, tropical storms, and tropical depressions may pose a threat to life and property. These storms bring heavy rain, storm surge and flooding (NOAA, 2013). The cooler waters off the coast of New Jersey can serve to diminish the energy of storms that have traveled up the eastern seaboard.
    [Show full text]
  • Reef Corals in the Netherlands Antilles By
    Ecological aspects of the distribution of reef corals in the Netherlands Antilles by Rolf P. M. Bak Caribbean Marine Biological Institute, Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles Abstract INTRODUCTION The vertical and horizontal of the distribution patterns The Netherlands Antilles consist of two groups of of corals and coral reefs (to a depth of 90 m) are dis- islands: the Leeward Group of Aruba, Bonaire and cussed in relation the environmental factors: to geomor- Curaçao and the Windward Group of St. Martin, phology of the bottom, available substrate, light, tur- St. Eustatius and Saba inset in fig. 1). Most bidity, sedimentation, water movement and temperature. (see of the research coral has been done in There is a general pattern which is comparable to other on reefs well-developed Caribbean reefs. However, as in other the Curaçao, with some attention being paid to areas variations are found, e.g. the depth and growth reefs of Aruba and Bonaire. The marine habitats form of Acropora palmata will depend on the degree of of the Windward are unstudied. There correla- Group relatively exposure to water movement. are strong show Leeward tions between the environmental variables and the oc- The few explorations made, the currence of coral species and their growth form, the Group of islands to be much richer in reef develop- species composition of coral communities and the charac- ment (and in speoies diversity) than St. Martin, St. ter of the coral reef. In some cases the relationship is not Eustatius and Saba. that obvious. The absence of Agaricia species at certain The factors coral distribution are points along the coast of Aruba and the dominance of governing Sargassum on the deep bottom at some places along the well known and include: light, sedimentation, wa- windward coast of Curaçao is not yet explained.
    [Show full text]
  • Hurricanes of 1955 Gordon E
    DECEMBEB1955 MONTHLY WEATHER REVIEW 315 HURRICANES OF 1955 GORDON E. DUNN, WALTER R. DAVIS, AND PAUL L. MOORE Weather Bureau Offrce, Miami, Fla. 1. GENERAL SUMMARY grouping i,n theirpaths. Thethree hurricanes entering the United States all crossed the North Carolina coast There were 13 tropical storms in 1955, (fig. 9), of which within a 6-week period and three more crossed the Mexican 10 attained hurricane force, a number known to have been coast within 150 miles of Tampico within a period of 25 exceeded only once before when 11 hurricanes were re- days. corded in 1950. This compares with a normal of about The hurricane season of 1955 was the most disastrous 9.2 tropical storms and 5 of hurricane intensity. In con- in history and for the second consecutive year broke all trast to 1954, no hurricanes crossed the coastline north of previous records for damage. Hurricane Diane was Cape Hatteras andno hurricane winds were reported north undoubtedly the greatest natural catastrophe in the his- of that point. No tropical storm of hurricane intensity tory of the United Statesand earned the unenviable affected any portion of the United States coastline along distinction of “the first billion dollar hurricane”. While the Gulf of Mexico or in Florida for the second consecutive the WeatherBureau has conservatively estimated the year. Only one hurricane has affected Florida since 1950 direct damage from Diane at between $700,000,000 and and it was of little consequence. However, similar hurri- $800,000,000, indirect losses of wages, business earnings, cane-free periods have occurred before.
    [Show full text]
  • Comprehensive Plan 2008
    Assumption Parish Comprehensive Plan 2008 Assumption Parish Vision Statement “Assumption Parish will continue to develop a healthy community atmosphere and a desirable quality of life for its residents by ensuring a balanced mix of residential and commercial development, quality education, necessary infrastructure, employment and recreational opportunities while preserving its natural resources and pleasing rural character. The Parish will become a growing, visually attractive, safe and economically stable community striving for cooperation and input from its citizens and business community.” Comprehensive Plan Thank You Planning Process Precipitants Steering Committee The following Assumption Parish residents assisted in the development of the Assump- Ron Animashaun tion Parish Comprehensive Plan by attending one or more Focus Group meetings: Gerald Boudreaux Donna Alleman, Ron Animashaun, Michele Aucoin, Jimmy Babineaux, Vicki John Boudreaux Babineaux, Carlos Bassa, Faye Blanchard, Michael Blanchard, Gerald Boudreaux, John Friday, May 01, 2009 Boudreaux, Malissa Boudreaux, Neal Boudreaux, Booster Breaux, Nelson Carter, Irving Malissa Boudreaux Comeaux, Lester Daggs, Mike DuBois, Frank Elliott, Sandi Fernandez, Anne Marie Mr. Martin Triche Nelson Carter Gauthreaux, Clayton Gautreaux, Paul Giroir, Tammy Girouard, Larry Howell, John LaFleur, Parish President Irving Comeaux Angela Landry, C. J. Landry, Morgan Landry, James Larrison, Sherlyn Larrison, Honoray Assumption Parish Police Jury Lester Daggs Lewis, Rick Louque Gary Martin, Janelle Martin, Heidi Mattingly, Ella Metrejean, Leslie P.O. Box 520 Misset, Bobby Naquin, Douglas Ohmar, Jessica Ourso, Rodney Rhodes, Brian Richard, Larry Howell Napoleonville, Louisiana 70390 Darrel Rivere, Jerry Rivere, Renard Southall, Ronald Southall, Ken St. Germain, Leo John LaFleur Sternfels, Scott Sternfels, Henry Templet, Wade Templet, Kim Torres Re: The Assumption Parish Comprehensive Plan James Larrison Honoray Lewis Dear Mr.
    [Show full text]
  • City of Shreveport a Great Place to Call Home 2018-2019 Economic Profile
    City of Shreveport A Great Place to Call Home 2018-2019 Economic Profile SHREVEPORT • CADDO PARISH • MSA OFFICE OF THE MAYOR SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA Greetings and welcome to Shreveport! Shreveport serves as the economic driver and engine of our region We are proud to be home to LSU School of Medicine, one of America’s top-notch and is commonly called the Capital of the Ark-La-Tex. We are the academic schools that includes medicine, graduate studies, and allied health professions. third largest city in Louisiana, leading the community in progressive To meet the needs of our workforce development for business and industry, Northwest growth and development. Shreveport is the seat of Caddo Parish Louisiana Technical College offers extensive and customized vocational training and serves as the financial, medical, commercial, industrial, and programs. governmental hub of the Ark-La-Tex. Our city is definitely open for business, and the increasing number of businesses opening Our team is a one-stop assembly for all required planning, construction requirements, each month is evident. Shreveport is a city with nearly 200,000 residents, serving and processes. In addition to the support services offered through the Economic a metropolitan statistical area of more than 440,000. Development Department, all of the city’s departments are here to assist as well. Our centralized geographic location, situated at the crossroads of three major interstate I invite you to experience Shreveport firsthand and enjoy the clean air, the beautiful highways: I-20, I-49, and I-220, makes it an ideal commercial distribution hub in the scenery, and the many amenities that we have to offer.
    [Show full text]
  • Hurricane Harvey Evacuation Behavior Survey Outcomes and Findings
    Coastal Bend Hurricane Evacuation Study: Hurricane Harvey Evacuation Behavior Survey Outcomes and Findings Prepared by Texas A&M Hazard Reduction & Recovery Center University of Washington Institute for Hazard Mitigation Planning and Research and Texas A&M Transportation Institute May 2020 Coastal Bend Hurricane Evacuation Study: Hurricane Harvey Evacuation Behavior Survey Outcomes and Findings Prepared by: Texas A&M Hazard Reduction & Recovery Center (HRRC) University of Washington (UW) Institute for Hazard Mitigation Planning and Research and Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) Dr. David H. Bierling, TTI & HRRC Dr. Michael K. Lindell, UW Dr. Walter Gillis Peacock, HRRC Alexander Abuabara, HRRC Ryke A. Moore, HRRC Dr. Douglas F. Wunneburger, HRRC James A. (Andy) Mullins III, TTI Darrell W. Borchardt, PE, TTI May 2020 CONTENTS LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................................... iv LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................................. iv INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 1 BACKGROUND ................................................................................................................................ 1 SURVEY OVERVIEW ...................................................................................................................... 2 Survey Topics
    [Show full text]
  • 2017 Pictorial Roster of Members
    2017 PICTORIAL ROSTER OF MEMBERS 2017 Board of Directors 2 Pictorial Roster of Members 3 Alphabetical Listing of Registered Lobbyists 28 Alphabetical Listing by Company 90 Association of Louisiana Lobbyists P.O. Box 854 Baton Rouge, LA 70821 (225) 767-7640 Ask for Jamie Freeman, Account Manager [email protected] LouisianaLobbyists.org 1 2016-2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jody Montelaro John Walters Markey Pierre’ Ryan Ha ynie President Vice-President Secretary/ Immediate Entergy Services Associated Builders Treasurer Past-President and Contractors Southern Strategy Haynie & Group of North Associates Louisiana 2017 PICTORIAL ROSTER OF MEMBERS (as of March 20, 2017) Alisha Duhon Larry Murray Christian Eric Sunstrom Adams & Reese The Picard Group Rhodes The Chesapeake Roedel Parsons Group Drew Tessier David Tatman Union Pacific Executive Director Railroad Association of Louisiana Lobbyists 2 3 Adams, Ainsworth, Albright, Bailey, Lauren Bascle, Arwin Beckstrom, Mark E. Pete Kevin O. Jeffrey W. LA State Medical Society Arwin P. Bascle, LLC Ochsner Health System LA District Attorneys Jones Walker Independent Insurance 6767 Perkins Rd, Ste 100 2224 Eliza Beaumont Ln 880 Commerce Road Association 8555 United Plaza Blvd, Agents of LA Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Baton Rouge, LA 70808 West, Ste. 500 1645 Nicholson Dr Ste. 500 18153 E. Petroleum Dr Cell: (225)235-2865 Cell: (504) 296-4349 New Orleans, LA 70123 Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Baton Rouge, LA 70809 Baton Rouge, LA 70809 [email protected] [email protected] Work: (504) 842-3228 Work:(225) 343-0171 Work: (225) 248-2036 Work: (225) 819-8007 Fax: (504) 842-9123 Fax: (225) 387-0237 Cell: (225) 921-3311 Fax: (225) 819-8027 [email protected] [email protected] Fax: (225) 248-3136 [email protected] kainsworth@ joneswalker.com Allison, Don Ashy, Alton E.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Report Commissioned By: Hurricane Delta – Its
    Hurricane Delta – Its Wind and Rain Impacts on Louisiana A Preliminary Report – October 12, 2020 By: Don Wheeler, Meteorologist Only 44 days a devastating strike from category 4 Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Delta makes landfall near Creole, Louisiana - approximately 15 miles east from where Hurricane Laura came ashore near Cameron on August 27. Delta was the fourth named tropical system to make landfall in Louisiana this season joining Tropical Storm Cristobal, Tropical Storm Marco, and Hurricane Laura. The previous record was set in 2002 when Tropical Storms Bertha, Hanna, and Isidore joined with Hurricane Lili to strike the state. Delta, like its predecessor Laura, caused widespread power outages across the state and dumped heavy rainfall in excess of 10 inches. Delta began as an area of disturbed weather in the eastern Caribbean the weekend of October 2. Models were indicating tropical formation of this system within a few days as it moved into the central Caribbean. Ahead of the system Tropical Depression 25, soon to become Gamma, was located over the northwestern Caribbean. The National Hurricane Center issued the first advisory on “Potential Tropical Cyclone 26” at 5PM EDT, Sunday October 4 when the storm was just off the southeast coast of Jamaica. The first forecast track took the storm to the northwest over the western tip of Cuba, then into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico where it was to strengthen to hurricane force. Delta was to move to south of the Louisiana coast, then take a northward turn toward southeast Louisiana in response to an approaching trough. With time, this track would shift west and southwest ever so slightly with the eventual landfall occurring in southwest Louisiana.
    [Show full text]