States along the Gulf of Mexico are expected to be bombarded by two storms next week, one of which has now strengthened to hurricane status.
The National Hurricane Center upgraded tropical cyclone Marco to hurricane status on Sunday after aircraft in the storm detected the storm’s maximum sustained wind reaching 75 mph with stronger wind gusts.
“Hurricane conditions, life-threatening storm surge, and heavy rainfall are expected from Marco along portions of the Gulf Coast beginning on Monday, and Hurricane and Storm Surge Warnings have been issued,” the NHC said in a message.
On its current track, Marco is anticipated to make landfall along the coast of Louisiana on Monday night. The storm is projected to head northwest and reach the border of Texas by Tuesday night.
#Marco has become a hurricane, according to data from the Air Force @403rdWing Hurricane Hunters. Maximum winds are 75 mph (120 km/h) with higher gusts. https://t.co/MPtF0KuhE3 pic.twitter.com/o7GbutfMHU
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 23, 2020
Behind Marco is Tropical Storm Laura, which over the weekend is bringing rain, 50 mph sustained winds, and potential life-threatening flash floods in areas within the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and the Bahamas.
“While the details of the long-range track and intensity forecasts remain uncertain, Laura is forecast to strengthen over the Gulf of Mexico and there is an increasing risk of storm surge, rainfall, and wind impacts along portions of the U.S. Gulf Coast by the middle of the week,” the NHC said in a statement.
Should the storm’s track remain the same, Laura may hit the coast of Louisiana between late Wednesday and early Thursday morning.
Tropical Storm #Laura Advisory 15A: Laura Heading Toward Eastern Cuba. Heavy Rainfall and Life-Threatening Flash Flooding Continues Over Portions of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. https://t.co/VqHn0u1vgc
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 23, 2020
Take steps to protect yourself and others when running any final pre-storm essential errands today, such as wearing a mask, social distancing, limiting nonessential trips, and washing or disinfecting your hands when you return home.
“COVID-19 means hurricane prep may look different this year. Give yourself more time than usual to prepare your emergency food, water and medicine supplies,” the Louisiana Department of Health said on Sunday. “Take steps to protect yourself and others when running any final pre-storm essential errands today, such as: wearing a mask, social distancing, limiting non-essential trips and washing or disinfecting your hands when you return home.”
