August 24 @ 4:15 p.m. – Phase 4 Laura, Phase 5 Ends for Marco, Update 8
GLPC STORM PHASE 5: STORM IN PORT ENDS FOR MARCO
GLPC STORM PHASE 4: MANDATORY EVACUATION
Tropical Storm Laura
UPDATE #8
Monday, August 24, 2020
4:15 p.m.
Port Fourchon is ending GLPC Storm Phase 5: Storm in Port for Tropical Storm Marco This will be our final TS Marco update. Port Fourchon remains in Storm Phase 4, which is Mandatory Evacuation, for Tropical Storm Laura.
This means that all remaining personnel should evacuate the port in accordance with the Lafourche Parish President’s order.
Please secure hazards and clear non-essential equipment from facility grounds, prepare office areas to minimize water intrusion damage, secure buildings with storm shutters or plywood over windows and doors, secure fuel tanks and storage areas, shut off utilities (water, electricity, etc.) if possible, and remove all small craft that can be hauled or trailered from port facilities and waterways, well away from the effects of possible storm surge and high winds. Remember, all vessels remaining in port must be manned. No new mooring dolphin rentals will be accepted; any unleased dolphins will be considered first come, first served until the storm is over.
Tropical Storm Laura is expected to make landfall sometime in the Wednesday/Thursday time frame, but her eventual path remains uncertain. Laura’s impacts are expected late Tuesday through Friday.
Lafourche Parish remains under a mandatory evacuation for all residents and businesses south of the Leon Theriot Lock in Golden Meadow as of 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2020.
All GLPC offices are on office closure effective 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 and will remain closed until the threat of the storm has passed, but GLPC Harbor Police and essential personnel will remain on duty during the storm to monitor conditions and take action as needed. NOTE: Emergency services may not be readily available in areas under mandatory evacuation during extreme weather events. As during any emergency, dial 911.
GLPC Committee Meetings scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, 2020 have been postponed until a later date to be determined. If Laura’s track begins to shift farther east, impacts to the local area would increase.
After the storms have passed and roadways are cleared for passage, the Port Commission will notify port businesses when limited or full access is given to tenants to return and assess any damage to facilities.
POSSIBLE IMPACTS IN THE PORT FOURCHON AREA:
- RAINFALL: Potential for heavy rainfall all week. Rainfall totals of 3-5 inches, with locally higher amounts possible.
- TIDES/STORM SURGE: Storm surge of 2-4 feet possible. Moderate to major coastal flooding, maximizing as Laura moves onshore and pushes water inland. Dangerous marine conditions expected throughout the week.
- WINDS: Strong/gusty winds with pockets of damaging winds; a few tornadoes possible.
- ROADWAYS: No closures in effect at this time, but a checkpoint manned by law enforcement has been put in place to monitor traffic and road conditions below the lock. Expect LA 1 to be closed to all vehicles south of the Leon Theriot Lock in Golden Meadow once water levels overtop the roadway and impact safety.
WARNINGS, WATCHES, & ADVISORIES (Updated 8/24/2020 @ 4:00 PM):
- TROPICAL STORM WARNING canceled for Marco.
- STORM SURGE WARNING canceled for Marco.
- FLASH FLOOD WATCH canceled for Marco.
- TROPICAL STORM WATCH in effect for Laura
- STORM SURGE WATCH in effect for Laura
EMERGENCY STORM HARBOR MARINA:
GLPC has opened the Emergency Storm Harbor Marina to commercial fishing vessels seeking safe harbor within the South Lafourche Levee System. Utilization of this marina will be on a first come, first served basis. Harbor Police will be on scene to monitor marina activity.
Visit this link to view GLPC Ordinance No. 74 regarding Storm Harbor Marina use:
https://portfourchon.com/wp-content/uploads/Ordinance74.pdf
NOTIFICATIONS AND WEATHER INFORMATION:
If you have signed up to any of our public information or emergency notification lists, e-mails, and/or social media, messages will be sent out regularly during a weather event with up-to-date information. If you would like to sign up for any notifications from the Port Commission, visit our NOTIFY ME page.
Visit the Port Commission’s WEATHER & STORM INFO webpage for links to current storm information, helpful storm prep information and resources, and contact updating forms.
We will continue to monitor potential disturbances and keep you updated with any developing weather-related issues affecting port and airport.