August 25 @ 12:15 p.m. – Phase 4 Laura, Update 10
GLPC STORM PHASE 4: MANDATORY EVACUATION
Hurricane Laura
UPDATE #10
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
12:15 p.m.
Port Fourchon remains in GLPC Storm Phase 4: Mandatory Evacuation for Hurricane Laura. This means that all remaining personnel should evacuate the port in accordance with the Lafourche Parish President’s order.
Laura has tracked farther to the west and is now forecast to make landfall in southeast Texas Thursday as a Category 3 hurricane. Even though the center of Laura is forecast to remain well south of the local
area, impacts will be felt outside the cone tonight through Thursday. The highest threat will be storm surge across coastal Louisiana west of the Mississippi River.
The Port Commission anticipates that rising water at high tide late this evening will result in water overtopping roadways below the floodgates. Roads are currently open to vehicular traffic, but this will transition to road closure if tides rise and overtop the roadway between Golden Meadow and Leeville.
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.
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: Heavy rainfall/flash flooding will be possible if any bands result in prolonged heavy rainfall over one area Rainfall totals of 3-5 inches, with locally higher amounts possible.
- TIDES/STORM SURGE: Storm surge of 4-6 feet possible. Moderate to major coastal flooding. Dangerous marine conditions expected throughout the week.
- WINDS: Strong/gusty winds and a few short-lived/fast-moving tornadoes will also be possible in any bands, but less than 10% chance of sustained damaging winds in the Port Fourchon area.
- 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 8/25/2020 @ 10:00 AM):
- TROPICAL STORM WARNING in effect
- STORM SURGE WARNINGin effect
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.