August 30 @ 5:30 p.m. – Ida Recovery Phase, Update 8
GLPC STORM RECOVERY PHASE
Hurricane Ida
UPDATE #8
August 30, 2021
5:30 p.m.
Port Fourchon is in Recovery Phase after Hurricane Ida. This means that the storm has passed, and port personnel are working to access the area, assess roadways, waterways, and facilities, and clear debris.
Port Fourchon experienced a direct hit by a strong Category 4 hurricane. Impacts included extreme and sustained hurricane force winds and storm surge of 12 to 14 feet in places. Water levels have receded, but large amounts of wind and water-driven storm debris are impeding access on multiple levels. Port assessment teams are on the ground and actively working toward safe entry.
Waterways into and within Port Fourchon and all along Bayou Lafourche are impeded by multiple obstructions and sunken vessels. NOAA Coast Survey is en route to the area to conduct channel surveys in the port, but expect delayed waterway access to Fourchon facilities. Vessels should not attempt to enter or exit the port until the Port Commission’s damage assessment has been completed and the all clear is given. This is for safety and security purposes.
The Ted Gisclair Floodgate in Larose and the Leon Theriot Lock in Golden Meadow remain closed to all marine traffic.
LA 1 still currently closed to all vehicles south of the Leon Theriot Lock in Golden Meadow. There are multiple places on the shoulder of the roadway that have washed out and are unstable. The roadway will not be reopened until it has been assessed for safety and debris has been cleared.
After roadways are cleared for passage, the Port Commission will notify port businesses when LIMITED access is given to Port Fourchon tenants to return and assess any damage to facilities. Port reentry will be a phased approach, with tenant assessment teams being allowed into port first to assess facilities and assets. Standard reentry protocols will be followed.
Please stay out of the area until you are given the all clear. Your presence may hamper recovery efforts to get Port Fourchon fully operational as quickly as possible.
Port Fourchon Harbor Police and other first responder agencies remain on duty to monitor conditions for public safety.
A curfew is still in place until further notice for all of Lafourche Parish as ordered by the Lafourche Parish president.
EMERGENCY STORM HARBOR MARINA:
GLPC ‘s Emergency Storm Harbor Marina remains active for the commercial fishing vessels that sought safe harbor within the South Lafourche Levee System. Harbor Police continue 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 evaluate the threat this weather poses and keep you updated with any developing weather-related issues.