Oct. 28 @ 7:45 a.m. – Hurricane Zeta Phase 4 Mandatory Evacuation, Update 5
GLPC STORM PHASE 4: MANDATORY EVACUATION
Hurricane Zeta
UPDATE #5
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
7:45 a.m.
Port Fourchon is in Storm Phase 4: Mandatory Evacuation, as ordered by the Lafourche Parish President effective 6:00 a.m. today, Wednesday, October 28, for the area below the lock in Golden Meadow. This means that all remaining personnel should evacuate the port in accordance with the Lafourche Parish President’s order.
Hurricane Zeta has strengthened overnight and is on track to make landfall in southeast Louisiana late this afternoon, passing through the Port Fourchon area as a Category 2 hurricane. Zeta is forecast to move quickly, but be prepared for significant storm surge outside of the levee system and hurricane force winds up to 100 mph. Coastal flooding chances increase in low-lying areas as storm waters rise and conditions deteriorate rapidly this afternoon.
Roads are currently open to vehicular traffic, but this will transition to road closure once tides rise and overtop the roadway on low-lying areas of LA 1 below the Golden Meadow Lock. LA DOTD has suspended tolls on the elevated LA 1 Expressway in Leeville.
Port Fourchon Harbor Police will be monitoring the condition of the roadway, and the Port Commission will send out updates as they become available.
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, especially main water lines to port facilities, 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.
A checkpoint manned by Port Fourchon Harbor Police has been put in place at GLPC’s Fourchon Operations Center on LA 3090 to monitor traffic in and out of the port and maintain safety during mandatory evacuation.
After the storm has 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.
All GLPC offices are on office closure effective at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2020, 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.
POSSIBLE IMPACTS IN THE PORT FOURCHON AREA:
- RAINFALL: Rainfall totals of 2-4 inches, with locally higher amounts possible. Greater risk for heavy rain and flash flooding with rain bands.
- TIDES/STORM SURGE: 5-7 feet of storm surge is currently forecast for the Port Fourchon area. Moderate to major coastal flooding likely near Zeta’s center track. Highest water levels are expected this afternoon and tonight. Dangerous marine conditions.
- WINDS: Strong to damaging winds expected, with sustained tropical force winds and/or hurricane force winds near Zeta’s center. A few short-lived, fast-moving tornadoes possible as well as waterspouts in marine areas.
- ROADWAYS: Roads are open to vehicular traffic but be alert for closure notices as storm waters rise. Coastal flooding is a concern as always on LA 1 between the Leon Theriot Lock in Golden Meadow and the entrance to the elevated LA 1 Expressway in Leeville.
WARNINGS, WATCHES, & ADVISORIES (Updated 10/28/2020 @ 4:00 AM):
- Hurricane Warning in effect for Lafourche Parish.
- Storm Surge Warning in effect for Lafourche Parish.
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 evaluate the threat this weather poses and keep you updated with any developing weather-related issues.