Sept 9 @ 11:00 a.m. – TS Francine Phase 2 Voluntary, Update 2
GLPC PHASE II: VOLUNTARY EVACUATION
Tropical Storm Francine
UPDATE #2
September 9, 2024
11:00 a.m.
Port Fourchon is moving to Storm Phase 2, which is Voluntary Evacuation. This means that tropical force winds are expected to be in Port Fourchon within 72 hours.
The Port Commission is keeping an eye on the development of Tropical Storm Francine, which is forecast to make landfall midweek along the coast of Louisiana. The path and impacts of Francine remain uncertain, but the potential for serious weather affecting our area is increasing rapidly. Tropical storm-force winds along with heavy rain and elevated tide levels could impact our area from late Tuesday evening to late Thursday afternoon. We ask that port tenants and users be alert for updates and prepared for things to change or progress quickly.
Please begin securing or moving equipment out of port and determine the intentions and/or special needs of all vessels and personnel at your facilities in the port.
Please review your facility’s hurricane plan, be thoughtful of stockpiling any loose material or excess items that could fly away or be damaged if Port Fourchon is affected by a storm, and make sure the Port Commission has your facility’s updated contact information so that you can receive timely storm-related information.
POSSIBLE IMPACTS IN THE PORT FOURCHON AREA:
- There is considerable uncertainty in the forecast. Impacts may vary widely depending upon eventual track, strength, size, and speed of movement. Moderate confidence on track and intensity.
- RAINFALL: widespread rainfall totals of 4-8″ are forecast with locally higher amounts, between 7a Tuesday and 7p Friday. Most of this rain will fall between 7a Wednesday and midday Thursday.
- TIDES/STORM SURGE: Minor to moderate coastal flooding will be possible. Some low-lying roads, lots and access routes could be flooded during the time of high tide, with the greatest impacts Wed and Thurs mornings
- WINDS: Gusty to damaging winds will be possible mainly on Wednesday and Wednesday night, with the strength of these winds highly dependent on the eventual track and intensity of the storm.
WARNINGS, WATCHES, & ADVISORIES (Updated today @ 10:28 AM):
- Hurricane Watch in effect for southern Lafourche Parish.
- Storm Surge Watch in effect for southern Lafourche Parish.
EMERGENCY STORM HARBOR MARINA:
GLPC opened the Emergency Storm Harbor Marina at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 9, 2024, 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
PROHIBITING UNMANNED VESSELS DURING STORMS:
No vessels shall be left unmanned in Port Fourchon. This includes commercial fishing vessels, houseboats, offshore vessels, and barges.
Visit this link to view GLPC Ordinance No. 71 regarding unmanned vessels in Port Fourchon:
https://portfourchon.com/wp-content/uploads/ordinance71.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.