Hurricane Ida Targeting Louisiana Coast
The Ascension Parish Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness continues to report information on Tropical Depression number 9. It is anticipated to become Hurricane IDA.
As of this morning, there has been a slight shift in the forecast track to the east although the storm is projected to strengthen into a predicted CAT 3 storm with winds up to 115 MPH and is predicted to take a N NW storm track as it approaches the Louisiana coast. Although the impact cone is currently uncertain for the area, the size of the storm will produce impacts as the path plots are fairly accurate.
The storm may continue to increase in strength, so please continue to prepare as more reports come out. This area is anticipating between 8-15 inches of rain and hurricane force sustained winds with guests. Landfall is predicted as early as Sunday at 2pm but may not reach the Donaldsonville area until several hours later. The storm force winds will continue to impact the area overnight Sunday into Monday.
Now is the time to get storm-ready. Ensure you have prescriptions, batteries, water, and other supplies.
While you are encouraged to care for family members and friends by offering shelter, please be mindful that we are still dealing with a high infection rate of COVID-19 so it is essential to take precautions through mask wearing, hand sanitizing and social distancing as much as possible.
Sandbags are currently available at the DPW West Barn on 750 Church St, here in Donaldsonville. Residents are asked to keep all sandbags through the duration of hurricane season. Additional sites are also avaialble on throughout the Parish.
Now is a good time to go to our website and register for Everbridge, the free app which will send you alerts regarding storms as they may impact our area. You should also follow our website and facebook pages as we will update you as we know more. You should also go the AOHSEP facebook page and register for free alerts that you can receive in text format to help you better prepare for storms. If you need additional assistance, you can also call 225.450.1200 to get registered for the Everbridge Emergency Alert System.
We ask that you begin by clearing debris and items that might be projected in potential winds and clear any obstructions for drainage. If you see need our assistance, please contact City Hall and we will assist you during this period. We will have additional updates throughout the weekend as I have activated our emergency preparedness communication team to keep you aware throughout the weekend. We will have staff available on call as usual by calling 225-802-8215.
Please click the links here to connect directly to additional resources and learn how to register for early alerts:
https://www.facebook.com/DonaldsonvilleLA/?ref=pages_you_manage
Homeland Security | Ascension Parish Government