Hurricane Zeta
Hurricane Zeta
October 28, 2020
The Hancock County Emergency Management Agency in coordination with the Hancock County Board of Supervisors, and Cities of Bay St. Louis, Diamondhead, and Waveland have issued a mandatory evacuation effective immediately. This evacuation is for all low lying areas, residents living on rivers, river inlets, bayou creeks, and in travel trailers, modular homes or mobile homes, homes under construction and or partially constructed homes.
The low lying areas include but are not limited to the following: Shoreline Park (East & West side of HWY 603), North Beach - Cedar Point, South Beach BLVD - Bay St. Louis & Waveland, South Side of Diamondhead, Clermont Harbor, Lakeshore, Ansley/Heron Bay, Pearlington, Harbor Drive, Chapman Road, Jourdan River Drive.*
For further information, contact the Hancock County Emergency Management Agency at 228-255-0942. Here is an update concerning Hurricane Zeta.
Changes from previous update:
The forecast strength of the system has increased. The forecast now calls for a category 2 strength storm at landfall.
Wind impacts have increased across coastal LA, metro New Orleans, and coastal MS. Storm surge values have increased.
Overview:
The current forecast calls for Zeta to make landfall as a Category 2 hurricane in Southeast Louisiana by late this afternoon.
This system will bring a multi-hazard threat to the area.
Confidence:
If the current forecast holds, significant impacts are expected across portions of SE LA and S MS.
High confidence exists in the magnitude of the impacts.
Storm Surge:
6 to 9 feet of inundation is possible from the Mouth of the Pearl River to the MS/AL line. 5 to 7 ft of inundation will be possible along immediate coastal areas from Port Fourchon to the mouth of the Pearl River. 3 to 5 feet of inundation for the immediate coastal areas west of Port Fourchon and along the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. 1 to 3 feet of inundation for the shores of Lake Maurepas.
Storm surge impacts will be greatest this afternoon into this evening. Expect several low-lying, coastal roads to become impassable due to flooding.
Some areas may become cut off or inaccessible.
Rainfall/Flooding:
Rainfall of 2 to 4 inches is currently forecast. Locally higher amounts will be possible. The highest rain totals will be along and east of the center. Expect ponding of water in low lying areas and some potential for localized flash flooding.
Rainfall impacts are expected today through tonight.
Wind and tornado:
Sustained hurricane force winds are expected across a large swath of SE LA and coastal MS.
These winds could result in downed and uprooted trees, power outages, and damage to weaker and poorly constructed structures.
A few tornadoes will be possible in the storm's rain bands mainly to the east of the center. Tornadoes in these situations are typically short-lived, but they move very quickly.
The highest tornado threat will generally be across areas southeast
CITY HALL WILL BE CLOSED WEDNESDAY - THURSDAY (OCTOBER 28 - 29) WITH LIMITED ESSENTIAL STAFF IN PLACE.
It also suggested that you have on hand medications, and several days of food and water available for each person in your home.
Sandbags are available at City Hall near the police station (north side of the building) for residents. This is self-serve, so please bring a shovel.
Other emergency management information, including shelter locations, is available at Hancock County Emergency Management Agency Facebook Page
Please stay tuned to your local news and weather for more information and updates as they become available. If you have an emergency, please dial 911.
For non-emergency events, please call police dispatch at 228-255-9191. Please be prepared and stay safe!
