Port Fourchon moves to Storm Phase 3: Recommended Evacuation ahead of TS Ida

Lafourche Public Schools Closed Monday due to Tropical Storm Ida

August 27, 2021

Sandbag locations in Lafourche open at noon Friday

August 27, 2021

The Port Commission is moving Port Fourchon to Storm Phase 3: Recommended Evacuation as Tropical Storm Ida moves into the Gulf of Mexico. This means that tropical force winds are expected to be in Port Fourchon within 50 hours or less.

Ida is anticipated to make landfall on Sunday as a major hurricane, with direct impacts to the South Louisiana coast. Due to the swift development of Ida, we ask that port tenants and users be alert for updates and prepared for things to change or progress quickly.

Non-essential personnel should evacuate the port. 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, 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 once Phase 3 has been activated; any unleased dolphins will be considered first come, first served until the storm is over.

POSSIBLE IMPACTS IN THE PORT FOURCHON AREA:

There is still uncertainty in the forecast. Impacts may vary depending upon eventual track, strength, and speed of movement.
RAINFALL: Heavy rainfall totaling 8-16 inches with some isolated higher amounts possible.
TIDES/STORM SURGE: Potential risk of 7-11 feet in coastal areas outside of the levee system. Rising tides due to storm surge could begin as early as Saturday.
WINDS: 70% to 80% probability of sustained tropical storm-force winds along coastal southeastern Louisiana.
ROADWAYS: No closures at this time.

WARNINGS, WATCHES, & ADVISORIES (Updated 8/27/2021 @ 4:00 AM):

Hurricane Watch in effect for all of coastal southeast Louisiana and coastal Mississippi.
Storm Surge Watch in effect for all of coastal southeast Louisiana and coastal Mississippi.

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.