Category 4 Hurricane Ida to Smash New Orleans

August 29th will be the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina hitting New Orleans, and the disastrous fallout that ensued. This time it could be worse especially since Katrina was a Cat 3 and Ida will be a Cat 4, and this time, she will pass to the SOUTHWEST of the city, putting New Orleans in the most dangerous part of the storm, the northeast quadrant.

Folks, if you or anyone you know lives in New Orleans, now, Friday night, is the time to get out. Listen to all NWS official forecast information from your local office, and do not rely on this website or FB page for decision making.

The GFS model has quite an impressive central low pressure with Ida at landfall with 964 millibars, which is major hurricane pressure:

The biggest thing we can say with this storm is get out now, Friday night, while you can. Safest places are to the west and to the east of the storms outer edge.  This is going to be a big one folks, since Katrina at least. We would just like to see people get out, everyone, especially those with medical issues or don’t have transportation. Best thing is to get out now. Get out.

Ida is expected to have sustained winds of at least 140 mph at landfall. Below on the GFS is her 10 meter above ground projected sustained wind speeds. Unfortunately this looks like it will be a dangerous, destructive hurricane.

Storm surge, tornadoes, flooding, all of the above are likely from late Sunday night on. Please heed all orders and get out now. Also, please travel safe as the roads will be jammed trying to exit. Exercise caution, and patience.

Stay tuned to our FB for the latest. No direct impacts are expected here in the Carolinas.

Welcome all WxSynopsis, Carolina Weather Authority, and Mid Atlantic Weather fans! ~Mike

Author: Michael Griffith

I have had a passion for the weather since a very young age and am a degreed meteorologist. I have a Bachelor of Science from Penn State University and a Master's from Plymouth State University. If you ever see me out and about in the Charlotte, NC area, be sure to say hi!