Hurricane Delta Forecast To Strengthen and Hit Louisiana Coast Friday

A very large part of Louisiana’s coast is under a hurricane warning, as Hurricane Delta heads toward an expected landfall Friday afternoon.

The storm has 105 mph winds, but it’s expected to strengthen into a major hurricane, and then possibly weaken again before hitting land. 

The hurricane’s storm surge could reach as high as 7 to 11 feet in areas from Pecan Island, La., to Port Fourchon, La., according to the National Hurricane Center. 

Delta is forecast to intensify, with sustained winds up to 115 mph. 

“Today’s your day to get ready,” NHC Director Ken Graham told people in the storm’s expected path, in an online briefing Thursday morning. 

Floodwaters and high winds could arrive ahead of landfall, making it too dangerous to prepare or evacuate as the storm approaches on Friday, Graham said. 

“If ordered to evacuate by local officials, leave!” the National Weather Service office in New Orleans warned residents on Thursday. 

Delta is currently a Category 2 storm.  

Its possible path includes Cameron, La., and other areas just east of the Texas border – many of which are still recovering from a devastating blow dealt by Hurricane Laura, a Category 4 storm, in late August.