Storm Surge Expected as Hurricane Delta Grows to Category 4

• Delta has fast intensified from tropical storm to hurricane category in just 24 hours.
• In the US, areas to be affected are the gulf coasts, Florida’s panhandle, and the beach communities of Tulum to Cancun in Mexico.
• The National Hurricane Center warns of 130-mph winds that would create storm surges, rainfall, and wind hazards.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns of 130-mph winds set to hit the US Gulf Coast and Florida’s western panhandle as Hurricane Delta escalates into a storm.

The NHC said, “While there is large uncertainty in the track and intensity forecasts, there is a significant risk of dangerous storm surge, wind, and rainfall hazards along the coast from Louisiana to the western Florida Panhandle beginning Thursday night or Friday.”

The NHC added, “Residents in these areas should ensure they have their hurricane plan in place and monitor updates to the forecast of Delta.”

In the beach communities of Alabama, where residents are still tidying up after Hurricane Sally, Gov. Kay Ivey has declared a state of emergency in anticipation of the possible impact of Delta.

According to meteorologist Philip Klotzbach of Colorado State University, in just 24 hours, Delta quickly intensified from tropical storm to hurricane. In an earlier announcement, Klotzbach said that Delta’s strong winds were tied with another Greek-named Atlantic Hurricane Beta in 2005 at 115mph.

But as of 11 am Tuesday, according to the NHC, “There is a significant risk of dangerous storm surge, wind and rainfall hazards along the coast from Louisiana to the western Florida Panhandle beginning Thursday night or Friday.”

Forecasters said that by Tuesday night, Delta, which is currently moving west-northwest at 16 mph, will be moving into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico.

Areas that are expected to be worst hit by Delta are the resort-filled northeastern tip of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula from Tulum and Cancun and those still reeling from Tropical Storm Gamma.

Residents prepared for the storm by stocking up on supplies at supermarkets, structural reinforcements at lumber yards, and fuel at gas stations however sunny the skies are now in Cancun.

As the “extremely dangerous” hurricane approaches the country, the Mexican government announced that it will be deploying thousands of troops.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told reporters, “The order has been given to mobilize up to 5,000 troops with all the necessary equipment to protect the population.”

Source: New York Post