Zeta is currently a high-end Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph and is expected to make landfall near New Orleans, Louisiana tonight before 7pm CT.
The Louisiana coast has been battered this season from Laura and Marco to the recent Delta–and now Zeta. Zeta’s added strengthening occurred as it passed through an area of warm water temperatures and low wind shear, enabling it to strengthen considerably.
As the storm approaches the Gulf coast, storm surge as high as 9 feet will impact portions of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama with the highest rise of 5-9 feet expected between the Pearl River estuary, and Dauphin Island.
Hurricane conditions will begin this afternoon, and the level of damage could be exacerbated as Zeta gathers more forward speed. Offshore, Zeta is moving through an area in the northern Gulf dense with platforms but wave heights and winds are not expected to be severe enough to cause significant damage.
