WBRZ - Baton Rouge

...Hurricane Warning from East of Morgan City, LA east to Destin, FL...
...Tropical Storm Warning for Inland Parishes/Counties Around Baton Rouge...

Hurricane Isaac Update: This morning the storm is located about 360 miles Southeast of the Mouth of the Mississippi River. Winds are sustained around 65 mph and Isaac is forecast to strengthen tonight or Tuesday. The pressure is 988 mb. It is moving to the WNW at 14 mph and is forecast to slow down later today and turn to the NW. On this forecast track, Isaac would be heading toward Lower Plaquemines Parish to Grand Isle, LA and then inland toward New Orleans then to Woodville, MS.

The forecast track has been shifted a little more to the west according to the NHC thanks to the forecast models still showing that trend. There is still a chance that the final forecast track could change since there is a large spread in the models for a potential landfall site. As mentioned before, the trough of low pressure that was supposed to pull Isaac northward will outrun the storm, so that is why a more northwest track is expected. An upper-level low currently southwest of Isaac is giving the storm some wind shear, but that will change later today as Isaac pulls away from it. This will allow Isaac to strengthen plus it is moving over warmer Gulf Waters.

Landfall is projected to be Late Tuesday Night/Early Wednesday Morning from Lower Plaquemines Parish to Grand Isle, LA as a Category 1 storm with 90 mph winds, but I would not be surprised if it is a little stronger - possibly a Cat. 2. It will then track NW inland over New Orleans Early on Wednesday AM, then still NW near Baton Rouge by Wednesday Afternoon to Woodville, MS by Early Thursday AM.

What Can We Expect in Baton Rouge: Isaac is a very large tropical storm that has tropical storm force winds 480 miles wide. We will start feeling the winds in town well before landfall, or during the day on Tuesday. Rain will start falling on Tuesday with the outer rain-bands, and the heaviest rain will come on Tuesday Night through Wednesday. Winds will increase and be around 40-60 mph with gusts to 75 possible starting Tuesday Night and throughout the day on Wednesday.

Heavy Rain: We could pick up at least 3 to 6 inches of rain in Baton Rouge with higher amounts possible. This will cause some flash flooding in areas that typically flood with heavy thunderstorms.

What should you do now? Stay calm! Many of you have been through a hurricane before and you know what to expect. Make sure your car and gas cans are filled. Your hurricane supply kit(s) should be filled and ready to go. Have some extra cash in case we lose power and you can only pay for things with cash. Trim any low-lying branches that could fall during the storm. Lastly, be sure to watch WBRZ, follow WBRZ.com and my Facebook and Twitter Pages for updates throughout the length of this storm.

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Twitter: @Dave_Nussbaum