The 7 p.m. forecasted track for Tropical Storm Isaac continues to show a westward shift, with the storm now expected to make landfall as a hurricane Wednesday afternoon near the Mississippi-Louisiana line.
Forecasters, however, caution that the storm, which is expected to enter the Gulf on Monday, has tropical force winds that extend outward up to 205 miles from its center.
The Gulf Coast remains under a hurricane warning, meaning hurricane conditions are possible within the next 24 hours, and flood warnings have been issued for the Tchoutacabouffa and Wolf rivers.
Public schools in Biloxi, meantime, will be in session at their usual times Monday.
The National Weather Service says that hurricane conditions are possible within the area between Morgan City, La., and Destin, Fla. As a result, the service says, “preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.”
To see the 7 p.m. CT track, click here.
Local conditions: To see the local forecast from the National Weather Service,
click here.
Previous Bmails: To see previous Bmails on Isaac, click here.
What to expect and when to expect it
Here is the local weather statement, forecasting conditions as Isaac approaches:
Winds: Sustained tropical storm force winds are expected to begin Tuesday morning and hurricane force winds Tuesday after midnight. Hurricane force winds are Forecast to last for many hours. Maximum winds are forecast to be 65 to 85 mph, with gusts to 105 mph.
Storm surge and storm tide: There is an
increasing chance for combined storm surge and astronomical tide
waters up to 12 feet above mean sea level within areas closer to
the coast, resulting in worst case flood inundation of 4 to 7
feet above ground level in low lying areas and bays.
Inland flooding: Twelve to 15 inches of rain will be possible associated with Isaac as the storm moves through the area. Some areas may see storm total rainfall as high as 20 inches. There is a moderate threat of Inland flooding due to the expected rainfall totals.
Tornadoes: Isolated tornadoes will be possible as Isaac approaches the coast and moves inland.
News and notes
Schools: To see the announcement from Biloxi Public Schools chief Arthur McMillan, clicking here.
Islands: The National Park Service has advised that Cat, East and West Ship Island are closed.
Rivers: The Tchoutacabouffa and Wolf rivers are under a flood warning, with both rivers expected to crest at 9.5 feet – a foot and a half above their flood stage – on Wednesday morning. Residents along the rivers are advised to plan accordingly. You can see real-time river levels in the city’s online Storm & Flood Preparedness center by clicking here.
Social media: City news is relayed on Facebook at facebook.com/vincentcreel or on twitter at @cityofbiloxi
Army on the way: Maj. Terry Ray, commander of the Gulf Coast Salvation Army, reports that the Army has five feeding units, 10 staffers and an incident command team on the way to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Said Ray: “We’ll have them in position and ready to be of assistance whereever we can do the most good.”
