Tale of Two Hurricanes Seven Years Apart

On this the eve of the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana and the Gulf Coast were once again bracing for the impact of a hurricane.

Katrina was an extraordinarily powerful and deadly hurricane that first caused fatalities and damage in southern Florida as a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. After reaching Category 5 intensity over the central Gulf of Mexico, Katrina weakened to Category 3 before making landfall on the northern Gulf coast.

Even so, the damage and loss of life inflicted by this massive hurricane in Louisiana and Mississippi were staggering, with significant effects extending into the Florida panhandle, Georgia, and Alabama. Considering the scope of its impacts, Katrina was one of the most devastating natural disasters in United States history.

New Orleans was severely impacted by Katrina, and has since rebuilt the levees that failed them back in 2005.   The burning question for town residents tonight was - would they hold with this latest approaching storm.

Fortunately, Hurricane Isaac was a much weaker storm, but don't let that fool you.  It had the potential to bring heavy rains, flooding, power outages, damaging winds, and all the hazards associated with tropical cyclones.

Isaac, which spans more than 200 miles, made landfall at about 6:45 p.m. local time near the mouth of the Mississippi River. New Orleans, about 75 miles to the northwest, was a ghost town as residents and tourists heeded warnings to stay indoors.   Except for low-lying areas which were under mandatory evacuation orders, the majority of the folks stayed here to ride out the storm.

Following is a comparison of the two storms.   We trace some of the significant milestones as the two storms headed from the Atlantic to the Caribbean Sea and into the Gulf of Mexico before making landfall.  For those that want even more information, see the storm and graphic archives on the NHC website.

For  Latest Impact (click here):  Tropical Storm Isaac in Atlantic

Atlantic Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook

Not the storm you are looking for?  Click Image or Here

 

DATE / TIME	KATRINA 2005	ISAAC 2012
	Storm Archive	Storm Archive
Storm Milestones, Watches & Warnings Issued
21 AUG		500 AM AST TUE AUG 21 2012 TD-9 forms east of Lesser Antilles,  TS Warnings / Watches issued 1007 MB / 35 MPH   500 PM AST TUE AUG 21 2012 Strengthens to tropical storm  1006 MB / 40 MPH   1100 PM AST TUE AUG 21 2012 Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands
22 AUG		500 AM AST WED AUG 22 2012 Dominican Republic 1003 MB / 45 MPH   800 AM AST WED AUG 22 2012 British Virgin Islands  1004 MB / 45 MPH     200 PM AST WED AUG 22 2012 Leeward Islands 1006 MB / 45 MPH 500 PM AST WED AUG 22 2012 Haiti 1004 MB / 45 MPH     1100 PM AST WED AUG 22 2012 Eastern Caribbean 1003 MB / 45 MPH
23 AUG	500 PM EDT TUE AUG 23 2005 TD 12 forms - Bahamas TS Warnings issued 1007 MB / 35 MPH   1100 PM EDT TUE AUG 23 2005 Florida Keys, East coast 1007 MB / 35 MPH	1100 AM AST THU AUG 23 2012 South of Virgin Islands 1003 MB / 40 MPH    500 PM AST THU AUG 23 2012 Bahamas, Cuba 1003 MB / 40 MPH    1100 PM AST THU AUG 23 2012 Hispaniola 1001 MB / 45 MPH
24 AUG	1100 AM EDT WED AUG 24 2005 Becomes tropical storm Bahamas, Florida 1006 MB / 40 MPH  500 PM EDT WED AUG 24 2005 SE Florida 1002 MB / 45 MPH     1100 PM EDT WED AUG 24 2005  Hurricane warnings 1001 MB / 50 MPH	800 AM EDT FRI AUG 24 2012 Jamaica 1000 MB / 50 MPH    200 PM EDT FRI AUG 24 2012 Southern Hisapniola 997 MB / 50 MPH   1100 PM EDT FRI AUG 24 2012 Haiti Landfall 990 MB / 70 MPH
25 AUG	800 AM EDT THU AUG 25 2005 Better organized 999 MB / 50 MPH 1100 AM EDT THU AUG 25 2005 Florida straits 997 MB / 60 MPH    300 PM EDT THU AUG 25 2005 Near hurricane strength 990 MB / 70 MPH  500 PM EDT THU AUG 25 2005 Cat 1 Hurricane 985 MB / 75 MPH    900 PM EDT THU AUG 25 2005 Eye over NHC 984 MB / 80 MPH   1100 PM EDT THU AUG 25 2005 Eye over Miami-Dade 984 MB / 75 MPH	500 AM EDT SAT AUG 25 2012 South Florida, Keys 992 MB / 60 MPH   1100 AM EDT SAT AUG 25 2012 Florida East Coast 998 MB / 60 MPH   200 PM EDT SAT AUG 25 2012 East Coast Cuba 1000 MB / 60 MPH    1100 PM EDT SAT AUG 25 2012 Straits of Florida 997 MB / 60 MPH
26 AUG	100 AM EDT FRI AUG 26 2005 Weakens over land 980 MB / 70 MPH   700 AM EDT FRI AUG 26 2005 Westward over Gulf 987 MB / 75 MPH    1100 AM EDT FRI AUG 26 2005 Stronger - West of Florida 981 MB / 80 MPH    200 PM EDT FRI AUG 26 2005 Cat 2 Hurricane 969 MB / 100 MPH    1100 PM EDT FRI AUG 26 2005 Expected to intensify 965 MB / 105 MPH	800 AM EDT SUN AUG 26 2012 Florida Keys 995 MB / 65 MPH   500 PM EDT SUN AUG 26 2012  Key West 992 MB / 60 MPH   1100 PM EDT SUN AUG 26 2012 Eastern Gulf of Mexico 993 MB / 65 MPH
27 AUG	200 AM EDT SAT AUG 27 2005 963 MB / 110 MPH   800 AM EDT SAT AUG 27 2005  Cat 3 Hurricane 940 MB / 115 MPH   400 PM CDT SAT AUG 27 2005 Louisiana 945 MB / 115 MPH   1000 PM CDT SAT AUG 27 2005  Threat North Central Gulf 939 MB / 115 MPH	500 AM EDT MON AUG 27 2012 Louisiana Coast 990 MB / 65 MPH    1000 AM CDT MON AUG 27 2012  Eastern Gulf of Mexico 988 MB / 65 MPH    400 PM CDT MON AUG 27 2012 Storm surge threat 981 MB / 70 MPH   1000 PM CDT MON AUG 27 2012 Flooding threat 979 MB / 70 MPH
28 AUG	100 AM CDT SUN AUG 28 2005 Cat 4 Hurricane New Orleans 935 MB / 145 MPH   700 AM CDT SUN AUG 28 2005 Cat 5 Hurricane Northern Gulf Coast 908 MB / 165 MPH   100 PM CDT SUN AUG 28 2005 Still Cat 5 906 MB / 175 MPH    1000 PM CDT SUN AUG 28 2005 Cat 5 904 MB / 160 MPH	400 AM CDT TUE AUG 28 2012 Verge of becoming hurricane 977 MB / 70 MPH   1120 AM CDT TUE AUG 28 2012 Becomes Cat 1 Hurricane 975 MB / 75 MPH   700 PM CDT TUE AUG 28 2012 Landfall Extreme SE Louisiana 970 MB / 80 MPH    1000 PM CDT TUE AUG 28 2012 Dangerous storm surge; flooding 968 MB / 80 MPH
29 AUG	MIDNIGHT CDT MON AUG 29 2005 Nearing Louisiana coast 908 MB / 160 MPH    600 AM CDT MON AUG 29 2005  Cat 4 Near Shore 918 MB / 145 MPH   800 AM CDT MON AUG 29 2005 Pounding SE Louisiana 923 MB / 135 MPH    1000 AM CDT MON AUG 29 2005 Weakens to Cat 3 Moving ashore near Louisiana & Mississippi border 927 MB / 125 MPH    NOON CDT MON AUG 29 2005 Weakens to Cat 2 over land 940 MB / 105 MPH    400 PM CDT MON AUG 29 2005 Weakens to Cat 1 960 MB / 75 MPH    700 PM CDT MON AUG 29 2005 Now a tropical storm 965 MB / 65 MPH    1000 PM CDT MON AUG 29 2005 Coastal warnings discontinued 973 MB / 60 MPH	1200 AM CDT WED AUG 29 2012 Coast of Louisiana 969 MB / 80 MPH 200 AM CDT WED AUG 29 2012 Nearly stationary 968 MB / 80 MPH        300 AM CDT WED AUG 29 2012 Second landfall  969 MB / 80 MPH    400 AM CDT WED AUG 29 2012  Begins Moving Inland 969 MB / 80 MPH   600 AM CDT WED AUG 29 2012 Floods and heavy rains continue 970 MB / 80 MPH     800 AM CDT WED AUG 29 2012 970 MB / 80 MPH  1200 PM CDT WED AUG 29 2012 SE Louisiana / Mississippi Rains 973 MB / 75 MPH  200 PM CDT WED AUG 29 2012  Weakens to Tropical Storm 974 MB / 70 MPH 700 PM CDT WED AUG 29 2012 Slow moving - only 6 MPH 977 MB / 60 MPH    1000 PM CDT WED AUG 29 2012 Only moved 60 miles all day 980 MB / 60 MPH
30 AUG	400 AM CDT TUE AUG 30 2005 Weakens further 981MB / 50 MPH    1000 AM CDT TUE AUG 30 2005 Still heavy rainfall Weakens to tropical depression 985 MB / 35 MPH	100 AM CDT THU AUG 30 2012 Heavy Rains & Severe Weather Farther inland Louisiana 981 MB / 50 MPH 400 AM CDT THU AUG 30 2012 983 MB / 45 MPH    1000 AM CDT THU AUG 30 2012 987 MB / 40 MPH   400 PM CDT THU AUG 30 2012 Weakens to Tropical Depression 995 MB / 35 MPH
31 AUG	No Advisories Issued	No Advisories Issued

Tropical Storm Ileana in East Pacific

Tropical Storm Ileana

Forms in East Pacific
Becomes a Hurricane

800 AM PDT SUN SEP 02 2012
 
...ILEANA NO LONGER A TROPICAL CYCLONE...
 

Last NHC advisory issued on ILEANA 

 
Another tropical storm has formed in the East Pacific.   TD-9E formed well south of Mexico and has quickly developed into a named storm.   It is currently no threat to land, but we will continue to monitor this storm.
 

East Pacific Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook

Not the storm you are looking for?  Click Image or Here

SUMMARY OF 800 AM PDT...1500 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...22.6N 122.5W
ABOUT 805 MI...1290 KM W OF THE SOUTHERN TIP OF BAJA CALIFORNIA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...30 MPH...45 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...W OR 265 DEGREES AT 12 MPH...19 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1008 MB...29.77 INCHES
 

WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
THERE ARE NO COASTAL WATCHES OR WARNINGS IN EFFECT. 

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 30 MPH...45 KM/H...WITH HIGHER
GUSTS. THE REMNANT LOW IS FORECAST TO GRADUALLY WEAKEN DURING THE
NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS.

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
NONE.

Historical Data:    Storm Archive  Graphics Archive                  

Not Only Weather Impacting Port of Tampa

More Woes for Cruise Travelers This Week in Tampa

If you've been following our blog, you know that the Tampa Port Authority closed the port in anticipation of the approach of Tropical Storm Isaac.   That isn't the only thing impacting cruise line schedules this week.  Give yourself plenty of extra time to arrive at the port.

The 2012 Republican National Convention is in town from Monday through Thursday.

Important Update - Carnival Paradise 8/25/12, Carnival Legend 8/26/12, Carnival Paradise 8/30/12

Important Update for all guests sailing on the Carnival Paradise 8/30/12:

The 2012 Republican National Convention (RNC) will be held in Tampa the week of your sailing. Local authorities have advised us road closures and parking restrictions are expected.  There will also be intermittent traffic delays and temporary closures on interstate roads and throughout the downtown area beginning Saturday, August, 25, through Thursday, August 30.  A map indicating road closures is available at www.tampagov.net/rnc.

We suggest you avoid routes that take you through downtown Tampa. Cruise ship passengers are asked to use the following detour:

– Take I-4 Exit 1
– Go south on 21st Street and turn west onto Adamo Drive
– Turn south onto Channelside Drive
– Passengers may utilize the Port of Tampa parking garage

Given traffic restrictions planned for this week, check-in for your cruise is now scheduled from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and we will sail shortly thereafter. It is essential you allow ample time to arrive at the terminal early enough to ensure you are not left behind.

We’d like to apologize in advance for any congestion you may experience at the terminal as a result of the new check-in times. To expedite the boarding process, please ensure you have completed your online check-in prior to arriving.

To stay up to date on any changes that may affect our departure, we encourage you to sign up for text alerts by texting the following number for your specific sailing:

Carnival Paradise 8/30/12 - text CCL3 to CRUISE (278473)

If you have already signed up for text during your online check-in, you will automatically receive updates. 

Isaac Impacts Cruise Line Reservations

Cruise Line Offices

Operating With

Limited Staffing

Many businesses in southern Florida sent staff home early over the weekend and have been functioning with limited staffing since that time.

As the Port of Miami slowly resumes some operations today,  things may start to get back to normal.   

According to reports, there was flooding and downed trees due to Tropical Storm Isaac but the winds were less than expected as it still stays as tropical storm strength.

Oceania Cruises Statement

Tropical Storm Isaac Update Due to the tropical system affecting South Florida, we will be working with limited staffing Monday morning, and our hold times may be longer than normal. We expect to be fully staffed by noon EST, and thank you for your patience.

Continuing Coverage of Isaac

• Port Closures Due to Isaac
• Tropical Storm Isaac in Atlantic

Internet Trial at Sea

 

Keeping in Contact

While at Sea

New Internet

Improvements

on Carnival Magic

Carnival Cruise Line is experimenting with network infrastructure changes on Carnival Magic which has yielded much improved upload and download speeds.   It's not quite the same as being on your home network, but it is definitely an improvement of the slow connection speeds generally available at sea.

The ship is the first in the fleet to undergo the changes.   There currently is a six-week trial period in which the new changes are being tested in addition to some new pricing options.

In the past, passengers paid per minute or they could purchase a package which bundled a number of pre-paid minutes at a lower per minutes cost.   During the trial, you can sign up for $29.95 per day pricing or $119.95 for the 7-day cruise.

One big advantage of this new pricing model is that you don't have to watch your minute usage and if you are using your own hardware, you can stay connected and simply power down your device(s) when not in use.   This eliminates the need to keep logging into Carnival's network each time you want to use the internet.

Carnival will make decisions regarding the rest of the fleet after the conclusion of this trial period.

Not the Only Line Making Changes

We previously brought you news about changes the Royal Caribbean plans to introduce on Oasis of the Seas.   In our article, High Speed Internet at Sea Coming Soon, we shared details about an upgraded communication network that will be coming to the largest ship afloat, Oasis of the Seas, next summer.  

Responding to Demand

Both cruise lines are responding to increased demand for connectivity at sea.   With more and more light-weight portable devices emerging, it's not just the business traveler, that needs to stay in contact with the home office, that are seeking to be always connected even at sea.

This is good news for those that want something close to "high-speed" access during their cruise vacation.  

Port Closures Due to Isaac

 Port of Mobile Closed

 ASPA Latest Update For TS ISAAC

Carnival Elation (8/31 Departure) 

Hurricane Isaac - Itinerary Updates

Carnival Cruise Line is trying to get the next sailing of Carnival Elation, now a 3-day instead of a 4-day, to depart from Mobile, AL instead of New Orleans.  The Port of Mobile has not reopened yet nor has the Port of New Orleans, so for not, it's a waiting game.   If you are on that sailing, please sign up for text updates so that you'll have the correct embarkation information.

by texting CCL1 to CRUISE (278473)
 

UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 4th: Latest News: Power Restored, Napoleon Ave. Container Terminal Resumes Normal Operations


UPDATED AUGUST 28TH: Due to its projected path, CARGO operations at the port of New Orleans closed yesterday (Aug. 27) at 5 p.m and will remain closed today (Aug. 28) and tomorrow (Aug. 29).

There's no word yet from Carnival Cruises Lines on whether the Aug. 30 departure of Carnival Elation, the next scheduled ship to sail out of New Orleans, will be affected.

Cargo Operations To Cease Today, Port Ready For Isaac

Tampa, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale closed over the weekend, reopening yesterday. The closures caused some ships to remain at sea, sparking delays to their subsequent turn-around departures.

 

Tropical Storm Isaac Disrupting Cruise Travel

 

For  Latest Impact (click here):  Tropical Storm Isaac in Atlantic

Atlantic Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook

Not the storm you are looking for?  Click Image or Here

Miami-Dade County is currently monitoring Tropical Storm Isaac. For more information, visit the emergency website, monitor your local news or call 3-1-1 in Miami, FL.

CARNIVAL VALOR and CARNIVAL IMAGINATION – 8/27/12 DEPARTURE 

Good news! The Port of Miami has reopened. Check-in is set from 8:00pm to 11:00pm.  Due to limited seating, please do not proceed to the cruise terminal any earlier than 8:00 PM.  We’ve secured the Doubletree Convention Center in the event you need a place to wait. 711 N.W. 72nd Avenue, Miami, FL, 33126, Phn# 305-261-3800.  Also, enjoy dinner on us tonight. We will post a $25 per person credit to your Sail & Sign account.  

August 27, 2012 Updated
TROPICAL STORM ISAAC ALERT:
PortMiami is open. Cruise passengers are encouraged to contact their respective cruise lines for the latest itinerary information. Cargo users should contact the cargo yard for status of operations.

August 27, 2012
TROPICAL STORM ISAAC ALERT:
PortMiami is open for landside operations. Cargo users are encouraged to contact their respective cargo yard for their status of operations. Waterside operations remain closed.  The U.S. Coast Guard is scheduled to reassess the waterways at 2 p.m. Cruise passengers should contact the cruise lines for the latest itinerary information.

August 26, 2012
TROPICAL STORM ISAAC ALERT:
PortMiami is currently closed and will reopen on Monday, time to be determined. Cruise passengers are encouraged to contact their respective cruise line for more information regarding their itinerary.

August 25, 2012
TROPICAL STORM ISAAC ALERT:

PortMiami is OPEN and is scheduled to close tonight at 11 p.m. U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port has established Hurricane Port Readiness Condition Modified YANKEE. The Port is scheduled to open on Monday; time to be announced.

Miami-Dade Alerts

Subscribe now to the County's program to receive text alerts to cell phones or other mobile devices about significant emergency events.

The Tampa Port Authority, in conjunction with the Port Heavy Weather Advisory Group (PHWAG), is continuing to monitor T.S. Isaac, in determining the best and safest way to conduct port business, including all cargo and cruise operations.

In consideration of the possible threat of T.S. Isaac on the safe navigability of Tampa Bay, the port authority has been alerted by the U.S. Coast Guard--Sector St. Petersburg Captain of the Port that they have issued 'Condition X-ray' today at 9:00 a.m., and therefore no vessels will be allowed to move into or out of the Port of Tampa after 3:00 a.m. Sunday. There will be no exceptions, including cruise vessels, unless there is a significant change in storm path or intensity.

Tropical Storm Isaac in Atlantic

Click (here) for Interactive Map

Cruise Ship Impact    Current Watches & Warnings

Tropical Storm Isaac Formed in Atlantic

Made Landfall as Cat 1 Hurricane

...TROPICAL DEPRESSION ISAAC BRINGING HEAVY RAINFALL AND THE THREAT OF FLASH FLOODING TO THE MIDDLE MISSISSIPPI RIVER VALLEY...

USEFUL LINKS FOR TROPICAL STORMS & HURRICANES (CLICK HERE) 

400 PM CDT THU AUG 30 2012

...SLOW-MOVING ISAAC WEAKENS TO A DEPRESSION OVER NORTHERN
LOUISIANA...
...FLOODING RAINS CONTINUE ACROSS SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA AND
MISSISSIPPI... 

 HPC issuing advisories on ISAAC

THIS IS THE LAST PUBLIC ADVISORY ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL HURRICANE
CENTER ON THIS SYSTEM. FUTURE INFORMATION ON THIS SYSTEM CAN BE
FOUND IN PUBLIC ADVISORIES ISSUED BY THE HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL
PREDICTION CENTER...UNDER AWIPS HEADER TCPAT4 AND WMO HEADER WTNT34
KWNH...BEGINNING AT 10 PM CDT.

On the 7th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, 

Louisiana has had another direct hit: 

Tale of Two Hurricanes Seven Years Apart 

The levee system played an important role during Isaac's visit to New Orleans - learn more about the project that restored the system after Katrina and also get real-time updates of the operations in progress to respond to Hurricane Isaac:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - New Orleans  (Website)

 

Rebuilding Hope - US Army Corps of Engineers New Orleans (PDF)

Update: August 30th

Tropical Storm Isaac continued to batter the Louisiana / Mississippi region today as it moved so slowly.  It has finally become a Tropical Depression and picked up some speed, up to 12 MPH.

Isaac is still impacting cruise schedules with Carnival Elation being the latest victim.  It was originally scheduled to sail out of New Orleans on a 4-day itinerary August 30th.   That was changed to a 3-day from Mobile, Alabama on August 31st.   Even that is at risk because both ports remain closed.   Carnival Cruise Line is monitoring the situation and advising passengers via text and posts on their website.   We have the link for updates below.

NHC issuing advisories on TS LESLIE, Hurricane KIRK and Hurricane ILEANA

 

Atlantic Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook

Not the storm you are looking for?  Click Image or Her

Cruise Impact 

Cruise lines continue to monitor the progress of  Isaac which is expected to become a hurricane this weekend.   Several cruise itineraries have been impacted as well as ports have announced closures.

We will attempt to keep this site updated as additional changes are made to cruise ship itineraries. For the absolute latest published information see the cruise line links directly.

All changes are being made with the interest in safety of the ships, crew, and passengers.  Please be certain that you cruise specialist, cruise line, and airlines have your contact information.  Monitor the internet and other news media for updates.

Carnival: Tropical Storm Isaac Update
Disney Travel Advisories

Norwegian Cruise Line Alert

Royal Caribbean Important Updates 

Port Closures Due to Isaac

New Orleans Airport Closed Thursday

In the interest of readability, we have split the historical cruise ship impact from the current advisories.  Click the following link for information about cruises that were impacted earlier.

 

Historical Cruise Impact of Isaac

Carnival Cruise Line

8:45 PM EDT - UPDATE: CARNIVAL ELATION 08/31/12 - 3-DAY DEPARTURE:
FUNtastic news! The Port of New Orleans will reopen early tomorrow morning. 
Due to the time required to transit the Mississippi River, the ship will be alongside in the afternoon.  We’ll be busy saying good bye to our disembarking guests, so check in for your 3 day Fun Cruise @ Sea will now take place between 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Friday, August 31, 2012 at the Erato Street Cruise Terminal.

So join us for three days of unforgettable fun and receive:
- 50% refund of your cruise fare (refunded within the next 2 weeks)
- 25% future cruise discount on a 3-5 day Carnival cruise (restrictions apply)
- Gratuities will be adjusted to reflect the shortened voyage
- Shore excursions purchased for Cozumel, as well as, the government fees and taxes, will be automatically refunded to your Sail & Sign account

Refunds will not be provided for flight changes, hotel accommodations, meals, transfers, or other incidental costs.  However, guests who purchased Carnival’s Vacation Protection Plan should check their plan for reimbursement considerations.

Guests who purchased flights with Carnival's FlyAweigh program will automatically have their flights adjusted to the new day and time. You will be notified of your new flights by our Travel Services department. Guests with independent flight arrangements, please adjust your travel plans accordingly.
We certainly hope you’ll sail with us but if you elect to cancel, please contact 1-800-CARNIVAL to request your future cruise credit.

To stay up to date, if you have not done so already, please sign up for text updates by texting CCL1 to CRUISE (278473).

Once again, we are sorry the weather has caused a delay in getting your fun started. Rest assured, once you step on board, we'll waste no time in getting it going!

----------------------  End of Cruise Ship Impact Section -------------------------

SUMMARY OF 400 PM CDT...2100 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...32.7N 92.6W
ABOUT 35 MI...55 KM WNW OF MONROE LOUISIANA
ABOUT 40 MI...60 KM SSE OF EL DORADO ARKANSAS
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...35 MPH...55 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NNW OR 335 DEGREES AT 12 MPH...19 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...995 MB...29.38 INCHES


WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------

CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY...

ALL COASTAL WARNINGS HAVE BEEN DISCONTINUED.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT...

THERE ARE NO COASTAL WATCHES OR WARNINGS IN EFFECT


A HURRICANE WARNING MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED
SOMEWHERE WITHIN THE WARNING AREA. A WARNING IS TYPICALLY ISSUED
36 HOURS BEFORE THE ANTICIPATED FIRST OCCURRENCE OF TROPICAL STORM
FORCE WINDS...CONDITIONS THAT MAKE OUTSIDE PREPARATIONS DIFFICULT
OR DANGEROUS. PREPARATIONS TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY SHOULD BE
RUSHED TO COMPLETION.

A HURRICANE WATCH MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE
WITHIN THE WATCH AREA...IN THIS CASE WITHIN THE NEXT 24 TO 36 HOURS. 

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE
EXPECTED SOMEWHERE WITHIN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN 36 HOURS.

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE
POSSIBLE WITHIN THE WATCH AREA...GENERALLY WITHIN 48 HOURS.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 35 MPH...55 KM/H...WITH HIGHER
GUSTS.  GRADUAL WEAKENING IS FORECAST DURING THE NEXT 48 HOURS...AND
ISAAC IS EXPECTED TO BECOME A POST-TROPICAL REMNANT LOW PRESSURE
SYSTEM BY SATURDAY.

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
EVEN THOUGH ISAAC IS NO LONGER A TROPICAL STORM...DANGEROUS
HAZARDS FROM STORM SURGE...INLAND FLOODING...AND TORNADOES ARE
STILL OCCURRING.

STORM SURGE...WATER LEVELS WILL REMAIN ELEVATED IN SOUTHEASTERN
LOUISIANA AND COASTAL MISSISSIPPI THROUGH TONIGHT...AND GRADUALLY
SUBSIDE TOMORROW. FOR INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...PLEASE
SEE PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR LOCAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE.  

BASED ON OBSERVATIONS FROM NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE TIDE GAGES...AT
NEW CANAL STATION LOUISIANA...A STORM SURGE OF MORE THAN 5 FEET IS
PERSISTING ALONG THE SOUTHERN SHORE OF LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN...AND A
STORM SURGE VALUE OF NEAR 4 FEET CONTINUES AT WAVELAND MISSISSIPPI.

WIND...TROPICAL-STORM-FORCE WIND GUSTS COULD OCCUR ALONG THE COASTS
OF SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA AND MISSISSIPPI THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON.

RAINFALL...ISAAC IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TOTAL RAINFALL ACCUMULATIONS
OF 7 TO 14 INCHES...WITH POSSIBLE ISOLATED MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF 25
INCHES...OVER NORTHERN AND EASTERN LOUISIANA....MUCH OF MISSISSIPPI
AND SOUTHWEST ALABAMA.  RAINFALL TOTALS OF 3 TO 6 INCHES WITH
ISOLATED MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF 8 INCHES POSSIBLE ACROSS ARKANSAS AND
INTO SOUTHERN MISSOURI THROUGH FRIDAY.  THESE RAINS COULD RESULT IN
SIGNIFICANT LOWLAND FLOODING.  THE HEAVY RAIN POTENTIAL WILL BE
SPREADING EASTWARD THIS WEEKEND INTO PORTIONS OF THE MID WEST AND
OHIO VALLEY REGION. 

TORNADOES...TORNADOES ARE POSSIBLE ALONG THE CENTRAL GULF COAST
REGION AND PARTS OF THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER VALLEY THROUGH
TONIGHT.

SURF...DANGEROUS SURF AND RIP CURRENT CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE TO
AFFECT THE WEST COAST OF FLORIDA AND THE NORTHERN GULF COAST THROUGH
TONIGHT BEFORE SUBSIDING ON SATURDAY.

Historical Data:     Archive       Graphics Archive

500 AM AST TUE AUG 21 2012
 
...NINTH DEPRESSION OF THE SEASON FORMS EAST OF THE LESSER
ANTILLES...TROPICAL STORM WARNINGS AND WATCHES ISSUED...

800 PM AST TUE AUG 21 2012
 
...ISAAC CONTINUES MOVING TOWARD THE LESSER ANTILLES...

800 AM AST WED AUG 22 2012
 
...ISAAC NEARING THE LESSER ANTILLES...HURRICANE WATCH ISSUED FOR
THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS... 

800 PM AST WED AUG 22 2012
 
...ISAAC ENTERS THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN...

200 PM AST THU AUG 23 2012
 
...CENTER OF ISAAC NOW MOVING WEST-NORTHWESTWARD SOUTH OF PUERTO
RICO... 

630 AM EDT FRI AUG 24 2012
 
AT 630 AM EDT...1030 UTC...THE GOVERNMENT OF JAMAICA HAS ISSUED A
TROPICAL STORM WATCH FOR JAMAICA. 

200 PM EDT FRI AUG 24 2012
 
...ISAAC TURNS NORTHWESTWARD...CENTER APPROACHING THE SOUTHERN COAST
OF HISPANIOLA...

200 AM EDT SAT AUG 25 2012
 
...CENTER OF ISAAC NEAR THE SOUTH COAST OF HAITI...

500 AM EDT SAT AUG 25 2012
 
...ISAAC EMERGING FROM THE COAST OF HAITI...NEW WATCHES AND WARNINGS
ISSUED FOR SOUTH FLORIDA AND THE KEYS...  

1100 AM EDT SAT AUG 25 2012
 
...CENTER OF ISAAC NEAR EASTERN CUBA...NEW WATCHES AND WARNINGS FOR
PORTIONS OF FLORIDA...

200 PM EDT SAT AUG 25 2012
 
...CENTER OF ISAAC NOW NEAR THE NORTH COAST OF EASTERN CUBA...

Tropical Storm Isaac made landfall along the southern coast of Haiti early Saturday morning, and has begun to move away from Haiti and towards southeastern Cuba, with its circulation relatively intact.
Isaac is expected to make landfall in southeastern Cuba this afternoon, then skirt the northeastern coast of Cuba through the overnight hours tonight.

Once off the northern coast of Cuba, Isaac is expected to strengthen into a hurricane over the warmer waters of the Florida Straits and cross the Florida Keys sometime Sunday night or early Monday morning, then head into the very warm waters of the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

1100 PM EDT SUN AUG 26 2012
 
...ISAAC FORECAST TO STRENGTHEN AS IT MOVES OVER THE EASTERN 
GULF OF MEXICO...

1000 AM CDT MON AUG 27 2012
 
...ISAAC MOVING WEST-NORTHWESTWARD OVER THE EASTERN GULF OF
MEXICO...POSES SIGNIFICANT STORM SURGE THREAT TO THE NORTHERN GULF
COAST...

Hurricane warnings have been issued for portions of the northern Gulf Coast as  Tropical Storm Isaac continues its west-northwestward march into the Gulf of Mexico. 

Isaac will continue to affect southern Florida with heavy rain, gusty winds and a tornado threat as it moves through the Florida Keys and into the Gulf Sunday evening. Isaac poses a potential serious threat to portions of the northern Gulf Coast Tuesday into Wednesday. All interests from Louisiana to Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle should watch the progress of Isaac closely and begin to make preparations. Even areas as far west as extreme southeast Texas should continue to monitor Isaac's progress in case a farther west track materializes.

1120 AM CDT TUE AUG 28 2012

...RECONNAISSANCE DATA INDICATE ISAAC FINALLY ACHIEVES HURRICANE
STATUS...

(UPDATE: August 28th)

Hurricane Isaac is impacting travelers and the transportation industry causing hundreds of flight cancellations and delays.

Isaac's peak impacts are bearing down on the Gulf Coast beginning today. Hurricane warnings continue for portions of the northern Gulf Coast, including New Orleans, Biloxi and Gulf Shores as Isaac continues its northwestward march. Hurricane watches are posted as far west as Morgan City, La. 

In addition, a number of tropical storm warnings are in effect. A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Florida Panhandle. 

Even as Isaac's center of circulation moves by, locally heavy rainbands can be expected. Rainfall amounts over 10" are likely as Isaac slows down immediately prior to, and after landfall, in southeast Louisiana, southern Alabama, Mississippi and the western Florida Panhandle. In a few cases, amounts exceeding 20" are possible.   We have already seen in excess of 9" of rain in some parts of the Florida east coast.

Expect business closures and air, maritime, and ground transport disruptions throughout the region. Prolonged power and telecommunications outages are also possible.

                     

700 PM CDT TUE AUG 28 2012
 
...ISAAC MAKES LANDFALL IN EXTREME SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA...
...STRONG WINDS AND A DANGEROUS STORM SURGE OCCURRING ALONG THE
NORTHERN GULF COAST... 

800 PM CDT TUE AUG 28 2012
 
...ISAAC MOVING SLOWLY NORTHWESTWARD ALONG THE COAST OF SOUTHEAST
LOUISIANA...DANGEROUS STORM SURGE CONTINUING ALONG THE NORTHERN
GULF COAST...

1000 PM CDT TUE AUG 28 2012
 
...ISAAC PRODUCING A DANGEROUS STORM SURGE ALONG THE NORTHERN
GULF COAST...FLOODING FROM RAINFALL TO FOLLOW... 

(Update: August 29)

Hurricane Isaac made landfall in Southeast Louisiana at 6:45 PM local time on Tuesday.  It made a second landfall overnight around 3 AM.   This slow moving storm is dumping rain on the entire area, knocking out power to half a million people as 80 MPH winds continue to pound Louisiana.

Damage is expected to be much higher than normal for this category hurricane, it is still a Category One, because of the slow movement.   In addition to the storm surge, heavy rains, and flooding, there is a potential for tornadoes to be spawned from the storm.

200 AM CDT WED AUG 29 2012
 
...ISAAC REMAINS NEARLY STATIONARY NEAR THE COAST OF SOUTHEAST
LOUISIANA...DANGEROUS STORM SURGE AND FLOOD THREAT FROM HEAVY RAINS
CONTINUES...

300 AM CDT WED AUG 29 2012 

...CENTER OF ISAAC MAKES SECOND LANDFALL... 

400 AM CDT WED AUG 29 2012
 
...ISAAC BEGINNING TO MOVE INLAND IN SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA...DANGEROUS
STORM SURGE AND FLOOD THREAT FROM HEAVY RAINS LIKELY TO CONTINUE
THROUGH TODAY AND TONIGHT...

800 AM CDT WED AUG 29 2012
 
...ISAAC LASHING SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA WITH STRONG SQUALLS...
DANGEROUS STORM SURGE AND FLOOD THREAT FROM HEAVY RAINS LIKELY TO
CONTINUE THROUGH TODAY AND TONIGHT...

200 PM CDT WED AUG 29 2012
 
...ISAAC WEAKENS TO A TROPICAL STORM...LIFE-THREATENING HAZARDS FROM
STORM SURGE AND INLAND FLOODING ARE STILL OCCURRING...

1000 PM CDT WED AUG 29 2012

...HEAVY RAIN THREAT FROM ISAAC TO SPREAD INLAND DURING THE
NEXT FEW DAYS...WATER LEVELS REMAIN HIGH ALONG THE NORTHERN
GULF COAST...

Update: August 30th

Tropical Storm Isaac continued to batter the Louisiana / Mississippi region today as it moved so slowly.  It has finally become a Tropical Depression and picked up some speed, up to 12 MPH.