“Now is the time,” Elfer urges preparations for arrival of Ida

Tropical Storm Ida is expected to develop into a major Category 3 hurricane before making landfall along the Louisiana coast on Sunday. Category 3 hurricanes are characterized by 111-129 mph sustained winds that leave devastating damage in their wake.

According to Warren County Emergency Management Director John Elfer, the eye of the storm is currently tracking to pass directly over Vicksburg late Sunday evening.

Warren and surrounding counties will experience up to 65 mile per hour winds and continue to experience several inches of rainfall into Tuesday.

“I have not seen a forecast that was this confident in a long time,” Elfer said. “This is a storm that people need to pay attention to.”

Mostly likely, 3 to 5 inches of rainfall can be expected, but Elfer warned that Ida could dump as much as 8 inches in our area. Powerful winds and tropical storm conditions are expected, with a risk of flash flooding, downed trees and damaged utility lines.

Elfer strongly advised that residents gather supplies and make preparations for potential power outages and, for those in low elevation areas, potential flooding.

“Now is the time. Don’t wait until the middle of the storm to get your essential items,” Elfer urged. “Get your medicine, have some money on hand, prepare your generator and know how to operate the generator.”