Tropical Storm Gordon

As Tropical Storm Gordon gained strength this morning, it is expected to become a hurricane by the time it hits the central Gulf Coast, including Coastal Mississippi.

Evacuation orders were issued on Monday for parts of Louisiana for residents outside of the levee protection system. Governor John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency on Monday. 200 National Guard troops are being deployed to southeastern Louisiana.

As of 11a.m. the storm was centered 145 miles east-southeast of the Mississippi River. Maximum winds were clocked at 65 mph. After making landfall, it is expected to charge inland over the lower Mississippi Valley on Wednesday.

Tropical Storm Gordon is forecast to intensify to a minimal hurricane before making landfall near Mississippi tonight before midnight. As much as 10 inches of rain could fall in some parts of the Gulf states through late Thursday.

According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm could unleash “life-threatening” storm surge to portions of the central Gulf Coast. A storm surge warning has been issued for the area stretching from Shell Beach, Louisiana to Dauphin Island, Alabama. The warning means there is danger of life-threatening inundation. The region could see rising waters of 3 to 5 feet. The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to the east of the landfall location, where the surge will be accompanied by large waves.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said the main threat to New Orleans stems from rain, with 3 to 6 inches expected. Gordon is expected to dissipate by Saturday somewhere in the central U.S.